Packing Tips for Whatnot Sellers

Packing Tips for Whatnot Sellers

How to ship like you actually want your items to survive the journey

1. Choose the Right Box Size

Before you even tape anything, test fit your item.

  • Your item should NOT touch any side of the box
  • You want at least 2 inches of space on all sides
  • That space is for bubble wrap + packing paper

Think of it like this: your item needs a little “bubble fortress” around it

 

2. Build a Cushion Base (Bottom Protection)

Before placing your item inside:

  • Add crumpled packing paper to the bottom
  • Then place your wrapped item on top
  • Add more packing paper on all sides and on top

Why this matters:
A lot of people open boxes with a knife 🔪
You want protection from every angle, especially the top.

 

3. Nothing Should Move. At All.

Once your box is packed:

  • Give it a little shake test
  • If anything moves… you need more filler

Your goal:
👉 The item should feel “frozen in time” inside the box

No shifting = no damage

 

4. Don’t Wrap Too Tight (This One Matters!)

This is a mistake a LOT of people make.

When using bubble wrap or plastic wrap:

  • ❌ Don’t wrap loosely
  • ❌ Don’t wrap too tight
  • ✅ Wrap securely but with a little give

If you wrap fragile items too tightly (especially glass), you create internal pressure.
Then when the box gets compressed during shipping… Your item can literally shatter from the pressure

Give it protection, not a chokehold.

 

5. Seal Your Box Like It’s Going to Battle

When taping your box:

  • Tape the bottom normally (directly to the box)
  • On the top, extend your tape down far enough to meet the bottom tape

Why this works:

  • Tape sticking to tape is stronger than tape only on cardboard
  • It creates a more secure seal that’s less likely to pop open

Think: locked in, not barely holding on.

Packing isn’t just about getting it there…
It’s about getting it there exactly how it left you

A little extra time packing = fewer refunds, happier buyers, and a stronger reputation 💛

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