Shipping Fragile Items Safely

Every reseller eventually faces the fragile item dilemma. That gorgeous vintage Pyrex bowl, the mid-century ceramic vase, the delicate porcelain figurine—high-margin items that could shatter in transit. Shipping fragile goods safely isn't complicated, but it does require intentional technique. Get it right and you expand your inventory options significantly. Get it wrong and you're issuing refunds and eating losses.

The Fundamental Principle: Nothing Moves

The goal of packaging fragile items is simple: the item should not be able to move inside the package, and the package should be able to absorb impact without that shock reaching the item. If you can shake the box and hear or feel movement, it's not packed well enough.

This means tight wrapping around the item itself, cushioning between the item and box walls, and filling all empty space. Air pockets are danger zones—they allow items to shift and bang against the box during handling.

The Double Box Method

For genuinely fragile or high-value items, double boxing is the gold standard. It creates two layers of protection and dramatically reduces the chance of damage.

Start by wrapping the item thoroughly in bubble wrap. Multiple layers for very fragile items. Secure the bubble wrap with tape so it doesn't unravel. Place the wrapped item in a snug inner box with padding on all sides. Close and tape the inner box.

Then place that inner box inside a larger outer box with 2-3 inches of cushioning material on all sides—more bubble wrap, packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or air pillows. The inner box should not be able to touch the outer box walls. Fill all remaining space so nothing shifts.

The Shake Test

Before sealing any fragile package, perform the shake test. Pick up the sealed box and shake it vigorously—like a package handler might toss it. If you hear or feel any movement inside, open it back up and add more cushioning.

This simple test catches most packing mistakes. The few extra minutes spent getting it right beats the hours spent dealing with a damage claim and unhappy buyer.

Specific Techniques by Item Type

Glass and Ceramics

These items need complete coverage with no exposed surfaces. Wrap in bubble wrap with the bubbles facing inward (touching the item) for maximum cushion. For bowls and hollow items, stuff the inside with paper or bubble wrap to prevent collapse from external pressure. For items with lids, wrap the lid and base separately.

Vintage Pyrex, pottery, and porcelain are among the highest-margin thrift finds—but only if they arrive intact. Always use the double box method for these categories. The extra $2-3 in materials is insurance against refunds.

Electronics and Hard Goods

Vintage electronics, cameras, and small appliances need cushioning against impact and protection from static. Wrap in bubble wrap and consider using anti-static bags for electronic components. Ensure cords are secured and can't wrap around or press against the item.

For items with moving parts or batteries, remove batteries before shipping (they can leak) and secure any parts that could shift. A camera with a loose lens cap can have that cap break off and scratch the lens during transit.

Framed Art and Mirrors

Glass-fronted frames are tricky. Tape an "X" pattern across the glass with painter's tape—if the glass breaks, it stays together rather than shattering into the artwork. Wrap in bubble wrap, then add cardboard corner protectors and flat cardboard sheets against the glass.

Ship flat when possible rather than on edge. For large mirrors, professional picture boxes (sold at moving supply stores) provide rigid protection worth the extra cost.

Padding Materials Compared

Different cushioning materials have different strengths. Bubble wrap is the go-to for most situations—it's lightweight, provides excellent shock absorption, and wraps easily around irregular shapes. Large bubble (1/2") offers more protection than small bubble (3/16") but takes up more space.

Packing peanuts fill empty space effectively and flow around items, but they're messy and shifting peanuts can allow items to move during transit. They work best as filler between wrapped items and box walls, not as primary cushioning against the item.

Crumpled kraft paper is inexpensive and eco-friendly. It provides decent cushioning when tightly packed but compresses over time and distance. Better for lighter items and short shipping zones than for heavy items going cross-country.

Air pillows (save these from your Amazon boxes!) are lightweight and effective. They don't compress much, making them reliable for maintaining cushioning throughout transit. The downside is you can't easily mold them around irregular shapes.

When to Add Shipping Insurance

Standard USPS Ground Advantage includes $100 of insurance coverage. For items worth more than that, consider adding insurance through Pirate Ship, eBay, or directly from USPS. The cost is typically $2-3 per $100 of additional coverage.

For high-value fragile items ($200+), insurance provides peace of mind. If despite your best packing, something arrives broken, you can file a claim and recoup your costs. Take photos of your packing process for valuable items—this documentation helps with claims.

That said, good packing prevents most damage. Insurance is a safety net, not a substitute for proper technique. If you find yourself filing frequent claims, examine your packing methods before blaming carriers.

Building Fragile Shipping Into Your Pricing

Factor the extra materials and time into your minimum profit when sourcing fragile items. That $5 Pyrex bowl at Goodwill isn't a good deal if you need $8 in materials to ship it safely and only sell it for $25. Know your shipping costs before you buy, just like you would track your COGS for any purchase.

Some resellers avoid fragile items entirely, which is valid—there's plenty of money in clothing and other non-breakables. Others specialize in glass, ceramics, and collectibles precisely because the competition is lower. Either approach works; just be intentional about it.