Best way to ship small, non-flat accessories?

[Radha]

Hi all,

        I am selling some accessories without ponies, and I was wondering what the best way to ship them is while keeping them safe.  I have a hair barrette and Salty's hat, which are small but obviously not something I want flattened!

        What's the best way to ship them cheaply but keep them safe?  I also don't know what I should expect to spend sending things like this and need to give shipping quotes.

[Lollipop]

I would suggest a small box which isn't going to get squished in the post. They are small so they should go on top of the postman's bundle, but as its getting in to busy Christmas post its best to be on the safe side & go for a box rather than a padded envelope. Maybe a little bubble wrap around them in the box as well for added protection Postage shouldn't be too much on them as they are light & small, so go for 1st class instead of 2nd class if possible (not sure what your postage is)

[saply]

I'd put them in a small box, like a jewelry gift box, and then in a padded envelope.

[goddessofpeep]

A few tips for you:

A small box, a padded envelope, or a small box inside a padded envelope should all be fine.  If you're opting for a padded envelope alone, bubble wrap the hat.   

If you're going for just a small box, make sure it's not TOO small.  It's a bad time of year to be posting things, and anything that's too small could get lost.

Make sure you put the accessories inside a ziplock bag whatever way you send it, especially since you're sending a tiny barrette.  I actually had a padded envelope burst along a seam once.  The accessories were not contained inside anything, and while I got most of what I paid for, several items were missing.  We also found a few random pony shoes on the lawn and the driveway from that lot.  Had everything been inside a baggie, nothing would have fallen out the hole, and I would've gotten everything.  Small items only need a tiny puncture to escape!

Reinforce any joints or seams with tape. 

This time of year, insist on insurance and a tracking number.

Good luck with your sales!

[ponylady]

I think you have received some really great advice so far.

I can only add what you might expect to pay in shipping. A small item like that with some adequate packaging materials will weigh around 2-3 ounces, maybe 4 for the hat. If you send First Class through the PO it is going to run you around $2.07. If it rounds out to 4 then expect to pay around $2.24. Of course these are just estimates going by what you have stated that your selling and mailing straight from the PO. If you print your postage online you do receive a small discount so prices will change a bit.

[sweetlittlejenny]

I received Salty's hat in a bubble mailer and it came just fine. Like others have said, maybe put some extra bubble wrap around the hat just to be extra safe.

[Radha]

Thanks everyone!  I like the idea of a box inside a bubble mailer, and I will definitely reinforce the seams.