posted on May 25, 2001 10:23:27 PM new
Hi everyone!
I have a (hard cover) book (w/hardcover sleeve) that weighs 3 1/4 pounds and need to know if anyone here could tell me of the best (and safest) way to ship it, about how much it will cost to ship, and also, what to pack it in to keep the weight down.
A book that heavy can go bookrate, which is less expensive than media mail. I recently shipped off a heavy, large coffee table style book and it cost just under $5 to send.
Yours shouldn't cost over $3.50.
My mail clerk tells me when a book gets over a certain weight limit the computer will switch it over from media mail to bookrate because it costs less to send. If your clerk doesn't, ask her about it.
Regarding packaging. I pack mostly all of my books in boxes. I usually end up making a box that fits the book from a larger box. I make it so it fits snuggly and the book does not move around.
I first wrap the book in a waterproof covering, whether it be a gallon freezer bag or something similar, so the book does not get wet if the box gets rained on.
Then I tape a V shaped piece of bubble wrap on each corner for protection in case the package gets dropped on edge. I then write the buyers name and address on a piece of paper and tape it to the outside of the freezer bag, just in case the package gets some real abuse and ends up having the box destroyed.
If it is a thin, lightweight book, that is not a real collector piece, I will put it in a bubble mailer, after I wrap it in a waterproof covering, of course. Hope this helps.
posted on May 26, 2001 03:06:31 AM new
Apparently you should have every single thread saved from the day you registered for immediate reference when you have a question.
Moving on, I'd put it in a box, too. I buy quite a few books from Half.com, most of the books are shipped in bubble mailers.
It's a miracle that the books arrive okay from the condition of the mailers upon receipt.
posted on May 26, 2001 03:44:50 AM new
Hi, Phil - brie49 is giving you good advice, but has his/her terms confused; the book can go Media Mail, but depending on the distance between your zip code and the buyer's, it may be cheaper to send it as Bound Printed Matter (not Book Rate - that term is no longer used by the USPS - at least, not officially).
I wrap my books in plain white paper before putting them in plastic. Under certain conditions such as excessive heat and pressure, some kinds of plastic will adhere to the dustjacket or cover of the book and cause damage.
Use plenty of bubble wrap, and foam peanuts too if necessary to keep the book from moving within the box.
I don't know what the dimensions of your book are, but I have often used soda flats from the grocery store to make book boxes.
I absolutely agree with brie49 about the address taped to the package inside the box. I'll bet if more sellers did that with EVERY item, the USPS would have a lot less to sell on eBay. We buy a good bit off eBay, and have seldom received anything with the address inside, as it should be.
posted on May 26, 2001 06:25:30 AM new
gee willikers...I've shipped hundreds of books (wish my fb reflected as many) and it NEVER occured to me to wrap in plain paper before wrapping in bubble-wrap as a preventive against heat or moisture damage...learn something new everyday. thanks for the tip...oh yeah, I agree with using the box to ship...gotta do it
posted on May 26, 2001 07:06:16 AM new
First of all, yes, it's true, I've been here for quite some time and have learned alot. So much in fact, that it boggles the mind. Well, mine anyway.
This is the 1st selling of a book venture for me and I would like to get it right. It's a collectible.
I thank you all, as usual, for your opinions and advice....always sound.
Regards,
Phil
BTW (Have a Great Holiday weekend everyone!)
posted on May 26, 2001 09:40:19 AM newHi again phbroz!
The link I gave you has the International Calculator also. Just click on "International Calculator" at the top of that page.
If you don't see it..here's the link:
http://ircalc.usps.gov/
posted on May 26, 2001 12:08:46 PM new
Did you check the "letter post" surface rate? That sounds like it only applies to letters, but it applies to packages as well.
posted on May 26, 2001 12:26:53 PM newphbroz: I see what you mean! Yes, that seems very expensive!
When I did the calculations it came to $22.00, which is not much better.
I've never sold anything to Sweden before. Have you looked at UPS?
That site requires the Postal Code or I would have looked for you. Here's the link for that. http://wwwapps.ups.com/servlet/QCCServlet
It'd be interesting to know what the comparison is with USPS vs. UPS for international rates.
kudzurose I didn't realize that "letter post" applies to packages. ~Thanks!~ It's good to know!
posted on May 26, 2001 01:21:52 PM new
Global Priority Letter Post replaced Small Packets in January. It encompasses all packages up to 4 lbs in weight. After that Parcel Post rates apply.
DO NOT use UPS for non-USA sales! They charge a HUGE brokerage fee (not disclosed to the seller). Typically starts at $35.
posted on May 26, 2001 03:44:58 PM new
I recently bought books from dealers in Sweden and the UK, I'm not sure but would guess weighed about 3lb. They both only charged me $8.00 shipping. Came USPS and it was in my hot little hands within 10 days of payment. I believe it came global priority letter...hope that helps.
posted on May 26, 2001 04:09:14 PM new
A bookseller in Sweden would be sending by Swedish post and the one in UK by the Royal Mail -- the USPS may deliver the book to you, but it was not done through Global Priority Letter Post.
. It seems way too high considering that the local fee is $3.55