While I'm into the tips...Home Depot and other home improvement stores carry solid foam sheets that are great for padding the box. I think that they run about $10 for a big sheet, approx. 3X6', or maybe they're 4x8. They also have rolls of bubble wrap in various sizes. Personally, I would gladly pay an extra $10 in shipping/handling charges for the seller to go out and buy these items and pack things properly.
~ Cindy