I use cardboard corners and kraft paper for most of my packaging for client pick up.
I find that my customers enjoy the experience of the "big reveal" when I unwrap the item that is special to them.
Everybody likes to unwrap presents!
But, others here are correct, it does take space and time to unwrap a paper package.
I'm all for re-using shipping supplies like plastic film/bags, soft foam, carboard boxes, etc.
I try to avoid using plastic stretch film as it is a single-use plastic, but it does have it's place.
There are situations where nothing else does the job as well as stretch film to hold things together.
Especially on very large frames where wrapping in paper would be a huge chore.
For larger pieces (or when the weather is rainy) I'll re-use the bags that matboards are shipped in, with cardboard corners.
For canvas (or any other non-glazed pieces) I'll cut cardboard protector sheets from empty glazing boxes.
As long as I give my customers the "handle with care" speech, and have done what I can to package the item enough for the drive home, I've done my part.
If someone is looking for packaging for shipping, I tell them that's not part of my services.
I will recommend them to a professional moving company for shipping quality packaging.
That eliminates any responsibility for shipping damage away from me.
In ten years I've only had one person
expect that I should ship a frame for them.
When I asked her if she would rather trust the safety of her artwork to me (who has never shipped a frame in ten years), or a professional shipping company who exists to provide exactly that service (and is insured for it!), which would she prefer? Needless to say, she went with the shipper.
I haven't noticed any problems with abrasive scuffing from items I have had wrapped in paper with cardboard corners and stored for months.
Although as someone else stated, some types of finish are more delicate than others.
Experience informs best practices.
I'll certainly follow others' suggestions for safely wrapping delicate items in foam and plastic.
I wrap everything and store it in a back room to await pick-up. My retail space is small, I don't have enough space for displaying customer art waiting for pick up. Although, I like the idea of
showing off framing jobs that may be particularly eye-catching. I just photograph my favourite jobs, to use as reference and show examples to other clients. I don't have any of the photos on public display, to avoid any legal issues.