For packing, I use foam insulation for hot water pipes. Comes in different diameters, split lengthwise, it slips onto the tubes in seconds. Not cheap - a bike's worth is about $ 5-10. If you feel the seller might have trouble packing, why not send them enough of the stuff for a bike, plus dropout spacers. That way, it'll be packed as you see fit. As Walt pointed out, you need to think about the BB shell, too. Bubble wrap is good there. Otherwise, bubble wrap is time-consuming and difficult to apply...
The foam insulation of course is reusable. Mine insulates the hot
water pipes in our house between "duties."
--
Jan Heine, Seattle
Editor/Publisher
Vintage Bicycle Quarterly
http://www.mindspring.com/