Gwen liked my answer yesterday so much that she wrote back again today!
She asks: I was wondering what the best way is to ship books and movies, DVDs, etc? I know the post office has the flat rate envelopes and boxes for priority mail, but I've seen so many send theirs media mail and I didn't see any boxes for that on the USPS site.
Well, Gwen, it just so happens that I sell more books than anything else—and yes, Media Mail is the best way to ship those. The post office does not supply packaging for Media Mail, so you have to be creative here (go green!).
My usual choice for wrapping books is the good old brown grocery bag (turned inside out and cut to size, of course). I also re-use the plastic grocery bags by wrapping the book in that first to protect it from the elements (you never know what kind of weather your package might go through) and then wrap it in the brown paper. Media mail is ideal because it is less expensive to send your books. I can mail a 2 pound book across the country for $2.77—standard parcel post would cost over $7, and Priority would cost between $5 and $8 depending on the size of the package.
But, keep 1st Class in mind anytime your book weighs under 13 ounces (craft booklet or small soft cover publications that might fit in a manila envelope) because it might be more cost effective to use that rate. And, with 1st Class your item will get to your customer faster—Media Mail is estimated to take 5-10 days for delivery. But, I’ve found that to be true only in the busy Christmas season—still it’s something to keep in mind.
But, keep in mind that the book rate (that’s an old term, but lots of us still use it) has some restrictions: magazines (because of the advertising inside), combining a 1st Class item (letter) with your book, etc. The Post Office also reserves the right to open any Media Mail item for inspection. I think I was once told our local office randomly opens two packages a day for inspection.
Thanks for your questions, Gwen! I really appreciate my readers interaction!
