I use a home freezer sealer to seal my items in bags. I sell smaller items. Most of the time I recycle clean clear bags from items I purchase (non-food). The sealer can cut down larger bags into smaller ones. I do have some new no name bags from the grocery store.
It can also be used to make smaller bubble wrap bags for packaging small items. Great for using up smaller pieces of bubble wrap.
I also use it to make envelope liners from stiffer thin bubble wrap or thin foam. I place the liner in a regular envelope or a 9 x 6 envelope. The liner is made to fit snugly inside the envelope. Then I use for thinner items that go that go Lettermail or Light Packet 100 grams. For heavier items, I use regular bubble envelopes or boxes.
The sealer can also be used to seal premade bubblewrap envelopes. I sometimes get some used bubble envelopes with the flap torn open. When reusing the bubble envelope, use the sealer to seal the open end. You have to make 4-5 passes to make a 1/4 inch wide seal. Then cut with scissor to make a straight sealed edge.
A new sealer is about $100. But there are always used mint condition ones at thrift stores for $10-$15. I prefer the single line one because they are better at "cutting". With a two line sealer, you have to pay attention to the orientation of the bag when cutting down a bag. Two line sealers make for a stronger bag.
As for the vacuum feature, I never used it. I tried but too much trouble.
The sealer gets a lot of use. They wear out with the electric wire being abused by the different type of plastic used. I have to replace every 2 years or so. So I always have a spare one of the same model I am used to already purchased from the thrift store.
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