Mailing Bulky Cards

[KatarinaM]

How do you all mail your extra dimensional cards? I have an A2 thank you card for my sister-in-law with lots of popped up layers and a big bow and don't want it to get crushed. Any advice? Preferrably something nice, maybe even something I could make... But then again I would be willing to buy sturdy card boxes if someone has a source?

[buggainok]

I googled "mailers" and found lots of sites that sell boxes. Most of them require that you purchase at least 100 though. There are quite a few different sizes, mostly for DVD's, CD's, etc. but the dimensions would probably work for cards also.

I found this one that looks pretty good, and you can buy 50 for $18.96:

http://www.esupplystore.com/DVD-Mail...p_136-259

[buttons2]

Wouldn't a post office priority mail box work? You could put your pretty box inside it. Just my .02 worth :>)

Wanda

[luv2bamom99]

The postage would be pretty spendy to send a card via priority.

[a1r601]

I've sent lots of cards with bulky embellies using a clear envie - they are pretty sturdy. I just have a template already made to create the address label printed on printer paper and cut down to size. I insert the front of the card facing the flap and the address label goes on the other side of it. The PO can put a special postage stamp so that it doesn't go through the machine. The recipients have gotten all of my cards so far with no problem. You will probably end up paying more if you use a bubble wrap mailer because of the size and will add more bulk.

To purchase a bulk quantity of the clear envies, you can check out ebay seller uniquepacking. They sell a variety of clear envies for almost anything you can think of. You can buy a pack of 500 A2 resealable envies for $15 including shipping (I think that is a deal).

Here is a link: http://cgi.ebay.com/500-4-5-8-x5-3-4...4.c0.m14.l1262

The adhesive strip on these envies are on the flap.

[Knutsen24]

I loooove to use dimensionals/layers on my cards and I have found that the best way to ship for me is by using a clear envie. That way they get there in one piece. Plus lots of people would get to admire your work along the way ;)

[missiowa81]

I wrap my cards like this in tissue paper and mail them in 6x9 padded envelopes aka "bubble mailer." You can buy the envelopes at any store that carries office supplies. Because of the dimensions and thickness, you will be charged postage for a first class package (versus first class letter), but it shouldn't cost you more than $1.00 - $1.30 for an A2-sized card, depending on how heavy your embellishments are. If it's that special of a card, the extra effort is well worth the special package and extra postage, in my opinion.

Oh--another option that I just remembered I've used: a VCR tape mailing box. I've bought these at Staples. I don't have one right now so I can't tell you the dimensions, but it will hold an A2-sized card. I wrapped my card in gift paper and padded around it with tissue paper.

[kphorse]

I just cut a piece of bubble wrap to go over the face my cards and then put them in the envelopes...

[mama2oliviamae]

I have a question and the answer is probably so obvious but I just don't get it...lol (As usual.)
Why is using the clear envies "safer" and the often common choice for mailing "bulky" cards?
Is it because then the PO can SEE that there are dimensionals and bulk so therefore they take better care of it?

Again, sorry if this seems like a dumb question but I'm confused and I'd like to understand so I can follow suit. :-)

[jutta]

I'd like to know the answer to that question , too. Is it just thtat the clear envelopes are toughter?

Jutta

[clepatb]

I'd like to know that, too! One thing I do is crimp a piece of scrap white cardstock and place it over the front of my card.

[Luanne Ford]

subscribing.....

[ldidge]

I take a piece of cardboard (I save all of the cardboard from DSP packs) and cut it out to fit the size of the card and put on top of card and slip into envy.

[blest2bhere]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jutta

I'd like to know the answer to that question , too. Is it just thtat the clear envelopes are toughter?

Jutta

I'm thinking you're correct in that they would be tougher, but do you use a bigger envelope then? Or are they more like a thin box rather than an envelope. Sure would love to see the answer!

[StampinCatMom]

Not sure about a "clear" envelope, either.

One thing to keep in mind is that even though you may pay for a "non-machinable" mailing, that doesn't always mean the post office will follow that. In fact, 8 times out of 10, they will NOT and will run the envelope through the machine anyhow. Very frustrating, I KNOW! :mad:

Depending on the embelishments you have on the card, you should be able to use your regular card envelope, but put the front of the card facing the flap in the back. You can then insert a small, thin piece of cardboard in front of the card, protecting it from the envelope. Also, another thing to try, again, depending on your embelishments, is using a clear piece of packing tape and layer that on the outside of the envelope, over top of your brads, eyelets etc. This usually works very well and doesn't add weight to the envelop.

Good luck and happy mailing!
Maggie

[StampinCatMom]

I do that too. Works great and is an excellent way to recycle.

[Jodie_from_Oz]

I made an envelope box with a scor pal tutorial - all different sizes available.

I found this link - Forums at Splitcoaststampers
also see a sample of one I made.... Tilda sitting with bow - A2 size by Jodie_from_Oz at Splitcoaststampers

Hope this helps
Jodie

[stricklandpm]

I cut an index card to size, lay it on top of the card and insert the card with front toward the back. This does 2 things - prevents bellies from getting caught as you put the card in the envelope and then is protection for the card.

I also put pieces of scotch tape over the bumps made by brads, hodgepodge, etc.

They seem to get to the destination ok.

A couple cards I sent in clear envelopes never arrived at their destination so I stopped doing that.

[AmberAKAmom]

http://www.cddimensions.com/DVD-Case...EN-1DVDMAILER/

[LMcAree]

Quote:

Originally Posted by clepatb

I'd like to know that, too! One thing I do is crimp a piece of scrap white cardstock and place it over the front of my card.

This is what I do too! :mrgreen:

[sprtchick]

I always use clear envelopes to mail my cards. I NEVER put additional postage on them and for the last 4 years there have only been two returned for additional postage. They put a little sticker on the envelope saying it needs more postage. I just peel the sticker off the envelope and pop it back in the mail box and each of the two times it has made it through just fine the second time around. This is just my record. I do know that every post office is different. blessings.

[klb1082]

Wal-Mart &/of Target have very inexpensive mailers that can be purchased singley or in packets of about 4 or 5. They are plastic with bubble lining. If I am mailing an A2 or slightly larger card that I want protected, I just use one of these. If there is a matching envelope for the card, I make sure to use a mailer just a bit bigger so it has plenty of room. The bubbles are great protection and weigh nothing.
Hope this helps.

[missiowa81]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stricklandpm

I cut an index card to size, lay it on top of the card and insert the card with front toward the back. This does 2 things - prevents bellies from getting caught as you put the card in the envelope and then is protection for the card.

I also put pieces of scotch tape over the bumps made by brads, hodgepodge, etc.

They seem to get to the destination ok.

A couple cards I sent in clear envelopes never arrived at their destination so I stopped doing that.

This would be my concern. Someone along the route might decide they like that pretty card enough to keep it for themselves. :rolleyes:

[terriavidreader]

I didn't see this suggestion,
but I always turn the card inside out (assuming you don't do much on the inside) and attach a "post-it" so the receiver knows I did this deliberately to protect the front, and then use bubble wrap. No problems so far with anything arriving safe, and cheaper than additional packaging. If the package grows too large, then I use Bubble Envelopes. Once, when the embellishment was rather fragile - then I used a priority box I'd received, but covered it with kraft paper and marked out the priority mail info - wasn't the $4.95 cost, but more than regular first class.

[angelinoregon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by StampinCatMom

Not sure about a "clear" envelope, either.

One thing to keep in mind is that even though you may pay for a "non-machinable" mailing, that doesn't always mean the post office will follow that. In fact, 8 times out of 10, they will NOT and will run the envelope through the machine anyhow. Very frustrating, I KNOW! :mad:

Depending on the embelishments you have on the card, you should be able to use your regular card envelope, but put the front of the card facing the flap in the back. You can then insert a small, thin piece of cardboard in front of the card, protecting it from the envelope. Also, another thing to try, again, depending on your embelishments, is using a clear piece of packing tape and layer that on the outside of the envelope, over top of your brads, eyelets etc. This usually works very well and doesn't add weight to the envelop.

Good luck and happy mailing!
Maggie

totally agree with the "nonmachinable" rate charge. i have found the post office to be less than willing to work with me on these types of cards.

i place a piece of crimped cardstock over the front of my card and then place the crimed CS and card facing the back of my envelope. the extra CS usually does not add any extra weight unless the card is already on the edge of the 1 ounce limit.

i like the idea of clear packing tape over the embellishments. will give that a try next time i am in need.