The MLP Arena

TCB => Trader & Shipping Support => Topic started by: jrr74 on October 10, 2017, 08:09:23 AM

Title: bubble mailer versus box for loose ponies
Post by: jrr74 on October 10, 2017, 08:09:23 AM

Trying to get myself prepared to sell a large portion of my collection.  I'm a hoarder so may take a little longer.  Plus I want to at least make the ponies appear presentable.  Then there is the photoshoot, have to figure out a background :P   But seriously, is there a price point from when you mail a loose pony in a bubble mailer versus a box?  Is there that much of a difference in shipping price or does it come down to what is readily available and/or inexpensive?  I assume it is cheaper to buy bubble mailers over small boxes for shipping.  Thank you for any wisdom you can share

Title: Re: bubble mailer versus box for loose ponies
Post by: Breyer600 on October 10, 2017, 09:12:55 AM

Since a box will weigh several ounces more than a bubble envelope, it will be more expensive to ship, but the main difference will be if it pushes the total weight over the limit for First Class shipping.  If it stays under that, the difference will only be a few cents, but going over it could mean several dollars.  Of course, some ponies (any with fragile parts such as wingers) should always be shipped in a box. 

Bubble envelopes are cheaper to buy especially if you get them in bulk, but you can often pick up used boxes for free at stores when they're stocking their shelves.

Title: Re: bubble mailer versus box for loose ponies
Post by: Stiletto on October 10, 2017, 09:52:33 AM

If you have to buy bubble mailers make sure you buy them in bulk from eBay or Amazon.  Soooo much cheaper then locally at a store.

Title: Re: bubble mailer versus box for loose ponies
Post by: Taxel on October 10, 2017, 10:56:41 AM

I prefer using boxes for anything fragile, MIB/MOC, etc but bubble mailers can definitely work as well. When I use them I tend to stuff them full of plastic bags, wrap the ponies in dye-free tissue (tissue paper or kleenex), and then wrap the ponies in bubble wrap. This ups the price a bit but the added security is worth it to me, especially with the flimsy low-quality bubble mailers.

Title: Re: bubble mailer versus box for loose ponies
Post by: Leave a Whisper on October 10, 2017, 11:29:00 AM

Its a bit cheaper for bubble mailers. Most ponies are sturdy so its fine. I ship bigger bunches in boxes, small/singles in bubble mailers.

Title: Re: bubble mailer versus box for loose ponies
Post by: Taffeta on October 10, 2017, 01:13:04 PM

It probably also depends if you are only shipping within your own country or internationally. I use padded envelopes to send within the UK and sometimes to Europe if the pony is sturdy and I can pack it well, but not often do I do that to more distant destinations. And yeah, the obvious about delicate ponies and boxes you probably already realised xD.

I stockpile boxes from items received and recycle them to send items out. At least, I did until my dad started commandeering my box spares to send copies of his book to places that ordered them. Sigh. All my nice Japanese boxes are gone :(.

I can't help in terms of USPS pricing.

Title: Re: bubble mailer versus box for loose ponies
Post by: Leave a Whisper on October 10, 2017, 01:44:07 PM

Quote from: Taffeta on October 10, 2017, 01:13:04 PM

It probably also depends if you are only shipping within your own country or internationally. I use padded envelopes to send within the UK and sometimes to Europe if the pony is sturdy and I can pack it well, but not often do I do that to more distant destinations. And yeah, the obvious about delicate ponies and boxes you probably already realised xD.

I stockpile boxes from items received and recycle them to send items out. At least, I did until my dad started commandeering my box spares to send copies of his book to places that ordered them. Sigh. All my nice Japanese boxes are gone :(.

I can't help in terms of USPS pricing.

Same here with the boxes!

Title: Re: bubble mailer versus box for loose ponies
Post by: Loa on October 10, 2017, 02:01:18 PM

It does depend on what you are sending.
I send single G3/G4's in a bubble, but the more fragile G1's/2's and accessories in smaller boxes. :)

Title: Re: bubble mailer versus box for loose ponies
Post by: Stormness_1 on October 10, 2017, 04:21:26 PM

I usually ship in bubble mailers, but obviously there are exceptions to the rule for ponies with delicate or moving parts. I have large mailers that I can usually fit up to about 6 adult ponies, more than that and I switch to a box. I'm also a box hoarder, as it's hard to find good boxes for shipping. So many products now come in flimsy boxes and just have foam inserts. I just want a good box!!

Title: Re: bubble mailer versus box for loose ponies
Post by: jrr74 on October 11, 2017, 07:46:18 PM

Thank you everyone for your responses.  Not looking forward to all the prep work, but once I get going, it should be fine  ^.^

Title: Re: bubble mailer versus box for loose ponies
Post by: LadyMoondancer on October 12, 2017, 06:45:55 AM

Yeah, buy bubble mailers in bulk!   Last time I bought these:  9" x 14.5" bubble mailers (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GHZZV6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

I can fit two adult G1 ponies and one baby G1 pony in each, or three G1 adults depending on their pose.

Title: Re: bubble mailer versus box for loose ponies
Post by: jrr74 on October 12, 2017, 07:10:45 PM

Quote from: LadyMoondancer on October 12, 2017, 06:45:55 AM

Yeah, buy bubble mailers in bulk!   Last time I bought these:  9" x 14.5" bubble mailers (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GHZZV6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

I can fit two adult G1 ponies and one baby G1 pony in each, or three G1 adults depending on their pose.

thank you for dimensions.  would hate to buy ones that are too small