Everybody hates to see poorly packaged items destroyed in the mail, especially radio collectors. Unlike larger tube radios, getting a broken transistor set in the mail doesn’t happen as often but it still does. Here is how I like to package radios- But remember these methods work for me and I am not held responsible for any damage in shipping if you are not sure about how to package an item consult a professional.
Shirt pocket transistor sets, Find a medium-sized box that I radio fits in comfortably, wrap the radio till you can’t see it anymore with bubble wrap. Fill with sealed air packing and shake the box, If you hear anything moving in the box add more bubble wrap.
Larger transistor radios, If they are large enough you may have to double-box always make sure that there is no room for the radio to move in the box. Most larger portable radios aren’t plastic but you would still hate to have a knob crack.
Vacuum tube radios, always double box tube radios this is a good method- https://antiqueradio.org/howpack.htm
Radio parts/speakers, Wrap vacuum tubes in bubble wrap to prevent the glass cracking. If I am shipping transistors I will put the leads in a packing peanut so they don’t twist and break. When shipping speakers always put a piece of cardboard over the cone to prevent it from ripping and wrap it tightly in bubble wrap.
I always pack the way I would want to receive the item and it’s always kind to send the tracking info to the buyer. If you make a mistake shipping and the item got damaged. somehow, make it right by giving a refund after asking for a picture of the damage. Put fragile stickers on the box if you have them, and write “this side up” with an arrow. It’s the little things that make the difference, I will put an envelope with the eBay receipt, business card, and a handwritten note thanking the customer for the purchase. You can get free boxes from USPS but you can also use any old amazon box etc. For little shirt pocket radios, it is in most cases under 10$ with USPS priority mail but the heavier the radios it will in most cases be cheaper with UPS or FedEx.
73,
Henry