posted on October 12, 2000 06:22:00 AM
I'm new to selling and I could use some advice on how to properly package books.
So far I've offered buyers the choice of bookrate or priority. When I send bookrate, I have been packaging the large books in a padded(not bubble) envelope. I wrap the book in two layers of bubble wrap and if its a softcover book, I put in a piece of cardboard for extra stability. For hardbacks, depending on the weight and size I may or may not insert a piece of cardboard. If I don't insert a cardboard, I put in extra cushioning (shredded paper) around the book. For small books I use bubble envelopes and follow the same procedure.
Any book experts out there who could tell me if I'm doing it right? Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can improve my packaging? I really want the book to arrive safely, but I need to keep the weight down.
posted on October 12, 2000 06:32:01 AM
I just use padded envelopes 95% of the time. My only extra precaution is to wrap every book in a plastic bag in case the package gets wet(they do!!!). I prefer a box for big, heavy books.
I prefer the padded envelopes to bubble wrap ones--they seeem sturdier (more tear resistant) and they usually cost less.
How much extra padding is needed seems to be open to debate. Just make sure the whole book is protected.
posted on October 12, 2000 06:35:54 AM
If the book is hardcover and in good condition to start out with, I'm too nervous to use a padded envelope. I use boxes with peanuts and or bubble wrap. (I try to recycle boxes that I get anywhere I can).
I used to wrap the books in newspaper to protect the dust jacket until I found out that the black rubs off.
Soft cover books (unless really expensive) go into padded envelopes.
posted on October 12, 2000 06:54:35 AM
I agree with ozwaxc - I seldom send a hardback book in an envelope.
I use boxes from the grocery store - canned drink flats, catfood flats, etc. We cut them in half to make a top and bottom, then use LOTS of strong tape to put them together.
Virtually all of our books are wrapped in white paper, then bubble wrap. If there is any space left in the box, we pour in foam peanuts.
We put the amount of shipping, both Book Rate and Priority, in all our auction listings, so the bidder knows exactly what the shipping cost will be, and he can choose the one he prefers.
posted on October 12, 2000 06:57:50 AM
Mere padded envelopes are NOT adequate. When the BOOK is the hardest item in the package, it will absorb the impact whenever it collides with other packages - the shock is transmited thorugh the padding to the book ... you can get severe corner bumping (bent under, occasionally pounded so they meet each other) and the book can break loose from the covers.
Here's my standard packing:
A bubble envelope BY ITSELF is inadequate protection ... the corners
of the book can still get smashed in transit. If you can feel the
corners of the book, it's not protected. Needless to say, Manila,
TYVEK, Priority envelopes, or a brown paper wrapper are lousy protection
too.
1. Wrap book in plastic and tape shut for moisture protection.
Plastic bag from the supermarket is OK as long as it's clean
and sealed SNUGLY around the pages.
2. Pad the book with several layers of bubblewrap or corrugated cardboard
... again snugly taping around the book to prevent the pages from being
able to move and break away from the spine and covers.
Make sure the corners of the cover are protected against bumps that can
smash them under. A strip cut from a supermarket box and folded around
the book is adequate, if it is wider than the book and the book can't
slip out.
3. Tape an "inside address" to the packet. If anything happens to the
outer one, this can save the book from being lost.
4. Put it into the box or envelope and put the outside address on it.
If you use a box, make sure the book can't rattle around in the box
by stuffing foam peanuts, more bubblewrap, or even crumpled newspaper
around it. Paper mashes down easily, so shake the box HARD before
you seal it and if you hear the book moving around, add more paper.
http://www92.pair.com/soufla/packingtips.htm explains a cheap, sturdy
packing method that eliminates the need for the box or envelope for most
books. It is worth looking into if you sell many books.
posted on October 12, 2000 09:32:42 AM
I spend an evening every couple of months and pre-cut corragated cardboard. Small for paperbacks, medium and large for larger books. The pieces are of course larger on all sides than the book. I get the cardboard from various places---recycled but clean.
When shipping a book I first make sure it is some sort of waterproof wrapping---and then I secure two of the cardboard pieces to either side of the book--snug enough so the book doesn't slip but not tight enough so the book is getting bent. Then I wrap in newspaper (double piece) and wrap in brown paper---taping shut all flaps.
Larger hardcovers need a box--so instead of wrapping in brown paper it is put in a box with stuffing around it so it doesn't slip and slide around.
posted on October 12, 2000 11:33:44 AM
This is a great thread. I haven't...yet..had any problem with my padded envelopes (as far away as New Zealand), but an added amount of padding may be in order.
I think it might be worthwhile to sacrifice a clean new condition hardcover or two and test your packing. Drop it six feet onto hard pavement...more than once. Drop a 25 pound box onto it. Add a few tosses into a bin and a hot coffee splash or puddle dip test (or both) for good measure. We talk about adequate packaging and what might happen, but has anyone here tested it?
posted on October 12, 2000 01:00:41 PM
Whether I use a box or bubble envelope depends on the value of the book. In either case I wrap it with clean newsprint.
The most important thing, IMHO, is that the book does not move inside the package. That loosens the binding, big time.
posted on October 12, 2000 02:25:22 PM
mballai -
"it might be worthwhile to sacrifice a clean new condition hardcover or two and test your packing."
Definitely! Buy a several hardcovers with dustjackets and pack them. Then run one through the dryer on FLUFF for 5 minutes to simulate bouncing around in the postal system. Hold one balanced on one corner on the floor and whack the top corner with a large heavy object. Leave one out on the lawn with the sprinklers running.
Unpack the books and check for damage.
cdnbooks -
"Whether I use a box or bubble envelope depends on the value of the book."
I'm one of those "all books are priceless" people who expects them to be shipped in a way that preserves their condition. I don't care if I paid $3 or $33 or $333 for the book, I expect good pacling.
posted on October 13, 2000 06:51:40 AM
I buy alot of books on ebay--have seen the best to the worst when it comes to receiving packaged books~I'd just like to state that ANY seller who "THINKS" that an envelope bubble or otherwise will suffice in arriving A-OK 100% of the time ~ needs to "THINK AGAIN", especially if the book is VERY OLD or VERY HEAVY. Myself, I try to use common sense when packing any item and keep at the forefront of my mind a visualization of the notorius Postal Soccer Team playing a good hard game of Soccer in the Post Office's back room,but then again if thats not enough theres that Elephant I also believe who comes out after 5PM at all USPS postal locations just dancing the nite away doin the BRISTOL STOMP!
I know that we will differ on this but IMHO, clean newsprint, a plastic bag and the correct size, snuggly fitting high quality bubble envelope will get books to the customer safely.
I feel quite comfortable with this packing even for the most expensive books. However, with these I take a belt and braces approach and use a box.
posted on October 13, 2000 12:20:20 PM
Bill -
Take a book packed by your method and balance it with one corner upwards. Then drop a well-packed bowling ball onto the package (as if it was at diagonal at the bottom of the USPS conveyor when the bowling ball package slid into it). Does it survive with corners uncrumpled?
And snug-fitting bubble envelopes can pop their seams in a hot environment, such as in a truck in Phoenix almost any time of the year. What is snug in a 70 degree work area will be popping at the seams as the bubbles expand in a 150 degree truck.
posted on October 13, 2000 09:26:45 PM
I've shipped many hundreds of books. Depending on their size and weight I use different methods. Big, heavy books go in a plastic zip lock, then into a box with peanuts. Smaller books I've often put in the zip lock, surrounded by two pieces of cardboard, then mailed in the paperboard Priority Mail envelopes. I've also used hundreds of the fiber filled envelopes and a goodly number of bubble type envelopes.
With hundreds of books shipped I've never had a complaint, and in fact have received many "great packing" feedback comments.
Most books don't need a box, but it all depends on their size and weight.
posted on October 13, 2000 10:24:13 PM
We sell alot of books also. I also use the price in equating shipping. A comic that sells for $1.00 goes in a manila envelope and gets the cheaper first class rate. All heavy books are boxed. I make my own from large old boxes. Also do this for video tapes. Others go into bubble wrap and I to have sold to the corners of the globe and ALL like the packaging and THE SPEED of my shipping. They may cry about the $3.65 for Priority shipping but they love getting their items the same week they paid for it by Paypal or such. The same with half.com. The less I spend on packaging but take care of the need is the best for all. I get the large boxes free from companies who have alot of boxes coming in. Two or three 4' x 6' boxes ship alot of books and they look so professionally shipped that way. Have you ever purchased from a book club.
posted on October 13, 2000 11:31:04 PM
Priority goes in the free boxes, wrapped, then padded with crumpled newspaper so they don't move around---moving around inside the box is a NO-NO for ANYTHING you ship.
For bookrate, I wrap books in Christmas gift wrap I buy for 75-90% off after Christmas, and the buyers love it---year round. (I used to use unprinted newprint paper, until my supplier doubled the price and I realized the gift wrap was much cheaper). The plastic bag is a good idea, but I've never had any books I mailed get wet, though one was left on the snow for several hours.
I make boxes to fit the books from grocery boxes I get free (mostly the "flats" or tray-type boxes used for stacking cans). Only more valuable books (collector items and antique books) get put in peanuts, since I sell mostly new remaindered price guides. I've only had one damaged in several thousand I've mailed.
I print the address label with the bar codes for faster postal processing (go to http://www.cedar.buffalo.edu/adserv.html and process, then click "GIF image", print it out on white paper, trim away the excess), and tape it under the two strips that go all the way around the box (horizontally and vertically). Return address is stamped on (you can order a stamp from an office supply or Current).
Insurance is U-Pic. Postage is SimplyPostage (about 5 cents per label plus $14.95 month). Once you're free of those HORRIBLE Post Office lines (up to 50 minutes wait at all 4 sub-stations I could use, longer before Christmas), you'll never go back.
