Hey everyone... Just offering a few tidbits to the discussion. They may not relate directly to Mikey's situation, just things I have learned over the years.
I use Pay Pal shipping for everything. I never go to the USPS, there is no reason to actually stand in line. Actually they give a little discount for online shipping.
Get a simple digital scale. I have three of them at different locations, and one at home. (When figuring out the shipping weight, I take the items weight if beyond First Class 13 oz maximum, then add 8 - 10 oz for the box and packing supplies) it works great as a basis. Then I add .50c - $4.50 on handling depending on what it is and the size.
I always use calculated shipping, it really takes the guess work and potential for loss out of the equation.
Just so you guys know, besides drum stuff and vintage items I ship light bulbs.. Lots of them, from flood lights, to fluorescent tubes, and a variety of specialty bulbs etc... I can ship 18 - 100 W flood lights without any chance of damage. In fact, we have never had a damaged bulb.
I do use bubble envelopes for a lot of things including mini bulbs. I will never use paper or padded envelopes. The plastic version with the built in bubble wrap are extremely tough and I use them for drum keys, parts and other items never having a problem.
I never use the Flat Rate boxes. Many times my items do not fit and I do not like to keep even more boxes in stock.
In regards to packing peanuts, I used those for about 18 years in shipping and about two years ago I did a cost/time analysis with paper sheets. Over a month period, I finally determined it was cheaper to use the paper sheets. (Also cleaner on the floor) I even have an over-head peanut dispenser that lets me regulate the peanut flow directly into the box. (It holds about two large bags of packing peanuts. (Sits idle now)
I really like the paper, it is easier and cleaner on both ends of the shipping process. I use paper for shipping light bulbs. I will use packing peanuts to recycle them if I get a shipment with them. I'm a little crazy, and many times fill up plastic store bags and tie them shut. Then put the bags of peanuts in the box so they are not all over the item. ( I do ship electronic items as well and peanuts and electronics are not a good mix)
The killer for any shipment is movement in the box. That will scratch or even damage your item. Pack snug with no movement and very much like Blair I use the 2"-3" minimum space around the item.
Finally to Mikey's situation, which I have never had happen to me, but I have had some real lunatics to deal with over the years.
Personally I would say I'm sorry, I do not keep those boxes in stock and I do not travel to the USPS for supplies due to travel costs and the time. If you do not want to complete the transaction as stated in the listing, I will gladly contact eBay and send a mutual agreement to end the transaction. This way I can get my eBay fees back and you are not obligated to buying my item anymore.
Opening the Unpaid Item case is an aggressive move, but it appears the buyer snapped out of it pretty quick and paid. The feedback is another story, but it is not the end of the world and many buyers do not always look at it or even care.
David
