How to Ship a Desktop Computer

Once your desktop computer sells, it needs to arrive safe at its destination so you can get paid. Here’s how to securely package your desktop for shipping, plus estimated shipping costs and a way to save when you ship your desktop.

How to package a desktop for shipping

You’ll need supplies like a sturdy corrugated box, bubble wrap, plastic wrap and clear packing tape. Optionally, you can purchase anti-static packing peanuts and “fragile” stickers. Measure the LxWxH dimensions of your desktop and add 6” to each measurement to determine the box size you need (don’t forget monitors). Dimensions for different desktop models and minimum box sizes are listed below.
STEP 1: Wrap your desktop and monitor, if separate, with plastic and seal with packing tape to prevent damage from liquids, dampness and rain (if you have the original box, you can wrap the entire box in plastic)
STEP 2: Pack your desktop If you have the original box with packing materials

Pack your desktop in the original box
Wrap the box with bubble wrap to form a 3” cushion on each side and seal with packing tape
Place your desktop in the shipping box (you can optionally add a 2-3” layer of bubble wrap or packing peanuts to the bottom first)

If you don’t have the original box

Wrap each component with bubble wrap to form a 3” cushion on each side and seal with packing tape
Place each component in the shipping box (you can optionally add a 2-3” layer of bubble wrap or packing peanuts to the bottom first)

STEP 3: Pack accessories

Wrap accessories (mouse, A/C adapter, cables, etc.) in bubble wrap and secure with packing tape
Place accessories beside your desktop in the shipping box

STEP 4: Secure and seal the box

Fill any open spaces with packing peanuts or bubble wrap. It should be packed tight enough to prevent shifting but not so tight it places undue pressure on your desktop
Seal the box securely with packing tape. Go over seams twice for extra hold
Place your shipping label on top of the box and cover it with clear packing tape to prevent tearing during shipping. You can optionally place “fragile” stickers on each side of the box

Your desktop is now packaged securely and ready to ship.

Estimated desktop computer shipping costs

Desktop packaging materials generally cost $10 to $15. Shipping costs vary by dimensions, weight, destination and courier (USPS, UPS or FedEx). Here are estimated rates to ship popular desktops from New York to Los Angeles.

iMac: $100 to $125 (up to $185 to ship the 27-inch iMac via USPS)
Mac Pro 2013: $45 to $50
Mac Mini: $15 to $30
HP Pavilion 590: $65 to $95
Dell Inspiron: $70 to $95

It’s a good idea to purchase insurance to protect you from lost or damaged items; expect to pay around $6 to insure your package for $1,000. You can also opt for an adult signature, which costs $10 to $15 and ensures your desktop is delivered to the intended recipient. Use the linked shipping calculators, weights and minimum box dimensions below to calculate your exact fees (keep in mind packaging adds weight). Don’t forget to add in your packaging materials and options like insurance and signature confirmation to get your total cost. Shipping calculators: USPS | UPS | FedEx

Desktop	Dimensions	Weight	Minimum Box Dimensions
iMac 20-inch	18.5″ x 19.7″ x 7.4″	20 lbs.	25″ x 26″ x 14″
iMac 21.5-inch	17.7″ x 20.8″ x 6.9″	12.6 lbs.	24″ x 27″ x 13″
iMac 27-inch	20.3″ x 25.6″ x 8″	21.8 lbs.	27″ x 32″ x 14″
Mac Pro 2013	9.9″ x 6.6″ x 6.6″	11 lbs.	16″ x 13″ x 13″
Mac Pro 2009-2012	20.1″ x 8.1″ x 18.7″	39.9 lbs. (quad-core) 41.2 lbs. (8-12-core)	26″ x 14″ x 15″
Mac Mini	1.4″ x 7.7″ x 7.7″ (2010-2018) 2″ x 6.5″ x 6.5″ (2009)	2.7-3 lbs.	8″ x 14″ x 14″
HP Pavilion 590	6.69″ x 10.9″ x 13.3″	11.35 lbs.	13″ x 17″ x 20″
Dell Inspiron	14.71″ x 6.30″ x 11.61″	14.1 lbs.	21″ x 13″ x 18″

How to save on shipping a desktop

You can have the buyer pay for shipping, but that adds to your total price – a competitive disadvantage on marketplaces like eBay. Or, you can pay for shipping yourself, but that reduces your profit from the sale. Alternatively, you can avoid paying for shipping altogether by selling your desktop to an online buyback store. These stores pay shipping fees and provide free shipping labels. Some even offer free desktop shipping kits so you don’t need to pay for materials.

Where to sell your desktop

Flipsy Trust Verified Stores Buying Desktops

Contact these Trust Verified stores to get a cash quote for your desktop. Let them know your serial number, condition and any items that you have or that are missing. You’ll typically get a quote back that is competitive with selling on marketplaces like eBay or Swappa plus they pay shipping. If you accept the offer they make, payment is made 1-2 days after receipt of your desktop.