How exciting!!! It is perfectly safe to get your strips through eBay. As a matter of fact, it's the only way I receive mine. I've worried about leaving them in the mailbox (this summer it was worrying about the hot days), but I try to keep track of when they will be delivered and bring them in as soon as possible. I love Shelaghc's suggestion above. It never occurred to me to try that, but it couldn't hurt! I imagine I'll have to plan ahead for my next order.... I'm hoping my strips will last through February at least, but I doubt that will actually happen, haha. If you do try the hold, let me know how that works for you! 