Shipping/Mailing

[SWPetty]

Hello everyone.

This may seem like a silly question, and I apologize in advance. In the mid 90's, it was acceptable to send single cards, in a protector, in a plain envelope, through the mail (actually as many as could fit safely, within reason. Larger lots would be in a multi card snap case, and a padded envelope. Is this still the case, or is there a new normal? Thanks in advance

Scott

[sjw241]

Generally people don’t like plain white envelopes for their cards. Unless it is a low value card and it is advertised up front and the shipping charged is appropriate. Most people mail cards in bubble mailers now.

[jim bradt]

The best way to mail cards is in a plastic sleeve inside a plastic top loader and then in a bubble mailer. If you want to ship a low end card in a plain white envelope also use a plastic sleeve and a plastic top loader BUT it is best to ask the person you are trading with if he or she agrees to the plain white envelope way. A plain white envelope works best for both the traders especially if you are sending to the USA. The price to mail a bubble mailer to the US is about $8 compared to a $1 stamp.

[adamslogik]

The best way to mail cards is in a plastic sleeve inside a plastic top loader and then in a bubble mailer. If you want to ship a low end card in a plain white envelope also use a plastic sleeve and a plastic top loader BUT it is best to ask the person you are trading with if he or she agrees to the plain white envelope way. A plain white envelope works best for both the traders especially if you are sending to the USA. The price to mail a bubble mailer to the US is about $8 compared to a $1 stamp.

I don't know if your post office is doing something different than mine, but I usually pay $3.12 + tx to send from canada to the USA, as long as it's under 100g, even over though I think is like $5 and change

[subban7677]

As far as I know it's TECHNICALLY supposed to be light packet to the US for around $8. If there is plastic (toploader) in the envelope it can't be sent lettermail. My post office isn't a stickler for the rule, and nothing has ever been returned for insufficient postage. Within Canada, however, the plastic makes no difference.

[30ranfordfan]

I think it all depends on what you're sending, and what you're charging for s/h costs.

If you're talking about a trade: If you and I were swapping inserts that are worth a couple of bucks... and we agree that shipping in a plain white envelope is okay - I have no problem with that at all. Why spend more on postage than the card is worth?

Easy example for me - with PWEs - I do TTM autograph requests. I'm sticking a card (or two), plus a letter, plus a self-address-stamped-envelope inside of a PWE, and put a single stamp on it... never had a problem.

If we're trading a couple of cards that are worth $10, $20, etc: No... I don't think PWE is the way to go. I'd prefer to spend the extra, and send it in a bubble mailer.

When it comes to selling (and I'm thinking of eBay stuff here): If I'm buying lower end stuff ($1 - $5 sale price) and the seller is offering free shipping, or $1 shipping (something like that) - I'm expecting that I'm getting the cards in a PWE.... and again, I'm okay with that. If the seller is charging $3 for s/h, and I get a PWE: I'm annoyed.

[pwaldo]

You can always ASK the other person if that shipping method is acceptable. For some it will be but for others it won't.

[SenatorCollector]

I personally refuse to use PWE's for my mailing, but if I'm asked, and it's packaged well, I'm fine with getting a PWE. I am a bit confused on shipojng costs though. I jydt mailed today, 2 separate trades. 1was for 51 cards, to the US, the other, 3 cards in Canada. Total postage for both, with taxes was $10.95

[30ranfordfan]

I personally refuse to use PWE's for my mailing, but if I'm asked, and it's packaged well, I'm fine with getting a PWE. I am a bit confused on shipojng costs though. I jydt mailed today, 2 separate trades. 1was for 51 cards, to the US, the other, 3 cards in Canada. Total postage for both, with taxes was $10.95

Assuming the 3 cards in Canada went in a bubble mailer - that should have cost $1.90. I'm surprised that the package of 51 cards to the USA only cost $9(ish) though.

[SenatorCollector]

Assuming the 3 cards in Canada went in a bubble mailer - that should have cost $1.90. I'm surprised that the package of 51 cards to the USA only cost $9(ish) though.

3 in Canada in a bubble mailer was indeed $1.90. The 51 to Missouri were in a larger bubble mailer, but Canada Post classed it as a small packet instead of lettermail, so it was a bit cheaper. Came to $8.96