vtsaogames | 12 Mar 2015 1:30 p.m. PST |
After ducking the task for years, I started to reorganize my bookshelves today. I have a number of rule books that have been vetoed either by me or by other members of the Fencibles. So I should sell them. Before I do that, any of you gents have advice on how to do this via the US Postal service I should use? For example, how should I pack up a copy of Black Powder for shipping? Thanks in advance. |
ColCampbell | 12 Mar 2015 1:47 p.m. PST |
If it is less expensive, use Media Mail (or whatever USPS calls it nowadays). Depending on the size and number, sometimes 1st Class is less expensive. If you use padded envelopes I would put the books in a sandwich of corrugated cardboard and label the envelope "Do Not Bend." Jim |
haywire | 12 Mar 2015 1:48 p.m. PST |
If they are rulebooks, you can use the USPS Media Mail option which is the cheapest option. If they are magazines, you need to use Post or Priority. I usually use USPS Priority Flat Letter or a padded envelope. You can also just "wrap" cardboard around the books to make a box. There are a couple youtube videos showing how to do that. |
John the OFM | 12 Mar 2015 1:48 p.m. PST |
Padded envelopes and Media Mail, as the Colonel suggests. Yes, magazines are a no-no, because they have "ADVERTISING!!!!" Even if it is 20 year old ads for Essex miniatures direct from UK. The clerk always warns me that if they are opened and found to have ads, I will be tracked down and charged for it. But sometimes I defy them and ship Media Mail anyway. |
Who asked this joker | 12 Mar 2015 1:57 p.m. PST |
Media mail is fine. Definitely padded envelopes and if it is a pretty hardback (eg Black Powder) cardboard sandwich won't hurt. |
TNE2300 | 12 Mar 2015 2:13 p.m. PST |
corrugated cardboard sandwiches: put the corrugations at right angles (one left-right the other up-down) will give strength in two directions not just one |
vtsaogames | 12 Mar 2015 3:05 p.m. PST |
I gather padded envelopes are not provided by USPS? I am trying to figure out how much padded envelopes big enough for Black Powder sized rules would go for. The postage for media mail seems to be about $4 USD for 3 lb books within the US. Once I get the postage figures out I can start advertising the rule books here. |
John the OFM | 12 Mar 2015 3:13 p.m. PST |
I advertise them on TMP, in bunches. Sometimes people buy in bunches, and that makes buying padded envelopes more viable. No, the USPS does not supply them, but they do sell them. They provide Priority Mail mailers free, though.. |
whitphoto | 12 Mar 2015 4:15 p.m. PST |
I've mailed a lot of books for paperbackswap.com. Media isn't always the cheapest, although most of the time it is. I just says "Media or whatever is cheapest" |
rmaker | 12 Mar 2015 8:55 p.m. PST |
Yes, magazines are a no-no, because they have "ADVERTISING!!!!" Even if it is 20 year old ads for Essex miniatures direct from UK. What about rulebooks with ads for figures? |
gamedad25 | 12 Mar 2015 9:04 p.m. PST |
USPS can provide padded Priority Mail envelopes, if you go that route. Standard padded envelopes are sold at many stores. I get mine at Walgreens. The cardboard sandwich is the way to go. I have had two different rulebooks gouged during mailing, both were in the thin cardboard priority mail envelope, with no padding. @John the OFM Thanks for explaining the advertising rule. My local Post Office did not provide a reason why magazines are not media. For thinner rulebooks, "do not bend" is a good suggestion, but not always followed upon delivery. |
Stosstruppen | 13 Mar 2015 7:18 a.m. PST |
As far as padded envelopes go, you may want to get the ones with the plastic outer shell. That way if the postman leaves it outside it won't get wet. |