When has a shipping box reached its end?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/The-Home...ll-Box-1001016/202897299?N=5yc1vZc89rZ1z0tupg

This box is the shit. I understand people want to save some money on shipping, but at $1.47 there is no excuse to use a new box if you have any doubts. A good box is the best line of defense in Shipping Hell.

 

Its a judgment call in my book. But if there's a doubt, throw it out. I guess I'm very fortunate to get my boxes from work, so I can always get ones that are reliable when I'm sending boxes. Although I have gotten some in return as well that were on their last leg.

 

Judgement call but I always remember that it's MY responsibility to get the beer to my trade partner in tact

 

once has been wet thats is its end. Personally, if its frayed or looks a little used, i tend to go for a newer box. get some at work so its better to be on the safer side

 

when you need others opinion if you should keep it

 

I do tape up boxes in case something happens during shipping but I would not tape up a box at its end.

 

I've gotten a couple boxes that were completely held together with tape but, as long as all bottles are intact, I say no harm no foul. I just won't mention the box choice in the positive feedback I give. I'm actually kind of relieved when I receive a box on its last leg because that means I can simply break it down rather than thrown it on the pile of boxes in my closet which has gotten pretty out of control.

 

Without trying to sound like Captain Obvious from television land, the box is the first line of defense and main packaging component of your trade. To use one that has had it's bursting strength compromised in the way @Joe_Mahma has mentioned is really pushing your luck and, in my opinion, asking for trouble with your shipper. You can't be 100% sure they'll repack your box for you if something happens to it. Duck brand boxes at Wal Mart are so cheap; most sizes just a little over a buck. They're one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to increase the odds of a successful trade. It's also a heck of a lot cheaper than having to replace the beer.

 

I picked up a case of 90 Minute IPA 750s in 2003, heavy cardboard plus dividers, all around. For years and several moves I kept that case in minty-fresh shape as it was used to store vintage beer cans and paper label bottles (who's a collector? Not me!), but it recently made a roundtrip to New York in its first trade, ever.

The outer has one more use in it before it is just too beat-to-heck, but man, those dividers are sure sturdy!