Rich,

Great idea... I do it often myself and generally get compliments from the seller for saving him time and supplies.. And I KNOW my item will be packaged the way I want to to be..

If I want the item to be sent insured, I also send along a completed USPS Form 3813 / Receipt for Domestic Insured Parcel. (your post office will give you a stack of them). I also write "USPS INSURED" on the front of my padded envelope and of course add the additional 85 cents in postage stamps (for items valued under $50).

Steve Snowden