Best Place to get shipping supplies...

noice87

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I have a couple games to ship *They will fit on one pallet as they are only 3 and a half feet tall). I know how to package them but need to know where I can get some free or cheap materials such as a pallet, Cardboard, and shrink wrap.

I have seen pallets before outside the loading dock of Lowes so that may be a option or a ad on CL looking for one for free.

I am guessing I can buy shrinkwrap at Lowe's/Home Depot.

Where would I get a big cardboard box such as a refrigator or washer dryer came in? Maybe Lowe's. Do I ask a manager?

Thanks Steven
 
I have a couple games to ship *They will fit on one pallet as they are only 3 and a half feet tall). I know how to package them but need to know where I can get some free or cheap materials such as a pallet, Cardboard, and shrink wrap.

I have seen pallets before outside the loading dock of Lowes so that may be a option or a ad on CL looking for one for free.

I am guessing I can buy shrinkwrap at Lowe's/Home Depot.

Where would I get a big cardboard box such as a refrigator or washer dryer came in? Maybe Lowe's. Do I ask a manager?

Thanks Steven

Yes, just ask a manager. Check Lowes and Sears to see if they've recently put out any new display models and get the boxes from them. For pallets, same deal... check everywhere you can think of, most are a little stingy (sometimes) but every once and a while you'll find a store that will give you a couple. Check Wal-Mart too... for both the boxes and pallets.
 
Check UHauls or self store places for shrink wrap. They usually have the large sheets of sytrofoam you can use to put between the games. If they will both fit on a pallet, put them face to face and stick sytrofoam between them. Then shrink wrap them together. Make sure the bezels are taped down (some styro over them wouldn't hurt either). And don't forget to check for loose stuff inside. Boards, power supplies, monitors, loose change, etc.

And insure them.

ken
 
Nothing is free in this world with the exception of USPS cardboard boxes which can be used for a variety of things.

Pallets are never free. When I worked in retail many many years ago, I was told they cost $7 each.

Shrink Wrap? You mean Stretch film. Stretch film can be purchased at Grainger for about $8 per roll. Great stuff!



I have a couple games to ship *They will fit on one pallet as they are only 3 and a half feet tall). I know how to package them but need to know where I can get some free or cheap materials such as a pallet, Cardboard, and shrink wrap.

I have seen pallets before outside the loading dock of Lowes so that may be a option or a ad on CL looking for one for free.

I am guessing I can buy shrinkwrap at Lowe's/Home Depot.

Where would I get a big cardboard box such as a refrigator or washer dryer came in? Maybe Lowe's. Do I ask a manager?

Thanks Steven
 
Dumpster diving is your friend. Don't you work at a warehouse Noice? Ask your boss.
 
You can free pallets all the time, and free boxes for cardboard. Just check your local craigslist under the "Free" section....
 
Hit the dumpsters behind any chain stores like walmart. I know I have seen dumpsters with nothing but big sheets of cardboard and plenty of pallets. I doubt your going to find shrink wrap for free unless you know someone who uses it at their job. I bought a roll from staples once. It wasnt cheap but it was enough to wrap about 8 games.
 
Hit the dumpsters behind any chain stores like walmart. I know I have seen dumpsters with nothing but big sheets of cardboard and plenty of pallets. I doubt your going to find shrink wrap for free unless you know someone who uses it at their job. I bought a roll from staples once. It wasnt cheap but it was enough to wrap about 8 games.


Be careful taking pallets from behind a store, and definitely don't try to take any from Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart uses CHEP pallets which are rentals, and they do not take kindly to pallet thieves. Plus, they have surveilance cameras all around their buildings. I'm sure they would prosecute you just the same as they do shoplifters. In general, if you see blue CHEP pallets anywhere, you can rest assured that you will not get any pallets from that establishment.

If you find a place using regular, non-painted pallets, you might get lucky and score a freebie.
 
Noice87, I can get you a roll of stretch with enough film on it to cover both of games, and most likely some cardboard and a pallet, but I couldn't pick it up until Monday. I would suggest also using banding to strap the games to the pallet along with cardboard corners so the banding does damage the ends of the games. Let me know before Monday if you want the items.
 
I do work at a warehouse/distribution center. But we have to go through hoops to take even a small box home. You have to ask the manager and get a sticker on it to show to Asset Protection. So not worth it.

Sounds good Jerry. I have a bunch of stuff to move to the Storage unit so I might not be able to wrap it tomorrow anyway.

Thanks Steven
 
Pallets from air conditioning installation places are great as well. All sorts of sizes. Try the local pet store as well.
 
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