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Packing desktop/minitower systems for shipping

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xjas

Experienced Member
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Jul 9, 2015
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396
Location
Vancouver Island
I have a few beige boxes (386~P2) that need to find a good home ASAP. The local market for this stuff is nonexistent, so I'll probably end up using Ebay.

I've been putting it off because I REALLY don't feel like having them get trashed in shipping, and having to deal with returns, insurance claims, etc.

What's the best way to go about packing one of these and have it survive the postal system?

I have a lot of materials around for packing smaller stuff - video cards, game boxes, etc. but nothing to take on something this big and heavy. I also don't want to spend a whole bunch of money on packaging since I'm not 100% sure I'd even make it back.

Maybe it'd be better to part the systems out and sell the empty AT cases separately? That seems like a shame though.

Suggestions appreciated...
 
Are there any local computer shops that build their own machines? I would think you can snag the boxes the cases come in and re use them to ship your stuff. Over the years I kept all my boxes for that reason (plus any decent ones I get from buying on ebay).

You can buy boxes from places like U-haul (they should have rolls of bubble wrap as well) or order them online from places like Uline (shipping flat cardboard boxes isn't that expensive).

If you part out systems there will be parts left over that will end up getting recycled (or if you have freecycle use that) but you will probably make more money that way (and spend more time boxing and shipping).

I never had anything break that I have shipped, but I also go nuts on packaging. I reuse styrofoam inserts and foam padding when I have it, not a fan of peanuts.
 
Just my observations of what works and doesn't work: The key things are to have a sturdy box, and either firm hard foam padding or styrofoam that fits it firmly in place. Also wrap the unit in plastic just in case it gets rained on.

The bigger question, of course, is exactly where to get boxes and packing material that don't cost an arm and a leg.
 
SomeGuy said:
Just my observations of what works and doesn't work: The key things are to have a sturdy box, and either firm hard foam padding or styrofoam that fits it firmly in place. Also wrap the unit in plastic just in case it gets rained on.

The bigger question, of course, is exactly where to get boxes and packing material that don't cost an arm and a leg.
Click to expand...

Lowes usually has a nice selection of Light Duty and Heavy Duty Packing Boxes in Various Sizes from $2.00 to $6.00 or so. You can get those Corner Protectors there as well I believe.
 
I've sold and shipped dozens of monitors including many NEC Multisyncs which are huge beasts and weigh nearly 40 pounds. What I normally do is go to FedEx and have them pack and ship the monsters. It's worked well every time.
 
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