Video Game / Console Shipping Tips

[mikemacdee]

Ebay has a guide on how to package various games for shipping, but doesn't supply links or photos at all. My main concern is how to package cardboard boxes (NES, SNES, N64, 3do) and jewel cases (ps1, 3do) so they won't be damaged in transit, especially when packaged in bulk. A how-to with photos would be great, if anyone has one.



Most of these, for example, are beat-up enough, and it'd be a shame if they got totally maimed.

Thanks in advance.

[Joseph Joestar]

I always over-protect games. Wrap each individual game box with bubble wrap or foam sheets. Build a structure or wall to run alongside each edge of the game box by folding cardboard (make the end "frame" slightly thicker than the game box so that it takes the load instead). At that point, wrap it all up or layer it with a piece of thick cardboard.

If you're looking for packing materials, don't feel shy about checking the dumpsters at a Tuesday Morning, candle/stationery store, etc. - they've usually got a dedicated cardboard dumpster, and will often have bubble wrap or whatever as well. Sounds gross, but it'll be perfectly clean.

[Neo Rasa]

This depends on the kind of box. For NES games you can safely put about 24 in a box before you need to pad them individually. If it's that number or less what you can do is line the box with a good quality garbage bag, put the games in tightly, then heavily pad around said lining tightly with packing materials of your choice.

I'd suggest just going to a liquor store or a place that sells electronics (GameStop/Apple Store/etc.) for boxes because they're going to have the best ones. I always line the stuff in a bag first because unless the game box was kept in pristine condition or was made recently it's going to be less durable against basically everything, so it's important you have come kind of lining because even bubble wrap and foam liner can make an impression on the cardboard depending on how beat up it is.

If you're shipping CDs, if it's just one a basic padded media envelope (any office supply place/website will have these very cheap) is fine. For a bulk amount I'd again make a tightly sealed stack (no more than ten) in a plastic bag, then put a lot of padding between each stack.

If you're shipping a single old cardboard boxed game, if the buyer is cool with the price the best thing is to unfold the bottom of the box and flatten it, then stick it in a flat (not media box or padded) envelope with the game in its own padded baggie. This is the best way to safely send a complete cardboard boxed handheld game and have it come out flawless on the other side without putting it in a larger box with lots of peanuts/padding.

[Joseph Joestar]

Nice shade.
I will concede though that liquor stores can be a good source for boxes, but a lot of them are shit (have holes in the sides, perforated edges, etc).  What's good there though are the cardboard bottle separators, which are perfect for making those "frames" I was mentioning, or rolling into tubes to make lightweight shock absorbing spacers.

[mikemacdee]

Frames like this, more or less?

[Joseph Joestar]

Mar 2, 2016 21:27:41 GMT -5 mikemacdee said:

Frames like this, more or less?

Real close - rotate 90 degrees around the one axis sketchtoy.com/66699087 (i.e., have more support in the short direction). After that, "sandwich" it between thicker things.

I agree with rasa that you need to be extra careful with these; NES boxes are the pits.  I'm trying to find them but I had some photos of some games I sold, if I can find them I'll send them your way; if not, I'll make some for you tomorrow if that works.

[mikemacdee]

If you can post photos that'd be great, although I think I understand the frame itself now. I'll have to see photos to understand what to do with the bubble wrap.

[jorpho]

Whatever you do, make sure you CYA, especially with expensive items. Contact the buyer and say exactly how you are planning to pack everything. Tell him you won't ship until you receive confirmation that your packing precautions are agreed to be adequate. There are some real psychos out there.

Anyway, have you seen www.videogameboxprotectors.com/ ?

[mikemacdee]

Mar 10, 2016 23:00:22 GMT -5 jorpho said:

Whatever you do, make sure you CYA, especially with expensive items. Contact the buyer and say exactly how you are planning to pack everything. Tell him you won't ship until you receive confirmation that your packing precautions are agreed to be adequate. There are some real psychos out there.

Anyway, have you seen www.videogameboxprotectors.com/ ?

Yeah, will do. I always like to be sure how the seller is packing my items, so I'll def do the same.

And holy crap, I never saw this site before. Are these cases suitable for shipping, or only against the elements?

[jorpho]

I can't say I've used them personally, but considering how easily even something like a jewel case can crack, I'd still probably only use them in conjunction with a large box stuffed with bubble wrap and packing peanuts.