Shipping 12x12 paper

[loricabo]

I am in the midst of paring down my craft supplies & have a ton of 12x12 cardstock & designer paper I would like to sell. Just wondering if anyone has suggestions for a good (economical) way to ship. USPS offers the large flat rate Priority box measuring 12x12 - paper corners may get smooshed if I use this, or am I worrying for nothing? I would prefer to do the majority of it in "lots" rather than individual packs, although I do have a few cardstock "sets" that would not warrant the large box. Thanks in advance!

[larue]

I have used clean pizza boxes to mail pks. of SU cs.

[Alice in Md]

Someone mailed 12x12 paper to me using extra cardboard top and bottom and a cut up brown paper bag for wrapping. It arrived in perfect condition, although I have to admit I was surprised that the corners weren't smooshed.

[bound4london]

Or wrap it securely between cardboard and place in a large bubble wrap envelope.

[TeeGeeDee]

A photographer I once worked for (briefly, as an office assistant) would mail photographs between two pieces of corrugated cardboard at least 1/2" -1 " wider than the photo. It would then be wrapped in plain brown paper and mailed. I don't remember if she used FedEx or the US postal system for these but they arrived in great condition.

[SkyNacho]

When christmas time comes around, and the calendar shop has everythign on clearance, I pick up the calendar mailers for about 50 cents each. that won't really help you now but, you know-- for next time. ;)

[loricabo]

Thanks so much for the replies & suggestions - it helps! Does anyone have suggestions for shipping 12x12 paper in bulk (i.e. 200-400 sheets) packages, that doesn't cost an arm & a leg?

[fionna51]

I have shipped everything light or heavy...from plastic envies to wood blocks. If it's heavy stuff like wood blocks or paper, it is absolutely the best way to go with flat rate priority. You won't find anything cheaper.

Outside of flat rate, everything is based on weight. So the heavier it is, the more expensive.

Lighter stuff I've found is better to go first class parcel.

[loricabo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fionna51

I have shipped everything light or heavy...from plastic envies to wood blocks. If it's heavy stuff like wood blocks or paper, it is absolutely the best way to go with flat rate priority. You won't find anything cheaper.

Outside of flat rate, everything is based on weight. So the heavier it is, the more expensive.

Lighter stuff I've found is better to go first class parcel.

I LOVE the flat rate boxes! The large measures 12x12, same as the paper. I am tempted to go ahead & use this size box, but am a bit worried about bent corners as the box dimensions are the same as the paper.

[TeeGeeDee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by loricabo

I LOVE the flat rate boxes! The large measures 12x12, same as the paper. I am tempted to go ahead & use this size box, but am a bit worried about bent corners as the box dimensions are the same as the paper.

Perhaps you could wrap some heavier paper (I'm thinking from a recycled manila folder or lightweight cardboard like from a cereal box) around all the corners for at least some protection. You'd have to be sure the whole thing still fits but unless there really isn't any wiggle room I think it would fit.

Good luck and please let us know what you did (and also if you hear whether or not arrives undamaged).

[AnnieWills]

Priority Mail Box O-1095 has internal dimensions of 15 1/4" x 12 3/8" x 3"...that's the box I use to ship 12x12s and even that can be a tight squeeze depending on what secondary container you use (to avoid the product getting wet or dirty). You can order them online and have them shipped to you for free...but it can take up to 10 days to get them so be prepared. Sometimes I find some at my local post office too...in the bin where the medium flat rate boxes should be. Hope this helps!

[TeeGeeDee]

I usually wrap cardstock/paper with freezer wrap (make sure the paper side is the only part touching the cs/paper) because it protects from wetness and adds very little thickness.

If I can't use freezer wrap (sometimes I'm out of it as it is not always found when I go shopping) I use wax paper BUT I also use a few sheets of scrap/recycle paper on both sides of the "good" paper so no residue will be transferred to the cardstock/paper.

[Dani D]

I actually have used the medium flat rate boxes and the 12x12 card stick/DSP fit perfectly. You can get a lot in there too!

[loricabo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dani D

I actually have used the medium flat rate boxes and the 12x12 card stick/DSP fit perfectly. You can get a lot in there too!

THANK YOU!!!!! The medium flat rate works better than the large flat rate - who would have guessed? I am going to give these a try. I'll post if I have any issues. Bonus - it's a lower cost (yea!).

Thanks to everyone who responded with suggestions - you are the BEST!!!