I’m going to just describe my shipping method(s) and others can do the same. I’m sure we can all learn something from each other.
I’m very critical on my eBay books and if something’s happened during shipping because of a inept sellers packaging they’re going to hear about it. My feedback will always state exactly how the transaction went & I’m won’t hesitate to leave neutral or negative.
Books are always bagged and boarded when shipped with no exceptions. I refuse to ship Media Mail because it’s slow and in my experience 60-70% of packages I get media mail are damaged in some way. I think the big reason is the extended time it’s in the USPS’s system.
I use oversized thick pieces of cardboard to sandwich the book(s) in between. I like the cardboard to be at least an inch bigger than the comic on all sides. I attach the book to one of the pieces of cardboard using tape. I use shipping tape with both ends folded over so the buyer can easily remove the tape. Tear off a piece of tape, put it sticky side up and fold over the very ends. Then I apply the tape. I do all four sides of the book. I then tape the other piece of cardboard to it. Again I fold over these ends of tape as well making it easy to peel off. Also I offset the tape so it’s not covering the tape already used to secure the books to the one piece of cardboard. If I’m shipping multiple books they are placed face to face and the group of books are taped to the other books and then sandwiched between the cardboard. If you’re sandwiching your books without affixing them to the cardboard you’re a bad shipper. You don’t want the books shifting around because hello corner impact creases.
This is where my packaging can differ. If the books fit in a Gemini cardboard mailer then that’s it for packaging. If there’s wiggle room the comic(s) sandwiched between cardboard is taped to the Gemini Mailer to avoid shifting. Sometimes I put the sandwiched books in a bubble mailer and then in a Gemini or Regular Box. If it’s put in a regular box it’s got packing peanuts or bubble wrap surrounding it on all sides.
That’s my general shipping method and I’ve never had any issues or damage when shipping like this. How do you ship your books?
Buddle wrap mailer inside a gemini type box. usually prevents the book from moving and adds a layer of cushion. cut the bubble wrap to size and it should fit inside. ( buddle wrap envolopes are free from usps)
I use the Priority mail bags to put the comic in after bagging and boarding. Tape the mail bag inside the Gemini comic face down. Then tape the Gemini shut. Pretty safe secure shipping.
I put my books between 2 pieces of cardboard and then I use a lot of “Do not bend” And “Fragile” red stickers on my books. I also take a picture if them before I ship them out so that way I can put in a claim it they arrive damaged. “Knock in wood” I haven’t had a single one returned to be yet.
How do you all ship prestige sized books? I sold my copy of Penthouse 1 Dekal overnight, and I’m a bit unsure of how to ship this size. Will a gemini mailer work? Seems like the book is too wide for that. But, I hate to pack it up in a bigger box, too.
I think the Gemini mailer can “expand” to magazine, but it’s not as closed off from the elements. Look at where the bends are to see what it gives you.
If that does work, it’s going to be less sturdy…May want to include a piece of cardboard inside to reinforce it from getting bent.
Shipping label question. Do you all have an adhesive shipping label printer? If so, which one do you recommend? I’ve been doing the ol’ print a label on 8.5x11 paper, cut it to size, and tape it on. Getting tired of that process. Recommendations?
I just got one from Christmas from Amazon. It works with Bluetooth from my phone, but I have to save the labels from eBay and Mercari as a file to print not a big deal. The brand is called Nelko and I think my printer was like 50 bucks.
I kind of assumed they’d be super expensive to buy these for my existing printer. Avery labels aren’t cheap. But, it looks like I can get about 200 labels for $11 on Amazon. I’ll try that first.
Yea i use a similar thermal label printer, made from “LIIUU”, obviously some chinese brand. But got it from amazon on a deal for like $20, works fantastic. I use it with my phone and bluetooth connect to it, no computer needed. Like anthony, i just save the ebay labels or pirateship labels are already formatted perfect for it.
I waited so long to purchase one, but if you do any type of normal selling/shipping its SO worth it. Wish i wouldve bought it sooner.
