Selling action figures online is becoming increasingly popular as a way to make money and reach potential customers from all over the world. But it can be difficult to know how to ship action figures without damaging them or incurring excessive shipping costs. That’s why we wanted to write this article on packing and shipping tips for successfully selling action figures online.
This piece will cover everything from what materials you need, which box is the right size and shape for your item, best practices for preparing your shipment, and the different methods of shipping available with associated pros & cons, costs, expected delivery times, etc.
Packing and Shipping Action Figures the Right Way
Step 1: Gather materials
Before you even start packing, it’s important to have the right supplies on hand.
Action figures require special care when packing and shipping to ensure they arrive safely at their destination. To properly package an action figure for shipping, you will need the following materials:
- Bubble wrap or other cushioning material
- Packing peanuts or air pillows
- A sturdy box
- Tape
- Marker
- Labels
Bubble wrap or other cushioning material is essential to protect the action figure from any potential damage during transit.
Packing peanuts or air pillows can be used to fill any empty space in the box, providing additional protection.
A sturdy box should be used that is large enough to fit the action figure and all of its accessories, with some extra room for cushioning materials.
Tape and a marker are needed to secure the box and label it accordingly.
Finally, labels should be attached to the box so that it can be easily identified by postal services.
Step 2: Choose an appropriate box
Once you have gathered the necessary packing materials, it is time to choose an appropriate box.
Choosing the right box for your action figure is an essential part of the process. While there are some generic sizes and shapes that may work, finding a box that fits the action figure perfectly will ensure maximum protection and make it easier to pack securely.
Start by measuring the action figure’s height, width, depth, and weight. Measure with a tape measure or ruler if necessary. You can then use this information to select a box size and shape that will accommodate the action figure without any excess space or cramped areas.
Ideally, you want a box slightly larger than the action figure itself with plenty of wiggle room so that you can add in cushioning materials like bubble wrap or packing peanuts to protect it while in transit.
Having said that, you should also consider what other items need to be shipped along with the action figure such as its accessories or parts. If these additional items won’t fit inside the selected box size then you may need to opt for a larger one instead.
In conclusion, selecting a box size and shape is an important step when shipping an action figure; not only does it provide protection for your item but it saves on shipping costs as well. The key is to find one just large enough for your specific item along with all its accessories if needed.
Step 3: Prepare your shipment
Preparing an action figure for shipping requires a few special considerations to ensure its safe arrival.
- First, make sure to cushion the action figure properly so that it is secure and protected from any potential damage in transit. Bubble wrap or other protective cushioning material should be tightly wrapped around the action figure, with extra cushioning around fragile areas such as joints or limbs. Packing peanuts or air pillows can also be used to fill any empty space in the box, providing additional shock absorption.
- Once you have properly cushioned the action figure, securely tape and seal the box before labeling it accordingly. This is important not only for identification purposes but also to ensure that it won’t open during transit which could lead to possible loss of contents.
- Label the box clearly with information such as your address and contact details, as well as a description of what is inside and a note asking postal services to handle it with care.
- Finally, for extra security you can also opt for signature confirmation when mailing your package which guarantees its delivery once signed by an authorized individual.
Step 4: Ship it safely
When it comes to shipping action figures, there are a variety of different methods available depending on the size and weight of the item. Each method has its own pros and cons, as well as potential costs and transit times that should be taken into consideration when selecting the best option for your needs.
Let’s take a look at some of the common methods for shipping action figures:
- USPS Parcel Select or Priority Mail. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers two main services for domestic packages: Parcel Select, which is their ground shipping service, and Priority Mail, which provides faster delivery times. Both services offer tracking and estimated delivery times but may not be suitable if international shipping is required. Additionally, each service comes with varying cost structures depending on number of packages, weight, distance traveled, etc.
- UPS Ground or Express Saver. UPS also provides two options for delivering packages within the US: Ground or Express Saver. Ground shipments are ideal if you’re looking for economical solutions while Express Saver provides
same-day delivery in most areas. As with USPS, there are varying cost structures depending on number of packages shipped and exact destination. - DHL Express Worldwide. DHL is an international courier that specializes in delivering items worldwide quickly and reliably so is worth considering if you need to ship outside North America. They have time definite services available which guarantee packages will arrive by a certain time frame so is great for urgent orders. Costs vary by country but may still be more affordable than other carriers since DHL tend to use their own transportation network overseas which can reduce associated fees.
Why You Should Always Package Action Figures Securely
When it comes to shipping action figures, the most important aspect is making sure that your packages are secure and safe during its journey. If you don’t take the necessary precautions to make sure your packages are secured then it could result in damages or worse, theft. Here are some of the key reasons why you should always package action figures securely:
Saving aesthetic value
Action figures often have significant visual detail that can easily be damaged if not packaged correctly. By taking the time to secure your items by using additional packaging materials or cushioning such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts, you can ensure that all the details remain intact throughout its journey. This is especially important for reselling rare or vintage items where small aesthetic details can make a major difference in value.
Avoiding shipping damage
Another common concern when shipping items like action figures is that they may be damaged during transit due to mishandling. Although courier companies do their best to handle all shipments properly, accidents happen and extra precautionary measures such as sturdy boxes with cushioning material can reduce the chance of damage from happening due to external forces like bumps, drops or unexpected weather conditions.
Theft considerations
It is also important to consider potential theft concerns when sending out any item through shipping services. By making sure your items are properly packaged and sealed with reinforced tape it will reduce chances of theft as well as help you establish that no tampering with your packages has occurred before delivery. Additionally, adding insurance coverage onto any shipment provides an extra layer of protection should something happen during transit.
Creative Shipping Box Ideas For Action Figures
Shipping action figures may require a bit of creative packaging to ensure they are secure and safe during transit. Here are some creative shipping box ideas for shipping your action figures:
Wooden craft boxes
For those who want to add a bit more customization when shipping their action figures then consider wooden craft boxes. These boxes are lightweight and sturdy providing maximum protection while offering customizable options such as wood engraving or painting which allows you to customize the look of your box. You can also line the inside of these boxes with foam, cushioning material or pillows providing extra padding against external forces while in transit.
Custom molded containers
If you need a more tailored solution for certain types of action figures then custom molded containers are a great way to provide maximum security while keeping costs low.
By utilizing different types of materials and designs you can create a container specifically designed for any type of action figure ensuring that the shape and size will fit perfectly so no additional cushioning material is required during transport. With molded containers, you can also add layers of additional protective materials such as foam and bubble wrap if needed for further protection against potential damages.
Miniature suitcases
If you need something unique or stylish when shipping out your action figures then miniature suitcases may be the right choice for you! These small but strong suitcases have excellent storage capabilities that offer both security and style when sending out your pieces.
Not only do they come in many shapes and sizes accommodating any type of item but also come equipped with straps for additional security making them perfect for air travel if necessary.
Reusable plastic totes
Reusable plastic totes offer both durability and versatility when it comes to shipping out items like action figures due to their waterproof nature and lightweight structure allowing them to endure heavy pressures without cracks or damages!
They come in many shapes and sizes allowing plenty of room for protective cushioning materials if desired as well as their transparent walls giving customers
Additionally, nowadays reusable totes are
Closing
When it comes to selling action figures online, one of the most important aspects is making sure that the packages are secured and safe during transit.
The key reasons why you should always package action figures securely include preserving aesthetic values, avoiding shipping damage, and reducing potential theft concerns.
By using additional packaging materials or cushioning such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts you can ensure that your action figure is protected en route while also being mindful of
It is essential to take the necessary steps when packaging and shipping action figures online in order to keep both your customers’ items and wallets secure!
