Goblets and Stemware; My ebay Store Specialty

I am the original author of the ebook "Good Things Come In Great Packages", a guide for packing and shipping glassware. Packing fragile items takes a different approach than say, shipping cd's, dvd's or clothing. You need to take extra precautions when shipping glassware. Most glassware items such as goblets, are very fragile and can break with the slightest bump if not properly wrapped and packaged.

When wrapping a fragile item, I use nothing but bubble wrap. I wrap each piece individually in enough bubble wrap to assure that no edges are left unprotected. Using newspaper is not recommended for two reasons; it does not protect as well as bubble wrap, and secondly the ink can come off on the merchandise (not to mention your buyers hands!). Using bubble wrap gives a more professional and cleaner look to your package.

When packing plates or china, I use a couple of coffee filters in either the regular size or extra large size, betweek the plates. This protects the plates from rubbing against one another and causing scratches or breakage. I then use one long single piece of 2" wide clear tape to tape the plates together tightly. After this, I wrap the bundle of plates in a large piece of bubble wrap ( I like the small bubbles as they take up less room) and secure it well with clear packing tape.

I then choose a box that is an appropriate size for the merchandise. A box a little too big is better than too small. Be sure there is room for a good amount of packing peanuts around the merchandise in the box. Also, when you are choosing your box, check the bottom to make sure that it will hold the weight of your items, and has a crush resistance of at lease 65 lbs. Put at least 3" of packing peanuts in the bottom of the box, then add your items. Fill the remainder of the box with packing peanuts until the flaps on top close comfortably. Filling a box too full to where you have to push the flaps together can result in the glass items breaking from the pressure inside the box. Secure the box with at least two strips of packing tape. Either write with a red marker or get yourself a "Fragile" stamp, and put this on several places on the package.

From here, your package is ready to be weighed and a label printed for shipping.

Watch for the revised edition of my packing and shipping ebook that will be available on cd. Not only does it contain more information on packing glassware and forms of shipping, but it also gives tips on how to find your packing materials free or nearly free. The new cd will be available in June.

This website is totally free. You can put links to up to 50 of your store items free! You can put clickable banners that take shoppers or surfers to your website. It really works, and it is all free. If you decide to join, just remember, you have to activate your account before your websites get seen by others. You must look at a few of the other members sites (takes 20 seconds or less per site) and this will earn you extra hits on your websites or auction items. Try it! I am sure you will find it very usefull and a great way to get your name out there in the internet world.

For just $4.95 for the lifetime of your store, you can have it listed in the Avidcat online directory. This is a great bargain. There are several different categories with sub-categories which make is much easier for customers to find you and for you to show up in searches. Below is the link to the website. The site has a forum, plus great customer service if you need it.