Packing & Shipping: What not to do

[wastingtime101]

Dropped off packages at the post office and spotted seven med flat rate Priority boxes in the laundry hamper for prepaids - all with a massive gap like this:

I see this happen all the time. I've received many packages just like this, often with damaged goods.

The shipper didn't even put a piece of cardboard under the gap to protect the contents.

Not only are the contents more vulnerable to damage, but because the box is not sealed within the "normal folds" or "properly closed" (terms from the DMM), USPS can apply cost adjustments to those prepaid flat rates.

Your turn. Add a "what not to do" tip below.

[rudy2828]

That's absurd. I've never shipped or received a parcel like that.

As a shipper I can't remember the last time I used Flat Rate boxes, except for the discontinued Regional (A, B,&C) ones that can be used for Priority Mail.

[rudy2828]

Not to mention completely illegal.

[rudy2828]

Just cross out the offending words.

[rudy2828]

I'm sure you'd rather have gotten the books than a refund.

[southern*sweet*tea]

What not to do:

Please do NOT ship collectible books in a bubble or poly mailer.  Just don't.  Get a box.

Trade paperbacks are fine in mailers, but hardcovers and anything (PB or HB) collectible needs to be in a box.

Please do NOT ship an antique paper item in an envelope.  Just don't.  Sandwich it between some corrugated cardboard and then mail it.  Yes, it will be a package and it will cost more than a stamp to ship, but the $50 paper item I paid good money for won't be destroyed by the high speed sorting machines or folded, spindled and mutilated beyond recognition.

Thank you.