SHIPPING SUPPLIES

The USPS offers free shipping supplies for items shipped Priority or Express Mail. You can order these at usps.com. I only get an order to ship Express about once a year. Therefore, I pick up the supplies at the post office when needed.

A basic starter kit to order for priority mail.
Flat Rate Envelopes
Paper style Envelopes - for items not requiring a box
Medium Flat Rate Boxes - this size box fits most items
Shoes boxes - a great size box for shipping many items.

For smaller, lower-priced items you might find buyers are not willing to pay for Priority shipping rates. I purchase poly-bags for 1st Class shipping. You can buy them in bulk on eBay and save substantially over purchasing them at an office supply store.
Starter Kit: 2 sizes: approximately 6x9 and 10x13
I usually buy 100 each from the same seller to reduce the per item shipping charges.

Another option is the bubble manila envelopes. I have had bad luck with these. The seams tend to split. Plus, they have a higher per item cost and most items do not require bubble protection.

Bubble Wrap: I try to buy it by the large roll. I have found the shipping charges make purchasing this item at an office supply store the better deal. I try to find it on clearance after the holidays and stock up.

Boxes: most items that require a box can be shipped in the free priority mail boxes. The shipping for the 1-2 lb. rate is very similiar using Priority or Parcel. You will likely only need a few other boxes to start. Boxes can be pricey. I recycle ones I get from items I buy and if I am running low I ask my friends to save them for awhile. The boxes that electronic items are shipped in are a very good quality. I do ask my friends to save all of these. Just pick them up promptly or they might not want to continue saving them for you.