Want to sell AVR, but where can I get packaging foam?

jrlouie

So I now have an AVR I'd like to sell. No box (but I can pick one up at Office Depot), but I need other packaging stuff. I guess I need packaging foam to cram into every open space so the AVR is good and secure. Office Depot does not have foam sheets, all they have are peanuts which I'm assuming won't work good enough for a heavier unit like an AVR.
So where can I get stuff like that?

danger boy

I save that rigid styrofoam whenever i purchase something that has it.. you can break it up or cut it up to any size or shape you need. I think that's the stuff you're looking for.

Sometimes stores just throw that stuff away.. you might want to go to a store and ask if they have any of that you can have.

jrlouie

You know what, I think I can scrounge up enough old foam and cut it, to make this work. Let me see what I can put together. I might post a pic to see if you agree it's safe. This will be my first packaging attempt and I want it done right.
I'm going to have to sacrifice the foam in the boxes from my M200's, but I don't think I'd ever sell them, I love 'em

WilliamM2

Seal the AVR in a plastic bag, then wrap it in 4 or 5 layers of bubble wrap. Find a big enough box to surround the entire thing in about 3 inches of foam peanuts, pack them tightly. The trick is to use a very sturdy box.

I ship 40lb. computers this way all the time at work. Have yet to ever have one arrive damaged, and they are much easier to damage than an AVR.

It is expensive though, takes about $10 worth of packing materials each, and that's buying in bulk.

jrlouie

Okay, I think I've gathered up enough stuff to make it a safe package. What do you think? Good enough?

WilliamM2

Not in my opinion. There is not enough space between the AVR and the outside of the box. You need a bigger box.

jrlouie

Well, that's the only box I have I guess. I could always go run and buy a slightly larger one. No biggie.
In fact, I think I saw a box when I was out last that this one would probably entirely fit within. Would that even be better, and just leave it in this box? Double it up?

danger boy

you need more styrofoam on top. the avr should not giggle, move or anything. like someone said.. bubble wrap it up several times around. I may be facing the same thing.. shipping a avr in the future.

jrlouie

danger boy wrote:

you need more styrofoam on top. the avr should not giggle, move or anything. like someone said.. bubble wrap it up several times around. I may be facing the same thing.. shipping a avr in the future.

Oh yeah, I'll put foam on top too before sealing. I just didn't for the picture so you could see the AVR and sides and stuff.

danger boy

as long as it's a tight fit.. and there is no movement at all. and write fragile all over the outside of the box..

jrlouie

Sounds like I should just use the bigger box, and more foam

bvette94

Home Depot sells 4/8 sheets of styraphome. they average from 4.99 to $20.00 per sheet. i bought a few and ripped themn on my table saw until things fit nice and snug and that all sides and top are well protected. Use the sheet stuff instead of the peanuts. just my opinion.

jrlouie

Ah, great idea. I wasn't sure where to get sheets like that.

danger boy

oh yeah. foam peanuts are only good for light weight things.. not avr's.

Polkersince85

Has anybody tried wrapping a unit in several plastic bags, put it in a snug fitting box, then take a larger box and squirt canned insulation foam under, around and on top. seems like it would secure. be hard to open though.

jrlouie

I'll try this one more time. What do you guys think this time around?
-Entire unit is bubble wrapped and then wrapped with a plastic covering.
-Remotes, antenna, etc are in separate box in one of those heavy-duty zipper bags from Outlaw, and that box is packed with peanuts
-I double boxed it and put two layers of styrofoam on bottom and another layer or corrugated cardboard inside on the bottom. Crammed styrofoam everywhere on the sides as tight as I could get it
-Then the top is covered with styro foam to where I can barely close the lid.
-I can’t make anything move or jiggle.

Dennis Gardner

I think you are good as long as the knob on the front, and the speaker posts on the rear can't touch the sides of the inner box when shaken. This is where I find the most damage, since the weight of the item could move the receiver around if dropped.

If Antique Sound Labs packed half as good as you, they might not have as many warranty claims.:D

danger boy

nice work. looks really secure. Wish more people would take the time and pack like you did.

cross your fingers and ship that avr out.

don't forget to get insurance just in case.. my (stupid) friend bought a pre amp with the letters B K in it.. and it got damaged in transit. He had no recourse on a claim because he never paid the small fee for insurance.