Many people think that you’re not allowed to reuse shipping boxes, but this is just a common misconception. Reusing old shipping boxes helps you save time and money, and it is also good for the environment. However, you need to reuse boxes properly if you want your package to get to its destination. Here are a few tips on reusing boxes for shipping that you might find helpful.
Although some cardboard boxes can be reused, it doesn’t mean that all of them can. Plain cardboard boxes can be reused as long as they’re not damaged, but you should be careful with branded boxes from Amazon, the USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc. For example, Amazon boxes can generally be reused, but you shouldn’t reuse flat rate USPS boxes.
The thing is, flat rate boxes you order from the USPS Postal Store can be used only for the class of mail they are intended for. Misusing them for another class of mail is not just a simple mistake; it may be a violation of the federal law. To prevent misusing, the USPS recommends against reusing its boxes at all. Since the USPS provides flat rate boxes at no cost, you won’t lose money if you don’t reuse. And if you care about the environment, you should know that Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express boxes are recyclable, so getting a new box doesn’t hurt the environment that much.
You also shouldn’t use boxes that have one carrier’s name and/or logo on them to ship a package via a different carrier; understandably, most carriers do not allow shipping in boxes that have their competitors’ branding. In such a case, you can turn the box inside out (read on to learn how to do it) or use a new box.
Finally, you shouldn’t reuse boxes that once contained alcohol and can be identified as such, especially if you’re shipping via the USPS. The USPS does not allow to send alcoholic beverages, so if your box has any labels or logos that suggest there is alcohol inside, your package may get detained and returned to the sender even though it doesn’t actually contain any alcohol.
A shipping box can be reused as long as it’s sturdy and undamaged. Make sure the box you want to reuse isn’t dented, torn or broken. Even if it seems okay at first glance, take your time to check all corners and edges and consider reinforcing them with heavy packing tape because you don’t want the box to crush under the weight of other boxes that will get stacked on top of it during transportation. We also recommend against reusing old boxes for shipping fragile items even when they look fine, just to be on the safe side.
A used shipping box usually has old shipping labels and various markings left from the previous uses such as Universal Product Codes, barcodes, etc. It is important to remove or cover old labels and cover all markings, especially if you’re not familiar with them, to prevent any problems with your package. For example, if you don’t use a permanent marker to black out dangerous goods markings/labels on the box, the package will be detained because the box says it contains dangerous goods, even though in reality it doesn’t.
It is important that you remove old address labels and barcodes rather than simply glue a new shipping label over them. If there is an old shipping label beneath the new one, it might bleed through, making the new shipping label hard to scan.
If your box has a company name or too many markings on it, you can try turning it inside out. To do this, gently pull apart the most vulnerable seam of the box (the one connected by factory glue) or use scissors to carefully cut it. Then turn the box inside out by folding it the opposite way. Use strong packing tape to secure the seam back together, making sure to tape both inside and outside for extra durability. It is also a good idea to use tape to reinforce all edges and seams, including the bottom of the box. Again, if you’re shipping fragile items, don’t risk by turning an old box inside out and get a new one instead.
Reusing boxes can make you feel good. You’re saving the environment! You’re reducing waste! You’re saving money! But are you making a mistake? Well, that depends.
Cover Unfamiliar Markings
First of all, it is extremely important to cover all markings and symbols with which you’re not familiar. When I first started selling on eBay, I sent a pair of shoes in a box marked “ORM-D.” Packages bearing this mark contain hazardous materials. The package didn’t get far. It was held hostage in a city 45 minutes away. The Postal Service wanted me to pick it up. I drove to the agreed upon location—an out-of-the-way USPS warehouse. I was shipping shoes, I tell you. Shoes! What a nightmare.
Hide or Remove Old Address Labels
In addition, be sure to cover or remove any old address labels. As an eBay newbie, I had several boxes returned to me because the USPS only saw the original address label which showed the destination address as being my own!
Avoid Alcohol Containers
Sending items via the USPS in boxes that once contained alcohol can also be a problem. I would avoid using them. According to the USPS website, beer, wine, and liquor may not be sent through the mail. If you want to reuse a box for shipping that has alcoholic beverage labels on it, remove all logos and labels, so your package will pass through the mail system.
Check the Stability of the Box
If you plan to reuse a box, make sure it hasn’t lost its strength. For example, a box that has endured the process of traveling across the United States is often not strong enough to protect the products you are shipping. If you’re sending a stuffed animal, you might be OK. But don’t expect Grandma’s dishes to arrive safely if you‘re shipping them in a box that has already seen the other side of the country.
Make a Good Impression
Finally, think about the impression you are making on your customer. If you are planning to recycle boxes, reuse those boxes that are clean and professional looking. I belong to quite a few eBay-related Facebook groups. Every once in a while someone will post a picture of a box they received from an eBay seller that originally contained adult diapers. Not good!
Reusing boxes is a good idea, as long as you’re smart about it. Stick to professional-looking, clean, sturdy boxes, and you’ll stay out of trouble. Follow these tips, and your shipping journey will be smooth sailing!
Don’t forget – the USPS provides sellers free boxes for products being shipped via Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express. And they’ll ship these free shipping supplies to your work or home for free.
About the Author
Miriam Otto is an eBay blogger and credentialed teacher with 13 years’ experience selling on the site. She was a frequent guest on eBay Radio and has participated in eBay seller panels and projects. Her blog, The eBay Life, is an all-in-one resource for eBay sellers.