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What's the best way to ship small items (under 1 oz)?
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Original Post
I printed pre-paid labels, but the minimum weight was 1 oz. Is it cheaper just going to the post office or not worth the drive? Would stamps work? The items are small/unbreakable too so they can fit in a normal envelope.
Posted at 3:49 pm Dec 13, 2012 EST
Responses
What are you mailing? Jewelry? If it were jewelry, I'd still put it in a nice box and in a padded/bubble envelope. Much better than just putting it in a normal envelope.
Posted at 4:27 pm Dec 13, 2012 EST
If the items are your rings, I'd definitely send them in something more protective than a plain envelope.
I don't think you can go lower than an ounce when paying for mail. Even letters are charged a certain amount for the first ounce.
Posted at 4:31 pm Dec 13, 2012 EST
how much does your item weigh?
because if you ship online they'll charge you the minimum of 1.65. If you go to the post office they won't charge you that much if it's under 1 oz. I've shipped cards that were .8 oz and the PO only charged me .90 first class package.
yes, stamps work just fine. i've shipped cards using stamps. in fact, i've bought all kinds of stuff from etsy where sellers just stuck a certain amount of regular stamps on my package.
Posted at 4:33 pm Dec 13, 2012 EST
If I were you customer I wouldn't like to receive them in an envelope..
They look really nice, so at least a small box would be perfect-
Posted at 4:34 pm Dec 13, 2012 EST
oh as for packaging i personally wouldn't need a box. I've had people slip my necklace, rings, etc into a small plastic pouch and them slipped that into a padded envelope.
Posted at 4:35 pm Dec 13, 2012 EST
Same thoughts as Basak. I think your customers would be very upset to receive a ring in an regular envelope.
Posted at 4:36 pm Dec 13, 2012 EST
Thanks for the thoughts. I shipped the first two in a medium sized enveloped from the post office (non-padded). The rings are in small organza bags. Hopefully that will work for them. In the future, I can get a small box instead. Though I would have to shrink my labels somehow.
Posted at 5:49 pm Dec 13, 2012 EST
first class mail - not letter - but anything thicker than 3/4" which includes jewelry in an envelope is a parcel and therefore $1.64 (including tracking) if you use paypal or etsy labels....for up to 3oz (still $1.64)
best packaging that I've found for small jewelry is wrap in tissue paper, put in sturdy pillow box, wrap box with ribbon for extra reinforcement and put into poly mailer....add a few eco- friendly foam peanuts for extra protection.....
anywhere in US and up to 3oz for $1.64...
Posted at 6:00 pm Dec 13, 2012 EST