If you have a small online auction business, it can be lucrative working for yourself by selling items for a profit that you've purchased for a low price. Keeping the overhead low is the biggest way to gain the most rewards. Another way is by slashing the costs of shipping the items that you sell. This starts by reusing packaging and finding ways to ship items inexpensively. Here are just a few tips on how to do that.

Scour Recycle Centers

If you happen to live near town or near a recycle center, oftentimes you can visit and obtain boxes and newspapers for free. Many consumers and businesses just throw away boxes before dismantling them or shredding them—these end up at recycle centers before they are processed and taken apart. If you have the time, you can find good, quality boxes to ship your auction items in. Newspapers and brown packing paper may also be found at some recycle centers. Using lightweight fillers help protect the item and keep shipping costs down. Ask the recycle center coordinator to set items aside for you or if you can purchase them for a low price.

Get Your Boxes For Free

While the recycle center in your town may charge you to take items away, local retailers may be happy to pass on their used shipping and packaging items to you for free. You may be surprised to find:

• Plastic or glassine bags
• Used packing paper
• Packing peanuts
• Plastic air pillows
• Bubble mailers
• Padded envelopes
• Taped packaging with minimal wear and tear

Not all previously used shipping packages are completely destroyed. A light taping may be all that is needed to reuse these boxes or envelopes for a new shipping destination. This will save you a lot of money on future packaging as well as shipping.

Buy In Bulk

Keeping your shipping and packaging materials in stock and ready to use will ensure you have the right tools and supplies for a quick trip to the post office or shipping store. Another way to save time and money is to buy materials in bulk. Labels, shipping tape, and boxes can be purchased in bulk. This will save you money if you can't find used items or if you don't have specific-sized packaging materials on hand.

Purchase Damaged Shipping Supplies

Occasionally, large office and paper & packaging retail stores receive some of their office supplies damaged from the manufacturer. There may also be times when some items are discontinued from the manufacturer. Packing tape, paper, envelopes, and shipping materials may be offered at a discounted price. Checking your favorite local retailer or office supply company frequently is the best way to stock up on slightly damaged supplies that you can easily fix and use when you ship your next auction item.

Using multiple methods to keep shipping costs low is the best way to boost your profits. Sending your customer's items cost effectively via your favorite shipping carrier reaps good financial rewards and top-notch customer service for you.