Question
I have never sold LP before and now someone gave me some to sell for them but I have no idea how to ship them. Any suggestions?
Answer
I once read that someone here used to ship them in pizza boxes. Opinions varied on whether that was a good idea or not. But, I think if the boxes are reinforced and packed well, that it was a good idea.
Answer
There are two ways that have worked well for me. One is to buy LP mailers and corregated inserts. The price on these is not very high and you can then ship the item via media mail.
The second is to wrap the album in bubble wrap (small bubbles) then put it in one of the large shirt boxes that you can get for Priority shipping. You can put the record in the flat box and tape it up or you can put it at an angle in the constructed box then use peanuts, shreddies or "wadded" newspaper to pack around it.
The priority mailing will weigh about 2 pounds when completed. The media mail package will weigh about the same.
I have several hundred LPs left and am getting ready to list some for club99 so I was just recently taking inventory of my packing materials. I really like the LP mailers the best and think that they do a great job. You can then offer media or priority mail to your customers. Also, there is a HUGE international market for LPs (at least in my experience) so the LP mailers are the best bet if you can invest in a case of them because you can use them for international shipping.
Good Luck,
Ardee-ann
Answer
So...where do you buy your mailers, Ardee-ann?
Answer
I've only ever shipped a few LP's but I had good luck with just cutting up scrap currogated cardboard slightly larger than the LP and layering 3 pieces of cardboard on each side of the LP. Then I either taped all the edges or wrapped in paper and taped the heck out of it so the paper couldn't rip away from the package. Probably too much trouble if you have a lot to ship but it worked out OK for me.
Answer
Originally Posted by goodworks1
So...where do you buy your mailers, Ardee-ann?
come from Brass Pack. I get almost all of my shipping supplies there...I have found the service to be exceptional and the prices to be fair.
I have gotten 45 sleeves and album sleeves from Indy Discount Boxes I think they have mailers too.
Both companies are on eBay and may have underscores in their names. You will be able to find them in the eBay search though.
I have mailed over 500 LPs over the past 5 years and have many, many more to go. So I am glad to have finally found a reliable source for LP mailers. I have wrestled with cutting cardboard like Tanya suggested but it almost "did me in."
Cheers,
Ardee-ann
Answer
Well I don't have a supply of pizza boxes so that is out but I will give Brass Pack a try and see what they have.
Someone suggested uline and indyboxes one ebay. Thanks for the help.
Answer
Bags Unlimited carry the real record mailers. Place a sheet of cardboard (also sold) next to LP and that makes them sturdy. Never send in a Priority Mail box, there is very high rist it will get broken in them.
Some folks like the LP outside of the jacket, as the record will rock back and split the jacket. If the LP is rare and arrives with a split jacket because seller does not know about this way to pack, it is heartbreaking to the buyer, and will get seller a NEG for sure. LP in it's innersleeve, but outside of cover. Both put into a poly liner before packing. This is the way to do it right. The cover must arrive without splits! The LP inside of the cover will split the jacket during shipping.