Well shoot, have I been doing this wrong? (Question about shipping w/ bubble envelopes)

[annabanana1963]

In trying to find out the least expensive way to ship something, I ran across some info on using large bubble envelopes (with calculated shipping). I think I've thought that if the product can fit in that envelope, then I can click "envelope" when I'm purchasing the shipping lable (versus "package"). I never had a problem with the USPS when I dropped off the packages, and wonder, now what? I can't go back and unmail things already mailed. What exactly is the rule for using these envelopes for thicker items? 

[ebooksdiva · Accepted solution]

Bubble  mailers, no matter what size they are will be considered a package by USPS. Because of their thickness, envelopes are thin a flat and can be run through a machine.Your PO will either send them all back to you for postage due, or charge the recipient of each package for postage due.  Your buyers won’t be happy. 

[nobody*s_perfect]

USPS has rates known as "First Class flats" which are sometimes referred to as "Large envelopes".  There are many criteria for shipping items as envelopes rather than packages, including limits on the dimensions ("Not more than 15 inches long, or more than 12 inches high, or more than 3/4 inch thick."), flexibility, and even thickness.  Most items shipped in envelopes do not meet all of these requirements and must be shipped as packages. You can see details about the many criteria here:  

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/101.htm#ep1002686

Also, eBay does not sell postage for flats, probably because they want sellers to include tracking for their items and USPS does not include tracking (or insurance) with postage for First Class flats. If your envelope does meet all the criteria and if you are willing to ship without tracking, then you must either ship at the PO counter of just put stamps on your envelope. 

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@ebooksdiva wrote:

Bubble  mailers, no matter what size they are will be considered a package by USPS. ...

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A flexible, even envelope up to 3/4 inch thick can be mailed as a flat.  Many magazine sellers ship their items as flats.

[annabanana1963]

thanks - so far this (USPS sending the package back to me) hasn't happened -- oh, I think there was one time, actually). Anyway, now I know and will act accordingly :). I appreciate your taking time to respond!