Out in the real world, the seller usually absorbs the cost of the packing and the expenses related to accepting the buyer's payment. The buyer pays the charges of the common carrier and the expenses of generating the payment. While everything is negotiable in any deal, the above is the common form.
For a better grip on sales and shipping here's some tidbits of business law:
During trades, for ownership and insurance purposes, it's necessary to identify goods in transit and the moment at which the goods change hands. Insurance requires an "insurable interest" and that interest is commonly ownership. A common concept describing the transfer of ownership is called "freight on board" It's usually designated at the shipping point or at the destination. The seller accepts all risks up to the FOB point, and the buyer accepts them thereafter. Out of necessity the seller hires the common carrier. So although a buyer owns the goods past the FOB point, claims for shipping damage are filed by the seller because the seller is the one who created the agreement with the carrier. But because amateurs often ignore these common practices and understandings, arguments ensue. In my opinion, in lieu of arrangements to the contrary, the seller has a duty to present the goods at the FOB point in such fashion that it may reasonably be expected that the buyer will be able to take possession of them in the condition described in the sales agreement.
But out here in the wild, it appears sellers often expect the buyer to absorb all costs and expenses of the transaction. I suppose the seller takes this point of advantage so he has something to sacrifice once negotiations begin. Unfortunately novice sellers see these offers and become implacable believing them to be common practice. Thankfully the real story is that buyer and seller achieve a meeting of the minds. Experienced traders take care to make all conditions and expectations known to each other up front. To do otherwise invites failure of the agreement or its performance. In business and in life the only irreplacable thing is time. As such, at the end of the day, I guess the whole idea is to keep your deals moving by avoiding the interruptions and delays conflicts impose. This freedom from distraction allows you to focus on your own pursuit of happiness.
Alternatively, if the buyer's a pita jerk con man make him pay for the box. If he's a nice guy throw in the box as a gesture of goodwill.
