Ready to sell or trade for first time, how to begin

[Meadow98684]

I have too many Chinese nymphs than I can count. I know they aren't as popular a species as they used to be, thats why if I decide to sell I won't ask for much. I know how to pack them and everything but how much do the boxes cost to put them in? Can I get them at post office for free or do I have to pay a lot? I'm literally broke. If people pay for shipping will that cover the boxes? I don't have any. Thanks, just need a little info on this since I've never done this before (even though I'm pretty established on this forum).

 

[Bug Trader]

Start with the USPS boxes, they are priority shipping which should be fine for the chinese. Then I would look into getting some insulation board to not only insulated the box but protect it from getting so easily crushed. I woul charge a box fee if your worried about the costs. If its mantids ship non flatrate, it will be cheaper.

 

[Paradoxica]

If you can wait a week or so you can have usps deliver free boxes to you. I usually use the Box # 4 (7x7x6) for smaller shipments.

 

[Meadow98684]

Didn't even know that. Just ordered some. And I'll look into getting the insulation if I can. Thanks for the info guys. Anyone has more to add, feel free.

 

[Krissim Klaw]

Nothing really to add other than keep in mind people can get Chinese mantis ootheca for really cheap. Like three for 12$ with free shipping cheap. I would think the cost of shipping the nymphs plus all the aggravation of setting up the boxes for shipment would mean selling this species would be more trouble than it is worth.

 

[aNisip]

Usually if ur JUST shipping nymph cups....all it is is some plastic and newspaper and a box, which usually doesn't weigh much at all....so ur much better off with non flatrate, like Mike said...but if ur shipping with heat packs and a ff culture (stuff to make it a lot heavier) then flatrate is optimal...

All the best,

Andrew

 

[hibiscusmile]

At this time of year, I do not insulate, just sent orders this Monday with no insulation or heat packs and all were received well.

 

[Bug Trader]

At this time of year, I do not insulate, just sent orders this Monday with no insulation or heat packs and all were received well.

Yeah the temps are stready but USPS is going down hill fast I like to make sure my boxes are just supported so their not crushed. Its bad enough I've seen holes in the boxes, even had one with what Im sure was a hole from a fork on a forklift go through it.

 

[Meadow98684]

I see. But I can always just trade instead of sell and then I could get a species I want...like for instance maybe I could trade some Chinese nymphs for a Majuscula, and have someone just pay for shipping. I don't know, just throwing out ideas. I know Chinese are easy as heck to get so it may not be worth selling..