Do you pay seller for packaging supplies?

I always let know to the buyer if there is an original box otherwise the box is being ordered from the manufacturer OR(i admit the small scam) by chance I take the box free from the dealer for a specific component if he sells it.
It realy depends on the price of the unit sold. If there is no box and the item is heavy I would only sell locally or order original ply-wood creates that cannot be cheap and are alot extra to the price paid for the unit. For shipping records if shipped three records or more I don't charge for the card-board LP mailer that is nearly $1.25 if bought with large quantities from www.bagsunlimited.com. Otherwise I charge $0.60 share price since I do accumulate and re-use some cardboard mailers that are incoming for my personal collection from ebay or other domestic and import record stores (certainly depending on its condition).
The other way of my shipping savings(to me and to the buyer) is the FedEx office that is located next to my office. When I bring the item to FedEx I avoid being charged a pick-up fee that is arround $3...7 depending on the size and the weight of the item.
In all cases the buyer should be notified about handling charges he might be facing and the buyer at the same time can negotiate (please note, that the key point is negotiation whether you're buyer or seller) it in terms of for instance splitting the handling charges between the two parties or let's say "My price offered is final and must include shipping in wood create and UPS or FedEx air. Got it?!".
Finally, in most of these cases you can get along with no complains just with proper negotiations no-matter if you're buyer or seller.

Cheers,
mm

I just consider how much I am paying in total, and don't get hung up on the details.

Some sellers are great and understand the concept of customer satisfaction. Others seem peeved that they must go to any effort at all to convey the product to the buyer, as if it's the buyers fault and consequent responsibility for purchasing. Some sellers engender your goodwill by keeping you posted promptly about expected costs and ship dates. Others have a 99 cent mentality and will do whatever they can to wheedle the last buck out of anybody. Out in the real world, boxes are a fact of life and a part of making sales. So yeah, the seller should provide the packing or at least warn the buyer up front that he/she is a chiseling, nickel-dime cheapskate.

If you look on eBay you will notice that a lot of items with high fixed shipping charges end up selling for less. Most people know what they'll pay regardless of the details.

But them some folks like a deal. Reminds me of the car companies who raise their prices $700 and then offer a $500 rebate. Ha!! Car companies use the term "No Extra Charge" a lot. In case you missed that week's marketing class, that item at No Extra Charge is not free, it's included in the base price.

If I do not have the original shipping box/boxes, I indicate the price for packaging on the add. I would package the items myself, but feel the unit/s being sold are priced at fair and market value. The 'extra' for packaging is for as much for ME as it is the BUYER! The buyer does not want a damaged package just as much as the seller doesn't want it to arrive damaged.

The beauty of all online transactions is that we can all negotiate. EVER person selling SHOULD do whatever it takes to BE SURE the packages arrives safe and as described.
If this means adding this into the cost of the item and just charge 'actual shipping', so be it. The SELLER needs to be aware of the necessity of proper packaging.

NOW, the BUYER has a responsibility as well, in fact, an equal amount I would say. Suppose you are buying a $1,000 amp, it weighs 75 pounds and the seller indicates no origial box but tells you shipping is $41.22. As a buyer, you should question HOW this individual plans on shipping an amp that weighs 75 pounds without the factory box.

I think we ALL know by now, UPS and FedEx WILL NOT COVER CLAIMS for electronics for damage that:

1) is not double boxes.

2) does not have 2" or 4" of padding on ALL sides of the inner box with APPROPRIATE packaging. This does not mean newspaper and a few peanuts.

3) there is no indication of damage to the exterior of the shipping box.

As a buyer, you need to be aware of this and ask the questions to prevent damage to YOUR investment. After all, you buy insurance for you auto, home, and life, a few questions and $'s is a WONDERFULLY inexpensive way to avoid disappointment and frustrations with your new and exciting audio purchases!!!!

Dan