ebay-media mail question

[LaurieA]

I am confused about media mail. I plan on using all priority boxes to ship my items because of the ease of getting them for free. But what about shipping books through media mail- can I use priority boxes? If not what should I use, where do you get your boxes?

 

[waspnest]

No, I think if you use priority boxes, you have to use priority mail.

As for the media mail books - would what you want to ship fit in a large padded envelope? That's what I try to use when I can - so much easier than a box.

 

[LaurieA]

I didnt think of an envelope- thanks. I also have old books from the late 1800's I plan on putting them up- would you ship those media or since they are worth more= priority?

 

[my3kids]

If they are valuable I would ship insured Priority or even UPS. Media Mail can take eons of time and I'm convinced those packages sit at the bottom of post office bins waiting for someone to care about them.

 

[tlbwriter]

You definitely cannot use Priority boxes for anything other than Priority Mail. I'd use padded envelopes for Media Mail. BTW, I recently tried to ship a movie via Media Mail, and the clerk told me First Class was cheaper.

 

[robinb]

Depending on the value of the book, I would offer the buyer both options. If the book is very expensive, then I would just go with Priority Mail. They have new flat-rate boxes that will hold larger books. Just make sure to cushion the book in the box so it doesn't bang around. If the book is not expensive, I would offer the Media Mail option. No one wants to pay $4-$8 to have a $5-$10 book delivered when $2-$4 should cover it.

If you're in a pinch you can get envelopes from Walgreens. They have bubble mailers and regular manilla envelopes. I would pad the book using bubble wrap if you were to use a manilla envelope.

 

[seashoreCM]

For intra-U.S. shipments you can buy for the same prices the same levels of insurance on media mail as for priority mail.

For some international shipments insurance is available only on the more expensive shipping methods.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[welovedis]

Also, if you're thinking of listing these and having listed them yet, you may want to check over on the eBay discussions boards and ask the book "experts" what they recommend. If the books will be older, more valuable and collectible it would probably be best to make sure they are protected from anything that could damage them including the weather in case your packaging gets wet.

 

[LaurieA]

. Off to walgreens for envelopes for my ordinary books. I checked out the book discussion board on ebay-thanks for the tip! I have 2 old hardcover sheet music books with lyrics from the Carmen opera and LaBoheme. I will ship those priority. Great advice thanks

 

[Molly Meow]

I just wanted to add that when shipping books, it's always a good idea to place them in a Ziplock bag before packaging.

This way if it arrives at the buyer's house and has to sit on the porch waiting for them to get home, it won't get hurt if it's raining.

Good luck with your books!

 

[robinb]

I just wanted to add that when shipping books, it's always a good idea to place them in a Ziplock bag before packaging.

This way if it arrives at the buyer's house and has to sit on the porch waiting for them to get home, it won't get hurt if it's raining.

Good luck with your books!

You don't have to use an expensive ziplock. You can also wrap in a regular old-fashioned gallon food bag or in regular plastic wrap.