still more n00b trader questions: printing shipping labels

Weight - Guess as best you can, but don't overestimate.
Labels - The actual label should take up half of a printed page. Tape it over the top seam so as to dissuade any Fedex worker who might think about opening it. Take off other labels if you can. Black them out if you need too.

Also, don't ever be stingy with tape, securethe box well - it is cheap but beer and returned packages are pricey.

Lastly, enjoy!

 

Bathroom scale works perfectly!

 

Make sure to print two labels. Put one inside the box. It should be the last thing you pack. This will help if your main label gets destroyed, or there is a problem with your box. Make sure to tape over the entire printed label. Dont just tape the top and bottom.

Also, make sure to use some tape on the vertical seam running on one corner of the box. That is a weak point that should be secured.

 

I like to tape all along the corners of the box, especially if it's a heavy one. Helps give the box a little extra support if it gets tossed around.

 

what about getting accurate size details on a box? does that matter? been shipping via the store lately and has been pricier versus an online label (via finding out the price online). i don't want to print a label and then be stopped like a jackass at the counter or worse, getting it returned.

 

They won't stop or send it back, they'll just adjust and charge you more. I've never had size adjusted though, only weight and only up not down. Your bill just ends up coming through for a couple extra dollars (jackass at the counter adjusted my bill and chewed me out for being off by .1 lbs recently)

 

thanks for the info. i forget that my CC is tied to my account so they could definitely adjust. i sent a package at like 10lbs was about 14 15 dollars. send another at 12 lbs, was about $16. a 14lb box was $20 and change. yikes. online will have to be.

 

Just don't exceed 18" if you don't have to.

 

roger that.

this time was a little heavier than usual. sent 2 4packs of local stuff, HA, but i did get 2 6packs of their locals. plus a few extras.

 

I typically estimate but one time I put down the wrong weight (10 lbs over) and they charged me without checking. From then on I underplay it, although not to ridiculous.

 

Doesn't matter so much. As mentioned they'll usually adjust as necessary. Box dimensions are often on the bottom of the box though, if you don't feel like getting out a tape measure. Another trick is to just ballpark with a sheet of paper, which is 11" long.