Any ebayer looking for free packaging materials should consider joining FREECYCLE.  This is a UK wide network which costs nothing to join and in which members offer each other unwanted items free of charge, generally in preference to taking them down to the dump.  You will join your local freecycle group as part of the ethos is to avoid excess petrol/pollution/global warming by making items available for reuse as locally as possible.  Generally the person who wants the item has to collect it. 

Typical items which are frequently offered on my local Freecycle group include:

* Bubble wrap- I obtained a massive quantity from a local high street soap shop, it does result in my packets smelling rather perfumed, for the old records I sell on ebay that does not matter.

* Large packing boxes - usually these are the type that people use when moving house, after that they are surplus to requirements and fold down.  These are excellent for packing of bulky items sold through ebay.  These are very regularly offered, about once a week, on my local Freecycle group.

* Padded envelopes.

As unfortunately postage costs are very high and can be offputting to ebay buyers, I believe in using only packaging materials which are free to me.  The only things I have had to pay for are rolls of duck tape and some glue.  As a result I can keep my postage charges to the minimum.  If you have to buy boxes and bubble wrap you will really put off buyers with your postage charges- or you will lose money.

If you found this guide helpful, don't forget to say so!  Maybe my other guides will also be of interest?