Least expensive packing and shipping for a single socket?

[Packard V8]

I came across some NOS 3/8-"dr war-finish sockets and picked them up to pass along, as I knew they'd be of interest to some here. However, to be cost-effective for these members and time/labor effective for me to pass them along, I've got to find an easy means of packing and shipping. How would you pack and ship a single socket?

jack vines

 

[ssdave]

....

 

[Jersey Drew]

At that point I would just Use the USPS small prepaid boxes

 

[Packard V8]

Thanks. You've obviously been there, done that.

I found this on the USPS site:

Parcels must be least 3 inches high x 6 inches long x 1/4 inch thick.

It seems the USPS is trying to do away with Parcel Post and force everything into Priority Mail; naturally at twice the cost.

These will weigh approx 4 ounces ready to mail and First Class Package is $3.90.

At that point I would just Use the USPS small prepaid boxes

FWIW, a Small Flat Rate Box is now $8.30. It's not a lot of dollars, but it's 212% more than First Class.

If it could be mailed as a First Class Envelope weighing 4oz, the cost would be $1.60, however, a lumpy envelope becomes a parcel.

jack vines

 

[ljhhontx]

If you ship through paypal you get a little discount, maybe $3.50 for the small padded envelope.

 

[measuredtwice]

At that point I would just Use the USPS small prepaid boxes

Is "USPS small prepaid boxes" different than USPS Priority small flat rate boxes? A small Priority flat rate box would be about double the cost of 1st class for a single socket. Priority fat rate is only cost effective for heavy items or if you need the insurance.

A small flat rate box costs $8.30 to ship and the PayPal fee on shipping alone would cost $0.54 ($0.30 + 2.9%) so you would have to charge $8.84 to break even on shipping. Also add 2.9% to the price of the socket.

I didn't include Ebay fees since it sounds like the OP intends to sell here.

 

[SweetD]

I would cut a piece of scrap cardboard to fit inside a small padded envelope. Then I'd zip tie the socket to the card, put it into the envelope and mail USPS.

 

[Jersey Drew]

FWIW, a Small Flat Rate Box is now $8.30. It's not a lot of dollars, but it's 212% more than First Class.

If it could be mailed as a First Class Envelope weighing 4oz, the cost would be $1.60, however, a lumpy envelope becomes a parcel.

jack vines

Holy CR@P!!
Last time I sent one it was $5.35 I think. I guess it’s been a while

 

[RTM]

Use two pieces of cardboard, one on each side. Their machines are less likely to damage the envelope that way. Go for streamlined.

 

[Skin]

Usps first class. It can be any size up to 12"x12" and has tracking. You can't use stamps or first class envelope for anything thicker than 1". I used parcel select a couple times. Both times it took weeks and there is no tracking so you're left wondering if it's lost until it shows up. It's not worth using.

 

[pepi]

Parcel post

 

[PelicanPines]

You can do a road trip... see America... hand deliver them... just a suggestion... I have a jar of cold brew in the fridge just for you.

 

[SeisMec]

You can't use stamps or first class envelope for anything thicker than 1".

Pretty sure thickness has been reduced to 3/4" maximum.

 

[39CAMC]

As noted above, it would work in a small padded envelope and First Class mail, but it will be $4.00 at least. We sell patches and stickers at one of my companies and occasionally someone will just order 1-2 and we ship this way.

The problem is that the USPS in general is horrible. Our lost package rate is 10x higher with them than other carriers and that is when the majority of our USPS was priority. First Class is/was even worse. I haven't run the numbers in the last 45 days, but judging from customer tickets we are still having a much higher number of issues with USPS versus other carriers even though the other carriers have not been great either.

Since we only ship stickers and decals via that method, we can afford to lose some and just re-mail to get them in the customers hands, but for stuff you can't easily replace/resend, I would be careful with First Class.

DaveW

 

[39CAMC]

-Double Post Sorry-

DaveW

 

[bcschief]

Media Mail is the only bargain left out there used for books video's and DVD'S

 

[seber]

Regional rate box is still a good deal. Generally much cheaper than flat rate.