OfferUp Packaging Policy

OfferUp helps you ship the items you sell in our marketplace using nationwide shipping. If you choose to ship your items, you are responsible for reviewing and complying with all OfferUp Shipping Policies. You’re also responsible for complying with all U.S. laws and regulations regarding mailing, including but not limited to, USPS policies.

To ensure you adhere to our Packaging Policy, please review this article in full for guidance on preparing your packages to be shipped.

Declare hazardous materials

When you post an item for sale using nationwide shipping as the delivery method, you’ll need to declare if you’re shipping any hazardous materials (HAZMAT). This is a crucial step because it ensures that you comply with USPS legal restrictions and that you receive the appropriate shipping label from OfferUp. 

First, review the USPS Hazardous Materials list to determine if your item contains hazardous materials. If your item is on the list, you'll need to declare it. Please note, any item containing lithium batteries must be declared as hazardous material. 

To declare that you're shipping HAZMAT:

1. Open the OfferUp app and log in to your account.
2. On the Home page, tap Post to post your item for sale. Or, if you’ve already posted the item, tap My Listings, select the listing you want to edit, then tap Edit Post.
3. Tap Next to continue to the Delivery Method page.
4. Turn on the Sell & Ship Nationwide toggle (if it's not enabled), then select the checkbox next to Are you shipping hazardous materials?
   
5. The app will auto-select the X-Large package size to ensure you receive the appropriate prepaid shipping label. You cannot change this.
6. Tap Post or Save to finish. 

When you sell your item, OfferUp will provide you with the appropriate HAZMAT shipping label. You must attach this label to your package before shipping.  

Choose the right package size

When you post an item for sale using nationwide shipping as the delivery method, you’ll need to choose the package size that you'll use to ship your item in. The size you select will determine the prepaid shipping label that OfferUp provides to you.

When you select a package size, pick one that allows enough room for your item and some protective padding. Also, be mindful of how much your package weighs. If you end up choosing the wrong size or weight, your prepaid shipping label may not cover the entire cost of postage fees. You are responsible for paying any additional postage fees associated with an incorrect shipping label. 

Available package sizes include:  

• X-Small (up to 8 ounces): Good for earbuds, small cosmetics or toiletries, wristwatches, and other small items.
  
  
• Small (approximately 9” x 6” x 3” and up to 3 lbs): Good for hardback or paperback books, sunglasses, mobile phones, and other small electronics.
  
  
• Medium (approximately 12” x 9” x 6” and up to 10 lbs): Good for shoes, purses, video game controllers, and more.
  
  
• Large (approximately 14” x 10” x 6” and up to 20 lbs): Good for countertop kitchen gadgets, hand tools, heavy coats or sweaters, and more. 
  
  
• X-Large (approximately 18" x 12" x 8" and up to 20 lbs): Good for printers, soundbars, small speaker systems, video game consoles, handheld appliances, car seats, and more. 

Choose the wrong size?

Don’t worry! If you pick the wrong package size, you can change it by editing your listing (unless you're shipping HAZMAT).

To select a new package size:

1. Open the OfferUp app and log in to your account.
2. Tap My Listings, then tap the listing you want to edit.
3. Tap Edit Post, then tap Next to continue to the Delivery Method page.
4. Turn on the Sell & Ship Nationwide toggle (if it's not enabled).
5. Select a new package size, then tap Save > Done.

Once you accept an offer, you can no longer edit your listing to adjust the package size. In this case, you'll have to let the transaction auto-cancel which takes 5 days from the date of sale. Once the sale is cancelled, you can edit your listing and select a new package size. We recommend that you communicate with the buyer throughout this process to let them know why the transaction was cancelled and when they can repurchase your item.

Package your item securely

It’s important to package your items securely so that carriers can transport them safely. Proper packaging also helps prevent issues like your item being damaged in transit. To ensure that your items travel safely, follow these packaging tips.

Never package HAZMAT in the same box with non-HAZMAT

Items identified as hazardous material by USPS must be packaged and shipped separately from non-hazardous materials. This is to protect carriers, package handlers, and buyers. Additionally, all boxes containing hazardous material (including lithium batteries) must be labeled with the appropriate HAZMAT shipping label provided by OfferUp.

Use protective padding

Boxes get bounced around during transit. If your item is loose inside the box, it can get broken. To protect your item, surround it with protective padding, such as:

• Crumpled newspaper
• Packing peanuts
• Grocery bags
• Bubble wrap

Test out your packing skills by giving the box a shake. If your item moves, then add more padding!

Don’t overstuff your box

If your box is stuffed to the brim, it runs the risk of busting or tearing during transit. To avoid overstuffing, choose a box that’s big enough for your item plus extra padding. You should be able to comfortably close the box without it stretching, tearing, or bulging. 

Use 2-inch wide packaging tape

Packaging tape will ensure that your box doesn’t come unsealed during transit. Don’t confuse packaging tape with storage tape. Packaging tape is stronger and more durable.

Remove or cover old markings on reused packages

If you're reusing an old package, make sure to remove or cover any markings from previous shipments, including:

• Barcodes
• Addresses
• Shipping labels
• Logos for carriers other than USPS

If you don’t hide old markings appropriately, USPS may not accept your package or may consider it undeliverable.

Attach the OfferUp shipping label 

When you sell your item, OfferUp will provide you with a prepaid shipping label via in-app message and email. Print out the shipping label and attach it to your package in a prominent location. Tape down all edges with clear packaging tape to ensure it stays in place.

For help with your shipping label, please open a Chat or select the Contact Us button below.