posted on October 15, 2001 08:16:38 AM new
I have some calendars that I am selling. They fit perfectly in a 10 x 13 inch envelope with a piece of cardboard to keep them from being bent. Is this enough protection or do I need to bubble wrap them too?
posted on October 15, 2001 08:27:49 AM new
When I ship flimsy paper items always have used sturdy cardboard, no bubble wrap and have never had any complaints
posted on October 15, 2001 08:28:32 AM new
I don't think bubble wrap would be necessary for calendars, but two pieces of cardboard -- one on each side -- would be better than one for extra protection.
posted on October 15, 2001 08:55:44 AM new
I second the motion for two pieces of cardboard. Also, for further safety you want to:
1) Enclose the calender in a plastic bag (helps to prevent moisture damage.... in case it's left in the rain!)
2) Tape the two pieces of cardboard together. Since you're enclosing the calendar in a plastic bag, the tape won't stick to the calendar itself. By taping the cardboard together, you prevent the calendar from sliding out between the two pieces and possibly damaging edges or corners.
3) Write the words "Please do not fold or Bend!" on the back of the envelope. You'd be amazed at what some postal delivery workers will do to try to shove something in a mailbox. Those words don't always stop them... but it helps!
Hope that helps! I ship hundreds of ads each month. Although I use specialty mailers, the above method should work fine. Good luck!
posted on October 15, 2001 10:18:14 AM new
Thanks for all the great ideas. I'm going with 2 pieces of cardboard, plastic bag and do not bend stickers. No one could possibly complain about that packaging!
Ya know.... the only damage I've had to items has been WATER damage. Do you think the postman drops it in water puddles?!?
posted on October 15, 2001 11:48:38 AM new
If you think that the plastic bags is too bulky, you might want to try TYVEX envelopes. You can get free ones for Priority Mail, or you can get blank ones for just a bit more than the brown ones. They are really sturdy, puncture proof (for the most part) and waterproof. And if you write on them with a Sharpie, you do not have the risk of the address washing off in that puddle!
