Can anyone think of where I can source some free small boxes for posting? I sell items on Etsy and need to parcel them up to send throughout the UK and the States. My stash of used boxes has been hammered as it's been a very busy Christmas run up. I've even been making some boxes out of large pieces of cardboard but it doesn't look too professional. Unfortunately shoe boxes are a little too big as the Royal Mail small parcel size is 45 x 35 x 16cm. They also can't be too small either.
Any ideas will be gratefully received.

A free supply of cardboard boxes seems a pretty unlikely thing to find. You might be better looking for a cheap source of them on the internet.

Can you not just cut a few inches from the middle section of shoebox and lid , tape up join and line with bit of Xmas wrapping paper or tissue? Make some comment perhaps about the value of recycling and keeping postage down?

Do you find Etsy better than Ebay for results? (or is it for niche stuff?) I had kids bnwt dresses on for 5 days , full description , half the price of other new similar dresses , correct headings etc -- and only 6 views.Very annoying .

Thanks Venice, that's a good idea. I also might look into children's shoe boxes. It's the height that is the problem. I find Etsy really easy to use and set up a shop. Each listing is 20 cents US (roughly 15p) and it lasts four months so better value than Ebay if you are selling by action. I also like the fact that they give you lots of information about your shop such as what people are searching for, the most popular products and which country people are looking from. Most of my sales are from the UK and US but I've also sold to Canada and Scandinavia. Why not set a budget and a trial period and see how you do? I've only got really serious in the last few months and the results have shown. I have about 30 items currently listed and received 20 orders in the last month plus commissions. My shop is called Nordic Inspirations, have a look and maybe get some ideas. Try looking for similar items and see if the site is inundated with them or if you can tap into a niche market. It's really for people making their own items rather than selling unwanted items. It's never going to earn me a living but I enjoy crafting and it gives me some pin money.
Good Luck.

Ah, interesting Uffa, Ill take a look . Not into crafting myself though Im afraid, just need to sell of a load of boxed up stuff thats been stored, and is now surplus. Thanks for the info. Think Ive noticed Etsy before but think you have to join to browse , which always puts me off a bit, but Ill take another look now Ive added another layer of virus control.

I can only find general sites when I type that in Uffda - and also the Scandinavian chamber of Commerce lol! Ive seen links to Pinterest for Nordic Designs, but no shop ?

Ive used old video cases, food packaging, old envelopes all with a good lashing of parcel tape. Also cut down free cardboard tubes from carpet and curtain and fabric places they are pleased to get rid of them. Stuff bit of paper in either end and parcel tape over. Also old plastic pipes .

Venice, you need to go to the Etsy wesite first. Then put Nordic Inspirations into their search box.
Lots of sewing type items gifts. All very nice.

Thanks Venice and Muzzy, the link is
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/NordicInspirations?ref=shop_sugg

I keep all useful boxes and recycle them but the pre-Christmas sales have exhausted my supply. I was hoping someone knew of a shop of business which routinely disposes of small boxes. Like everything, the recent increased effort has shown results but it's still very small scale.

Did you get my pm?
Maybe it didn't get through, let me know before I burn them all.
( boxes, that is )

HI Muzzy,

Thanks I did get the PM and replied to it this morning. Just PM where and when would be convenient for me to collect.

Homebase in Upton has a box area by the tills, with loads of different boxes - might be some in there small enough for your needs. have you tried asking shoe shops in case they have any spare children's shoe boxes? Not everyone wants to take the box when they buy shoes.

Thanks Greenwood, I'll take a look in Homebase and have already tried a couple of shoe shops but with no joy. Will keep trying though.

Those items are lovely Uffda , you must be a busy lady creating them all . Glad to hear its going well (judging by your running out of boxes ). Heres to a successful Xmas for you.

Many thanks for your kind words Venice. I'm busy working on non Christmas items now as hopefully the Christmas rush has eased off.

I get cardboard boxes from ebay, usually pay between 30 and 50p each on buy-it now but if you watch out for auctions you can get them for a pittance (10p or less each including postage), quantities anything from 10 to 100 or more.