Shipping Tip for the Newbs- Dont Use Paper Envelopes!!!

[nightrider05]

Seriously guys...use some common sense and quit being cheap.

This isn't aimed at anyone in particular, but out of the past 4 items I have bought 2 of them have been lost in transit due to the envelope being torn and item falling out.

A paper envelope should only be used to send paper. If you are going to send a metal object, use either a cardboard or one of the reinforced envelopes with bubble wrap...or just use a box so you are almost guaranteed the item will arrive.

I am getting tired of receiving empty envelopes and in the end getting screwed.

 

[The Penguin]

same thing happened to me once - someone was sending me jets.

the envelope arrived with a large hole torn in it - luckily the jets were still there.

 

[Matt_E]

I do this on purpose to piss people off. :biggrin:

 

[nightrider05]

I do this on purpose to piss people off. :biggrin:

I just simply don't understand why you would ship in an Envelope?

Through the post office, its the same price to ship a box, as it is an envelope..and obviously a box offers a ton more protection.

If you figure up the price of the two parts I have lost in the mail, it is well over $100 and both of the parts are hard to find used. :frown:

 

[Mile9c1]

I've done this, but I've taped the parts to the envelope so they wouldn't fall out. Shipping an envelope is cheaper than shipping a box, if you go through the Post Office. Plus envelopes are easier to find.

 

[The Penguin]

an envelope cost $0.44

a box is more than that.

 

[Matt_E]

I've shipped in actual paper envelopes only twice, so relax.

I just simply don't understand why you would ship in an Envelope?

Because an envelope is readily available and can be left in my own mailbox.
It's convenient. (Done only twice)

Through the post office, its the same price to ship a box, as it is an envelope..

Ummm....you sure on that one? I'll go ahead and disagree with you there.

If you figure up the price of the two parts I have lost in the mail, it is well over $100 and both of the parts are hard to find used. :frown:

Let me know what it was, I'll probably have it in my box o'parts. I'll drop it in an envelope and get it out to you. :biggrin:

 

[nightrider05]

I've done this, but I've taped the parts to the envelope so they wouldn't fall out. Shipping an envelope is cheaper than shipping a box, if you go through the Post Office. Plus envelopes are easier to find.

Yes it is easier, but if you compare the prices its the same. Ok, you are paying a bit extra for the extra weight of the box, but other than that you aren't saving crap by sending in an envelope.

an envelope cost $0.44

a box is more than that.

I get all of my boxes for free, and have to pay for envelopes. If people look around their house they usually have boxes sitting around.


What im getting at, is any time I have received an item in an envelope, the item has either been lost or damaged..all because the seller wanted to cut corners and save a bit of time/money.

I would honestly rather them charge me more for shipping and guarantee I will get the item I paid for.

 

[The Penguin]

then offer to pay for insurance. :wink:

 

[Matt_E]

Yes it is easier, but if you compare the prices its the same. Ok, you are paying a bit extra for the extra weight of the box, but other than that you aren't saving crap by sending in an envelope.

You're grossly mistaken on this.

An envelope costs 44 cents to send.
A box will cost a MINIMUM of $4.95 to send.

 

[The Penguin]

if it's 1st class mail, and less than 12 oz (maybe 1#) - it ships by standard USPS rates.

when it's over 1# (or 12 oz) - it ships by priority mail and the minimum is $4.95

 

[nightrider05]

then offer to pay for insurance. :wink:

Obviously you have never dealt with USPS insurance...I did pay for insurance on the first item that I bought..it was for motorcycle parts. USPS flat out said they wont pay on claims when it was neglect on the shippers behalf...such as shipping metal items in a paper envelope that 95% of the time will rip.

You're grossly mistaken on this.

An envelope costs 44 cents to send.
A box will cost a MINIMUM of $4.95 to send.

You are assuming I am speaking of Priority..in that case you would be correct.

Item I received was shipped First Class

With first class, or just regular snail mail, the price does NOT change depending on if you are shipping a box or envelope.

I ship items every day and I utilize the post office whenever I can due to the fact they are cheaper...I believe I know what I am talking about.

 

[Matt_E]

I was talking priority and parcel. I didn't know there was any other way to send boxes. (via USPS)

 

[nightrider05]

I was talking priority and parcel. I didn't know there was any other way to send boxes. (via USPS)

Yea you can ship first class. Its very cheap and if the person is close to you the item will arrive about the same time as an item shipped Priority.

The item has to be under a specific weight though to go First Class.

 

[Matt_E]

Sweet, I learned something.

The more you know....:biggrin:

 

[nightrider05]

Sweet, I learned something.

The more you know....:biggrin:

You may be right about the parcel though..I hardly ever ship Parcel Post since it can literally take weeks to arrive.

IF you do ship first class, always get a delivery confirmation number..especially when shipping to Florida. A delivery confirmation usually prevents the item from being stolen.

First Class if going across the U.S is around 5-7 days...if its in a closer zone it can be 1-5 days. About the same as if you paid a bill and put it in a paper envelope to send across the U.S.

 

[Matt_E]

I find that Priority is usually within a dollar or two of parcel, unless you're shipping something heavy. In which case Fedex is the way to go.
So usually it doesn't pay to send something Parcel, especially if you can fit whatever you're shipping into a flat rate box.

 

[Kalwren]

...
IF you do ship first class, always get a delivery confirmation number..especially when shipping to Florida. A delivery confirmation usually prevents the item from being stolen..

Whats the deal with shipping to Florida? I've not heard of any issues but I'm curious what your experiences are.

Thanks.

 

[tor*p*do]

the only envelopes I use are tyvek and tough as heck
tape small items to a manilla folder
put in tyvek envelope and ship for cheap! :biggrin:

 

[SUPERJET-113]

If you ship in a envelope, completely cover it with clear shipping tape so it cant rip.