when you fill out the form, the weight is easy (use that postage scale), but the service and type of package can be a bit confusing.
shipping service and type of package to use:
This will be determined by two things: weight and content. As an author, our content is usually books, but sometimes we also need to send t-shirts, mugs, key chains, or other promotional items. below is a guide to help you make a decision. Note: There is a big difference between padded envelope and flat rate padded envelope. the padded envelope will be its own 8.5 x 11 envelope and is usually the cheapest way to do it. the padded flat rate uses the post office envelope and will usually (but not always) be slightly more expensive.
You are reading: Shipping books in padded envelopes
if you are shipping 1 book(s) and your package weighs less than 13 ounces:
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choose first class mail. It is the fastest and cheapest option.
use your own padded envelope.
Feel free to include any swag that will fit in the envelope and keep the weight under 13 ounces.
See Also: Printing Press – HISTORY
To mail a single book, I spend $3.28: dymo label (8¢) + bubble mailer (28¢) + usps postage ($2.92).
if your package weighs more than 13 ounces:
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If you only have books, stickers, and bookmarks, send a multimedia email. while technically media mail is only for books, if you read the fine print about shipping media, if they inspect your box and find bookmarks, they charge extra for items that are ‘not’ media. they normally only inspect if their detector finds metal in the package. so don’t be afraid to stick those bookmarks and small stickers with your book.
If you have books, with non-paper swag, please send a flat rate padded envelope. padded or bubble mailers are fine for shipping 2 or 3 books. don’t worry about dents, but if you do get stressed, pack twice and you’ll still save money.
Avoid flat rate checkouts if possible. they are often too expensive and should be used only for fragile items. If your items won’t fit in a padded envelope, ship your swag and books separately, or split your books into two orders.
Shipping a large order? send the mail in its own box and keep the weight under 35 pounds.
international shipping from usa uu.:
If it weighs less than a pound, use a padded envelope and send it first class.
See Also: Top 10 books about long-distance relationships | Books | The Guardian
If between one pound and four pounds, send padded flat rate. if not, the price can quickly become astronomical!
Are you a Canadian author shipping to the United States? try chitchats.com.
print your tags:
paypal will allow you to print your labels on stickers or you can print the labels on plain paper and then tape them onto the envelopes. I like to save ribbon, ink and time and use a dynmo (no ink) printer and their sticky labels.
skip a trip to the post office:
Once your packages are ready, you can request a free USPS pickup at your home. I usually stack them on my front porch. If you prefer, you can drop off the boxes at your local post office.
that’s it! If you have any additional tips that we missed, please post them in the comments section.
About the Author: Bink Cummings was born and raised in a family addicted to motorcycles and classic cars. under the coercion of his holy sisters, he began his new journey in writing life. When she’s not cooped up in her house writing sexy fiction at all hours of the night, Bink enjoys ogling motorcycles and the men who ride them, taking care of her family, reading racy romance novels, feeding her addiction to socks and the funko, and cooking big. her meals, especially her infamous chocolate chip cookies. She finds out more about Bink and her books on her website.
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