Shipping? A few pointers.

[reallynicestamps]

There is some foul language in this articles and more in the comments, but it is worth reading ...

http://www.cracked.com/article_20690_5-reasons-packages-get-destroyed-learned-working-at-ups.html/?u...

[2014sportsterguy]

I did think writing fragile was silly, neat article.

[zee-chan-jpn-books]

lol, that was a hilarious read. 

I reuse boxes all the time though. Just make sure to rip off the old label (or sharpie over it if it's stuck on the box too well and tape the new label over it) and it's not a problem. Don't think I have spent any money on new boxes... only on new envelopes. I even reuse bubble wraps and cushions so I only need to buy bubble wraps when I occasionally ran out. And of course, if the old box looks like it's falling apart then don't use it as a box, cut it and use it as a stiffener for thin books in envelopes. 

And I never knew that you can't reuse USPS boxes o__o

[photosalp]

Great article, language and all. With 30 plus years in the freight industry I'll vouch for what was said. The coolers especially. I've dealt with many companies that ship very expensive electronics  back and forth in well packed coolers wrapped in a roll of duct tape and have never put in a claim. As an added bonus they reused the coolers. And personally I've never let my crew go home on Christmas Eve until we've made every attempt to deliver everything that looks like it might be a present for grandma:) I don't know where you would source them, but there are smaller versions of coolers used by folks shipping biological samples that might be of use to those selling very expensive china and such. 

[pocomocomputing]

I am of the opinion that if you have to write Fragile on a package, then you did not pack it well enough to withstand the stress of shipping. No need for a Fragile sticker if packed properly.

[atvds1210]

Nice find, good read, 

Few second zap with the heat gun does wonders to make labels way easier to peel off.  Not all of them go, but most do and pretty well any address label.  

[joetriever]

That was funny but true - I enjoyed that article.  Regarding covering up old labels on boxes I found something called Scotch (brand) "Cover up Roll" a brown paper adhesive roll 6" wide by 30 feet long.  Found the rolls for $2.50 each at Dollarama store. Much easier than trying to peel off old shipping labels on a perfectly good box.