View Full Version : Reusing Bubble Mailers: Good or Bad?


Pheebs888
06-22-2009, 12:49 PM
By Christian Racho aka xSquatx

As a card collector, you can send cards by a PWE (Plain White Envelope) or a bubble mailer. Most people use bubble mailers because it is safer to use than a regular envelope. Nowadays since our economy is going down, we find ways to spend less but try to live our normal lives. That’s where reusing bubble mailers come from, to save money and recycle. But some people disagree with reusing bubble mailers in some circumstances. From overpaying buyers on eBay for shipping while the package was recycled to just a plain eyesore.

Many Sports Card Forum members agree that reusing bubble mailers is great because it saves our earth and also saves our cash. According to SCF members, you can cut the bubble mailers in half and just tape a white piece of paper over it to add your mailing info or you could use the insides as “bubble wrap”. Personally, I never knew about reusing them until my mom sent a package out in a used bubble mailer that has been sent to Ireland, California, here in Illinois, then sent out to New Jersey. I asked my mom, “Will the post office accept shipping an item wrapped in garbage?” As she explained to me that bubble mailers can be reused it sparked a thought in my mind, “This would be great for sending cards!”

I have yet to see a reused bubble mailer come in on a mail day, so I didn’t know how other members would react if I sent a used one. So as soon as I was told about this, I wrote a thread on how many people reuse bubble mailers and to my surprise almost all of the posters did! If they didn’t, they found out about it and will probably reuse it. On the other hand, some members feel that it’s easier to buy a brand new stack of bubble mailers.

Some members thought that it was easier to buy new ones because they are cheap. They see it as a way as a reflection onto their image. In all honesty, I bought new ones as a way to “show” my fellow SCFers that I am a new, mature collector. Think about it, if you buy 50 bubble mailers for $0.50 a piece that’s $25 you spent on them. But if you reuse them, you can save your cash and cut down on cutting down trees.

On eBay, some card sellers may charge for shipping and handling but when it gets to your door it’s a reused bubble mailer. Some people get irritated because of this. For example, spending $3 on shipping while they send a reused bubble mailer and $1.25 on handling is a way for the seller to take as much cash as they can. Many buyers feel like that’s a slap in the face and can’t really do anything about it except give them negative feedback.

And on that note, we leave the choice of reusing (or not) your bubble mailers to you.

fr0sty_2000
06-22-2009, 12:55 PM
Personally I purchase the large bubble mailers, and cut them in half. I can get a 2 pack at the dollar store for $1.00 and then cut them, cutting my cost to .25 each.

I have recieved re-used bubble mailers, and honestly, it doesn't bother me at all. I've actually kept most of the ones I get in the mail from the bay, or trades, and have considered re-using them. (If they are in good shape).

If you can save a few dollars a month by re-using, go for it! Now, if there was a way to re-use a stamp, I'd be all over it! lol

Pheebs888
06-22-2009, 12:58 PM
digg: http://digg.com/other_sports/Reusing_Bubble_Mailers_Good_or_Bad
propeller: http://www.propeller.com/story/2009/06/22/reusing-bubble-mailers-good-or-bad-sports-card-forum-articles/
buzz: http://buzz.yahoo.com/article/1:04336a8f0df176e64b208827a806c85d:da576082b2fee93 363e473d4f0daebf5/Reusing-Bubble-Mailers-Good-or-Bad?usc=1

posted article on the site: http://www.sportscardforum.com/articles/?p=672

Very interesting piece Christian, thanks for writing it :)