📦 Introduction
Whether you’re running a small business, flipping items online, or running a side hustle from home, shipping costs can add up fast. The good news? You don’t always need to pay for shipping supplies. In fact, there are several ways to get free boxes, envelopes, labels, and packing materials—you just need to know where to look.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the best sources for free shipping supplies, including how and where to get them, so you can save money and boost your profit margins.
🚚 1. USPS (United States Postal Service)
Best For: eBay sellers, small online stores, individuals shipping with Priority Mail
What You Can Get for Free:
- Priority Mail boxes (small, medium, large)
- Flat Rate envelopes
- Regional Rate boxes
- Labels for Priority and Express Mail
How to Get It:
- Order online at store.usps.com and have items delivered to your door for free.
- Pick up select supplies at your local post office.
Pro Tip: These supplies can only be used with USPS Priority or Express Mail. You cannot use them with First-Class or other carriers.
📦 2. UPS (United Parcel Service)
Best For: Medium-to-large businesses, Shopify sellers using UPS for heavy or oversized packages
What You Can Get for Free:
- Shipping labels
- Express and air envelopes
- Document pouches
- Label sleeves
How to Get It:
- Create a free account at ups.com and visit the “Order Supplies” section.
- Supplies are delivered free of charge, but you must use them with UPS shipping services.
Note: Free boxes are typically for express/next-day services. If you need boxes for standard ground shipments, you’ll likely have to purchase them.
✈️ 3. FedEx
Best For: Businesses shipping high-value or time-sensitive packages
What You Can Get for Free:
- FedEx Express boxes and envelopes
- Airbills
- Labels and pouches
How to Get It:
- Register at fedex.com and order from the “Supplies” section after logging in.
Pro Tip: As with USPS and UPS, FedEx supplies can only be used with their own services—not for USPS or other carriers.
🛍️ 4. Retail Stores and Local Businesses
Best For: Resellers, Poshmark sellers, or anyone needing boxes, bubble wrap, or filler materials
What You Can Get:
- Cardboard boxes of all sizes
- Bubble wrap
- Paper padding
- Air pillows
Where to Look:
- Grocery stores
- Bookstores
- Office supply stores
- Liquor stores (sturdy boxes!)
- Electronics retailers
How to Ask:
Walk in and politely ask a store employee or manager, “Do you have any empty shipping boxes or packing materials you’d be willing to give away?”
Pro Tip: Visit in the morning when stores are unpacking shipments. Bring your own tape just in case the boxes need reinforcing.
💻 5. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Freecycle
Best For: Finding people giving away packing supplies for free after moving or ordering online
What You Can Get:
- Used Amazon boxes
- Bubble mailers
- Foam sheets
- Air pillows
How to Use These Platforms:
- Search for keywords like “free moving boxes,” “free shipping materials,” or “free bubble wrap”
- Set up alerts for new free listings
- Respond quickly, as these are often claimed fast
♻️ 6. Reuse and Recycle from Your Own Deliveries
Best For: Anyone who shops online (hello, Amazon addicts!)
What You Can Save:
- Amazon boxes
- Padded envelopes
- Air pillows and packing paper
Tips:
- Store materials neatly in a closet or bin to reuse later
- Carefully peel off or cover old shipping labels
- Always check that the boxes are clean and not damaged
📬 Bonus: Eco-Friendly Shipping Tip
By reusing boxes and packing materials, you not only save money but also reduce waste. Just make sure any reused packaging is sturdy and presentable—especially if you’re shipping to customers. First impressions matter!
🧠 Final Thoughts:
Every penny you save on shipping supplies will help protect your profit margins! This is critical, especially if you sell low-margin items.