Cheapest way to ship several magazines?

[yankeesrule1234567890]

I want to sell (and ship) a set of 5 magazines- what flat rate mode would work and be the cheapest? I know the best would be Padded Flat Rate Envelope, but unsure if it is large enough to fit this many magazines. When stacked on top of each other, the height is 1.5". They are standard magazine size- 8" x 10.5", and weigh almost 4 pounds together.

Figured I would ask in case someone can prevent me from making an extra stop at the post office. Thanks.

Also- this is the envelope I'm referring to: https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/priority-mail-padded-flat-rate-envelope-P_EP1...

[partial*eclipse · Accepted solution]

Even if they fit in the padded FRE, there wouldn't be enough room for adequate protection.

IMHO your best option is the Regonal A2 box, which ships at the  online 2-pound rate, for any actual weight up to 15 pounds.

https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/priority-mail-regional-rate-box---a2-P_RRB_A2

[yankeesrule1234567890]

Because they are not very valuable magazines, and already have some wear, it doesn't matter in this case if there was some extra wear (though I would take every precaution in packaging). I think I will just order the padded FRE's since they are free, and see what I think. Otherwise I'll do what you said. Thanks!

[partial*eclipse]

All of the Priority Mail boxes and envelopes from USPS are free.   You should order some of the Regional A's in case the padded FRE's aren't big enough.  Also, if your buyer happens to be in Zones 1 - 4, the extra cost of the Regional A box is negligible.

The potential damage from inadequate packaging can go way beyond "some extra wear", especially in the perceptions of a buyer who receives a damaged package.

[dcintennessee]

You should heed the advice of partial*eclipse. RR boxes are awesome for magazines! 

There's no way I would use the padded envelope, unless you add thick cardboard. The padded envelope is going to shift & roll in transit, then get stuffed into the buyer's mailbox. You're going to end up with magazines that are not in the same condition when you photographed them. You'll get better protection from the cardboard FRE, and I'd still add cardboard unless the envelope is full enough to make it relatively un-bendable.  Still - I don't think your stack will fit into any FRE. RR Box A is the way to go, unless you want to do FedEx Smartpost, and that's an entirely different kettle of fish.

[yankeesrule1234567890]

I actually own some RR priority boxes, I just figured that if someone lives in a zone 7 or 8, they won't buy the magazines since shipping cost will be so high for them. Magazines themselves are worth $15-20.

If I were to use the padded FRE's I would wrap them tightly together in wrapping paper (as if  they're a present), then tape some cardboard over it. Not sure if that would fit, so that's why I ordered to see. Was just looking for a quick answer from this very helpful community so thank you, I figured it out :]

[k_melody]

usps media mail for magazines/books, i put cardboard in to keep flat in a mailer

[green-night]

Magazines should not be shipped media mail. 

[dcintennessee]

Amen green-night! It's a violation of USPS regulation to send magazines via Media Mail. The package is subject to inspection anywhere along the route...because USPS is looking for those who use Media Mail illegally. The contents may be damaged during inspection, and the open package will be re-rated at the full Priority Mail price, instead of the discounted price you could/should have paid to begin with. Those packagges used to arrive Postage Due, but these days I guess they'll pop the seller's Paypal account for the extra $$.

I know lots of sellers illegally use Media Mail, and so far haven't been busted for it. That still doesn't make it right. Somewhere on here there's another thread that I heartily support. eBay controls so many aspects of our listings already. They should make it impossible for Media Mail to even be an option for any item listed as "magazine" or in categories otherwise in violation of MM requirements.

[partial*eclipse]

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@k_melody wrote:
usps media mail for magazines/books, i put cardboard in to keep flat in a mailer

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@k_melody.  No, you cannot use MM for magazines.  Here's a handy reference chart that USPS put together for staff:

https://liteblue.usps.gov/news/link/2013/04apr/Media-Mail-Guidelines.htm

[muffetmedia]

Agreeing with what everyone else said about Media Mail. Think about it the same way as speed laws: yeah. there are people who speed, but that doesn't make it right. And if you're the one caught speeding you probably won't like the consequences.

I know for a fact USPS inspects Media Mail. I mailed a box of books to myself once and the package had been opened up, rifled through, and sloppily retaped. It had been in the USPS' possession since I dropped it off at an out-of-state PO until I picked it up at my po box.

[lja440]

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@k_melody wrote:
usps media mail for magazines/books, i put cardboard in to keep flat in a mailer

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MAGAZINES DO NOT!!! QUALIFY FOR MEDIA MAIL.

[bobwhitesoftheglen]

I buy a lot of magazines here.  I can't hit the back button fast enough when I see the shipping as Media Mail on the auction.  

[k_melody]

i did not kow, i thought it was any book, thanks for the good info

[sam9876]

A magazine is not a book.