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What's the best way to ship a macbook?

KeeeeenW

KeeeeenW

macrumors member
Original poster
May 19, 2009
66
2
I'm trying to sell my Macbook 403 on eBay. The shipping really made me confused. I have the original box. I am wondering what's the cheapest and most safe way to ship a computer in the U.S. How much it usually be? Do I need to buy a separate box to put my original box and computer in? Thank you!
 
For obvious reasons, I'd at least cover it in wrapping paper or put it in a slightly bigger box. I prefer USPS, but UPS and Fed-Ex are also good and not much more expensive to ship.
 
1st Class US Postal Service works for me. Typically gets there in 2 or 3 days.

Log onto USPS.com to check rates. Shouldn't run you more than $30 or so (just guessing) and figure about $1 per $100 in value for insurance. You can request tracking. The buyer generally pays these fees.

And no... I wouldn't ship the macbook in the original box only. That's just asking for somebody to steal it as it hops across the country.

You should be able to get a USPS box from your post office. If not the right size, any Office supply store should have various sizes for about $5. Put the original macbook box inside one of the these. Buy some packing peanuts/bubble plastic as well and stuff them around the original box.
 
KeeeeenW said:
I'm trying to sell my Macbook 403 on eBay. The shipping really made me confused. I have the original box. I am wondering what's the cheapest and most safe way to ship a computer in the U.S. How much it usually be? Do I need to buy a separate box to put my original box and computer in? Thank you!
Click to expand...


Do ship it in a box, that is good to do.
like richard1028, I wouldn't ship it in its original box, but maybe the orig. box in a plain brown or white box.

Make sure you pad it with packing peanuts or other foam to protect it, you don't want your MB to arrive DOA (dead on arrival).
 
KeeeeenW said:
I'm trying to sell my Macbook 403 on eBay. The shipping really made me confused. I have the original box. I am wondering what's the cheapest and most safe way to ship a computer in the U.S. How much it usually be? Do I need to buy a separate box to put my original box and computer in? Thank you!
Click to expand...

The best way to ship the Macbook is to me. I will send you a check for the shipping costs. ;)

Seriously, I have heard UPS ground isn't the best way for delicate stuff. It's still a workable solution. Just pack up your computer safely as I would use tape to hold the styrafoam parts together with packing tape.
 
I just shipped my Macbook Pro to CA from the East coast. It will get there on Friday, so I can give you some results then. In terms of shipping methods, you have to pay USPS for tracking and delivery confirmation, and I don't know what there insurance rates are. I used to work @ a UPS Store so I can give you some tips on packing. man this feels lame

Wrap the laptop in bubble wrap as you would a gift, folding in the corners and then taping around. Surround the bubbled laptop in packing peanuts on all sides so that it can't budge. If you have supplies like a charger or discs, make sure there are some peanuts between the bubbled laptop and those as well. Pack the box with as many peanuts as physically possible so to get no movement from inside it and the most protection you possible can.

Hope that helps.
 
Use the original packaging if you have it, but put that in another slightly bigger box. Make sure you use FedEx or UPS and buy insurance.
 
Thank you guys! I appreciated your advice! Thank you again!
 
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