How do I set shipping to a bubble letter?

[chris_silb_21]

I'm selling books and trading cards and I think bubble letters might be my best choice for safer, lower shipping costs with tracking code. I'm not familiar with setting up delivery options for my items though, so I don't see bubble letters as an option when going through "Calculate Shipping."

Should I just choose letter and weight for this option? If so, what measurements?

I'm asking because I've read on here, and heard from others too, that bubble letters shouldn't cost more than a few dollars to ship to a US address. When I try to set it up though, it goes up to $8.

I appreciate any help. Thank you.

[mtgraves7984]

Use 'Package'... enter 9" x 11" x 1" (or the like) and your estimated weight... you can get a First Class price. Good luck.

[nobody*s_perfect]

I have been on these discussion boards for over a decade and this is the first time I have encountered the term "bubble letter".  I suspect that you mean that you are shipping your items in padded envelopes.

No, do not just choose "Letter." For one thing, the maximum thickness that can be mailed as a USPS letter is 1/4 inch, and your envelope with merchandise in it will be thicker than that.  There are also limits on the length, width, and weight. And letter postage doesn't include tracking.

If you want to ship with tracking, then you must mail your items as packages.  If the weight is not over 16 ounces, you can purchase online postage for First Class packages for $2.99 - $5.95 depending on weight and distance. In the drop-down menu for "Package type" you must choose "Package/thick envelope."

[lamber9347]

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@chris_silb_21 wrote:

I'm selling books and trading cards and I think bubble letters might be my best choice for safer, lower shipping costs with tracking code. I'm not familiar with setting up delivery options for my items though, so I don't see bubble letters as an option when going through "Calculate Shipping."

Should I just choose letter and weight for this option? If so, what measurements?

I'm asking because I've read on here, and heard from others too, that bubble letters shouldn't cost more than a few dollars to ship to a US address. When I try to set it up though, it goes up to $8.

I appreciate any help. Thank you.

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Bubble mailers do ship first class as long as the weight is below 16oz. I use them all the time and only ship with USPS first class. When you list your item just select first class calculated as your option. Measure your envelope, should be around 9" X 8", then weight it with packing material inside. As long as you use calculated the cost will be around $3.50-$4.00. Take your time and you should be all set. Best of luck to you.... 

[nobody*s_perfect]

"When you list your item just select first class calculated as your option. "

USPS has 3 categories for First Class Mail: Letters, flats (AKA Large envelope), and packages.  If a seller wants to mail their item as a package, they MUST choose "Package/thick envelope" in the menu for package type.  If they chose "letter" or "Large envelope" then that's what their buyer wll be charged for even if they choose "First Class package" in the menu for service.

eBays shipping calculator doesn't accept fractions or decimals for measurements; if the envelope is under 1 inch thick, just enter 1 for thickness.  In fact, since the postage rates for First Class packages aren't affected by dimensions, you can just enter any rough estimate as long as it's in full inches.

[dbfolks166mt]

If you are selling books you may want to consider using media mail as your shipping option. It is a little slower than first class but considerably cheaper. I tend to forgo using bubble envelopes aka padded envelopes because of the cost. That is unless you already have a bunch laying around or are reusing ones from things you have received. You can pickup a box of 100 10" x 12" plain envelopes and some bubble wrap cheaper than buying the pre-made ones. Simply bubble wrap the item and shove it in a plain envelope a lot cheaper than using the pre-made bubble letters and ship it first class package or media mail whichever is cheaper.