Mailing the ACEOs - need advice

[margarets-art]

QUESTION: Since at times I don't get much money for my ACEOs, what is the best way to mail them? I know the safest is USPS but that costs $4.60 and I don't even get that figure for some of my work. If I charge buyers that for mailing, I'm not going to get many buyers. I have been selling my artwork for the past 3 months and have recently encountered US Postal problems. My buyer notified me that he received an empty envelope which had postal markings of RECEIVED UNSEALED, DAMAGED AND WITHOUT CONTENTS. It seems that someone at the Post Office had ripped me off. Buyer sent jpg images to prove what envelope looked like. Any and all advice is appreciated.

[poozybear]

This question comes up often. Here's a thread that might answer some of your questions: http://groups.ebay.com/topic/Atc-Amp-Aceo/Step-1-Click/Packing-Shipping-Aceos/1500019435 -- Kathy

[margarets-art]

Thank you, Kathy. I read all comments and replies to comments and I now understand the PayPal labeling system, which I never used because I didn't know what to expect. Even though my envelope was bubble wrapped and packed securely and scotch-taped, I feel it was deliberately ripped open by someone along the postal route. From now on, I will use larger envelopes and get the delivery confirmation. The end of my story is that the buyer of my 2 ACEOs agreed to let me repaint both of them and then send them on. This time I will use USPS priority mail with a tracking number so the buyer can feel secure. Thanks again for all the great advice. Margaret

[margarets-art]

PS: I am so glad I joined this group!

[poozybear]

I wouldn't use priority mail - WAY too expensive and I think buyers might shy away from that cost as most are used to paying only $1-2 for shipping on an ACEO. If you use the PayPal labels, you can ship first class mail and still get delivery confirmation (it's an additional 18¢). You'd probably be better off spending the extra money on insurance rather than an upgrade to priority mail. Priority mail might get it there a day or two faster, but it doesn't offer any protection. -- Kathy

[margarets-art]

Will do. I used to think the only way to get confirmation of delivery was through priority mail but I'm glad to know I'm wrong. Kathy, Thanks again for all the help. Margaret a/k/a Lois-Lane-48

[artistjillian]

I won't use bubble wrap mailers. I do use CD mailers as they are rigid. I buy 200 at a time, which works out to about 20 cents each, and that is WITH shipping included. To post they are generally $1.35 - but I have known PO staff to only charge 41 cents at times. This way I don't need any padding. I had a PO box, and the PO staff would stuff any bubble wrap containers into it, not caring if they ripped it or bent it. I really hope, when I buy an ACEO that it doesn't come in a bubble wrap. I charge $1.50. I include the ACEO in a plastic sleeve used for trading cards as its archival. A certificate of authenticity and a thank you card - both of these are printed onto a 4x6" blank index card. -- ~Jillian artist, Jillian Crider ... google me!

[artistjillian]

I also ONLY post from a PO. -- ~Jillian artist, Jillian Crider ... google me!

[hauntedswampdesigns]

I have been making my mailings stiff, you can still sort of flex them. I write NON-MACHINABLE in bright color, add a .17 stamp for that. Now I wonder do they read the NON-MACHINABLE? Lynda -- Edited by hauntedswampdesigns at 06/14/2008 6:47 AM PDT

[poozybear]

Good point Lynda. Mine are also marked non-machinable, and I pay the extra fee. Maybe they consider that a package. When I go to USPS dot com to calculate postage, I often get this red flag notice: "First-Class Mail Package rates apply to Large Envelopes that are rigid, nonrectangular, or not uniformly thick." -- Kathy

[jjohnsonlowe]

I wonder what the difference is between "package" and "parcel". No wonder the poor Post Office clerks seem so confused. It is a lot like reading legal documents -- arrrrggghhhhhh!!! --

[tbartsartist]

I just printed out a sample paypal shipping label to see how big it was. Half a sheet! Is this too big for a 6x9 envelope? I'd have to put it on sideways. Thanks, anyone who wants to answer. -- Theresa

My listings

[jjohnsonlowe]

I trim some of the blank white paper off of the edges. Then, it fits fine on a 6" x 9" envelope. Just make sure that you do NOT put any tape over the bar code. --

[hauntedswampdesigns]

I put clear tape over the bar code all the time. Even when I take a package to the PO the clerk puts clear tape over the bar code....I did ask her about that....she said it was OK..........? Lynda

[jjohnsonlowe]

I dunno -- the instructions on the label say DO NOT TAPE OVER BARCODE. --