Packing Small Items

[dgeorge44]

I print my Labels

Which are 4x6

I have Small Items

Looking for feedback on how others handle shipping a small item in a 4x6 box

Anyone get complaints packing 4x6?

Thank you!

[pargran3]

I am sorry. I guess I do not understand your question.

If the item fits securely in that size box with adequate packaging why would you get complaints?

Radine

[dgeorge44]

That the item is much smaller then 4x6 & the cost of shipping would be more, Then if I were to pack in a smaller box more towards the items size & hand wrote addresses & took to the post office

LOL not sure if that makes sense either 

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@dgeorge44 wrote:

That the item is much smaller then 4x6 & the cost of shipping would be more, Then if I were to pack in a smaller box more towards the items size & hand wrote addresses & took to the post office

LOL not sure if that makes sense either 

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No, that doesn't make sense.

First Class package postage costs more at the PO than if you purchase the postage online, such as through eBay.  It is not related to package size; First Class package postage is based on weight and zone (distance).  The postage cost for a package that's 4x6x1 is the same as for a package that's 10x10x10, IF the weight is the same. Actually, the current prices for First Class package postage are in 4-ounce increments so a 5-ounce package costs the same as an 8-ounce package (for the same weight and distance).

[richard1rst]

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@dgeorge44 wrote:

That the item is much smaller then 4x6 & the cost of shipping would be more, Then if I were to pack in a smaller box more towards the items size & hand wrote addresses & took to the post office

LOL not sure if that makes sense either 

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Well, I will not speak for the post office but when I print first class postage through Pirateship I get a message that the minimum size for a first class package is 6" x 3". So 6x4 is OK but much smaller would be rejected.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@richard1rst wrote: ... I will not speak for the post office but when I print first class postage through Pirateship I get a message that the minimum size for a first class package is 6" x 3". So 6x4 is OK but much smaller would be rejected.

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I can't find any reference to that requirement in the DMM:

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/201.htm#ep1097220

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/201.htm#ep1097318

[a_c_green]

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@dgeorge44 wrote:

Looking for feedback on how others handle shipping a small item in a 4x6 box

Anyone get complaints packing 4x6?

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I ship in 6x4x4 boxes all the time with no problems. The label fits just fine on the side when printed full-size; no scaling down needed.

I use lightweight Ecoswift boxes, which are thinwall corrugated, similar to the USPS Priority Box material. I found that the Ecoswift 6x4x4 size was about an ounce lighter than a standard corrugated box of the same size, which let my usual shipments travel in the 4.1-8.0 ounce price range of First Class Package instead of the more expensive 8.1-12.0 price range.

Finally, I add a bit of Elmer's Glue to the box flaps so that they're glued as well as taped, and this makes for a really sturdy little box with its laminated double layers top and bottom.

If shipping Priority due to high-value contents, I wrap a couple of Priority Mail stickers around the opposite corners, plus one more on the bottom, to boost its Priority Mail visibility along the way. No issues that I can recall.

[grasscarp]

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@dgeorge44 wrote:

That the item is much smaller then 4x6 & the cost of shipping would be more, Then if I were to pack in a smaller box more towards the items size & hand wrote addresses & took to the post office

LOL not sure if that makes sense either 

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I ship 80% of my orders thru USPS in a 4x3x2 box. I print 4x3 thermal labels to fit on the 4x3 top side. Smaller boxes and less filler = cheaper shipping = more profit.  I  buy labels thru ebay, all info stays in 1 place.  No problem!!

[dgeorge44]

Do they print on a regular printer or do you need a thermal printer

[dgeorge44]

Thank you for your feedback!

[richard1rst]

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@nobody*s_perfect wrote:

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@richard1rst wrote: ... I will not speak for the post office but when I print first class postage through Pirateship I get a message that the minimum size for a first class package is 6" x 3". So 6x4 is OK but much smaller would be rejected.

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I can't find any reference to that requirement in the DMM:

Well I did mention that the info came through Pirateship:

(It should be noted that I do not get a similar warning from eBay even if I enter it as 1x1x1)

[dgeorge44]

Thank you for your feedback!

I buy mine directly through ebay 

[dgeorge44]

That's my problem

I have health issues & getting out to the post office is a struggle 

Joys of getting old 🤗

[dgeorge44]

Thank you for your feedback!

[grasscarp]

Thermal labels only print on a thermal printer. I recently bought a small thermal printer just for labels and I love it - no ink, no ribbons, no toner -- EVER!!!

And VERY fast. Wish I had done it much sooner.