How to guide: Proper packaging and shipping
Psycho Pixie
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Lately, we have had lots of newer pin traders joining us. I know I personally have gotten to be an "official first trade" with a couple of them. While so far I have recieved soundly, perfectly packaged pins via these trades, I wanted to share some packaging tips with the general populace.
Please feel free to add your input as well! I hope this can be done well enough to deserve a sticky status.
lets do this in simple focus points:
Less discuss price points briefly.... Paypal is the cheapest way to ship your US only packages. Via paypal, you can ship first class with free dc/tracking. **DC= Delivery Confirmation**
Paypal charges:
Rarely will you have a package wieghing over 5 oz. One safely wrapped PODM with a standard small bubble mailer is just under 4 oz, and I always pay the 5oz rate for a PODM to be safe. I have had up to 5 pins in a mailer weigh under 4 oz. so, always weigh it with a digital kitchen scale! You do NOT want to have the pin returned back to you as underpaid.
The thing I love most about paying for my shipping via paypal is that I don't need to go to the post office. I pack, wiegh, pay, print and label my pin trade from my desk and my mailman picks it up with outgoing mail.
thats www.paypal.com/shipnow
Some folks wrap their pins more, some less. but my guide above is about average.
Please feel free to add your input as well! I hope this can be done well enough to deserve a sticky status.
lets do this in simple focus points:
- First, always wrap your pin(s) in a layer or two of userable unpopped bubble wrap, and be sure the post has a rubber back on it to prevent damage to the post or the mail man. As mentioned in some replys below, basically, the more you protect it, the better. some people add a cloth wrap, I use ziplock bags quite often.
- next make sure the bubble wrap cannot slip off in the envelope. I use tape, or a rubber band.
- VERY IMPORTANT, that you use a bubble envelope. A regular white letter envelope is NOT a safe way for your pin to travel.
- Finally, shipping. always, always get a DC or tracking number (these are the same thing) the best way to ship is First class 3-5 day delivery.
- A package needs to be at least 3/4 inch thick to "qualify" for DC/tracking. And easy way to ensure that is to add a bit of extra padding to your pin. OR some folks drop 2-3 pieces of packing popcorn in there.
Less discuss price points briefly.... Paypal is the cheapest way to ship your US only packages. Via paypal, you can ship first class with free dc/tracking. **DC= Delivery Confirmation**
Paypal charges:
- $1.64 for up to 2oz
- $1.81 for 3-4oz
- $1.98 for 5oz (I think)
Rarely will you have a package wieghing over 5 oz. One safely wrapped PODM with a standard small bubble mailer is just under 4 oz, and I always pay the 5oz rate for a PODM to be safe. I have had up to 5 pins in a mailer weigh under 4 oz. so, always weigh it with a digital kitchen scale! You do NOT want to have the pin returned back to you as underpaid.
The thing I love most about paying for my shipping via paypal is that I don't need to go to the post office. I pack, wiegh, pay, print and label my pin trade from my desk and my mailman picks it up with outgoing mail.
thats www.paypal.com/shipnow
Some folks wrap their pins more, some less. but my guide above is about average.
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