Shipping options for small items (keychains)

[bwpizza]

Hello y'all. I was wondering if there was an alternative way to ship small items such as keychains. I know USPS first class shipping is probably the best option for these things, but it isn't really cost effective for me. I thought about just using an envelope and some stamps, but I'm kind of concerned if the mail goes through any machines that may ruin the product etc... Thank you

[richard1rst]

The key chain is too thick to be able to send as an ordinary envelope. Best bet is a first class package. There is an option (at a small extra cost) of "non-machinable". But most likely it would still exceed the maximum thickness.

And without a tracking number, which you would get with a package, you run the risk of buyers claiming they didn't get it and you have to refund.

I sell the proverbial ton of key chains and key rings. I would never consider anything other than a first class package. Price your product appropriately to cover the cost.

Something about pennywise and pound foolish comes to mind..

[pickermall]

I'm not quite sure how First Class is not "cost effective". I would gladly pay the $3.50 or so as a buyer to get a dependable level of service WITH tracking in a small bubble mailer over "throwing a few stamps on an envelope" free shipping any day of the week

[nobody*s_perfect]

But many other potential buyers would rather pay less and take their chances, especially if they're aware that eBay's buyer protection policy (AKA Money Back Guarantee) will get them a full refund if the item is damaged or if it  doesn't arrive.  However, in the case of keychains it's moot since, as noted above, pieces that are over 1/4 inch thick can't be mailed as letters.

[12345jamesstamps]

I use the bubble envelopes sold at the post office for $1.79 tax free. It has to go as a parcel though. And shipping International doesn't work because its expensive and needs a customs form. Its not bad for domestic though.

[bwpizza]

Understood, the keychains are around 2-3 mm thick, but I guess First class would still be the best option. I thought adding some bubble wraps or something would be fine, but I guess that would just be making the package more thick.

[bwpizza]

I typically ship domestic, so that would be perfect. Just wondering, is tracking included if it's shipped as a parcel? Also, would there be a label for the shipment, or would I have to write the address the bubble envelope? Sorry for the additional questions, Thank you

[bwpizza]

oops, I meant under a 1 cm. I don't know why I was trying to think in mm

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@bwpizza wrote: .. is tracking included if it's shipped as a parcel? Also, would there be a label for the shipment, or would I have to write the address the bubble envelope? ...

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All USPS package postage, including First Class packages, automatically includes tracking (formerly known as Delivery Confirmation) at no additional charge, whether purchased retail (at the PO) or online. You can purchase postage labels for First Class packages through eBay at the discounted online (Commercial) rate.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@12345jamesstamps wrote:

I use the bubble envelopes sold at the post office for $1.79 tax free....

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That's an outrageous price to pay for a single bubble envelope.  Get them at your local office supply store, Walmart, Target, etc.  Or even through eBay!

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@bwpizza wrote:

oops, I meant under a 1 cm. I don't know why I was trying to think in mm

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The thickness limit for a USPS letter is 1/4 inch, which is 0.635 cm.

[bwpizza]

Thank you for your replies. I checked the thickness limit for a large envelope and it was no more than 3/4 in thick. I just packaged one of those keychains up and I measured it to be 4x7x.5 in. In this case would stamps be alright if I took the risk of no tracking? Once again, thanks for your help ❤️

[nobody*s_perfect · Accepted solution]

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@bwpizza wrote: ... . I checked the thickness limit for a large envelope and it was no more than 3/4 in thick. I just packaged one of those keychains up and I measured it to be 4x7x.5 in. In this case would stamps be alright ... 

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Sorry, no.

"Large envelope" is different from "letter."

USPS has 3 categories of First Class mail: letters (maximum thickness 1/4 inch), flats (max. thickness 3/4 inch), and packages.  Unfortunately, there are other limitations to flats beyond the 3/4 inch thickness limit: they must also be flexible, and they must be literally flat, i.e., have a variation in thickness not more than 1/4 inch. So that rules out "flat" (AKA Large envelope) as a shipping method for your keychains wrapped in bubblewrap.

Here are the detailed USPS criteria (dimensions, etc.) for the 3 types of First Class mail:

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/101.htm#ep1047495

[lja440]

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@bwpizza wrote:

Thank you for your replies. I checked the thickness limit for a large envelope and it was no more than 3/4 in thick. I just packaged one of those keychains up and I measured it to be 4x7x.5 in. In this case would stamps be alright if I took the risk of no tracking? Once again, thanks for your help ❤️

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For any package, online postage will be less than stamps. And you get tracking.  Try comparing sites like PayPal and pirate ship, shippo, and others.

[hillangelsea]

Post office told be the package rate would be $5. There has to be a better way to ship a $1.50 resin keychain.