TOPIC: Tip for mailing tokens inexpensively

In the threads discussing future token options, I've read several complaints about the cost of mailing in tokens for Trade/Reserve. On the off chance this isn't common knowledge, I thought I'd mention the US Postal Service's Priority Mail Flat Rate options . For the Flat Rate boxes, you can mail anything*, any weight, and as long as it fits in the box, you pay the same price. Here are just a couple options ( click for more choices ):<br /><br />A Small (8 5/8" x 5 3/8" x 1 5/8") Flat-Rate Box is $4.95<br />A Medium (11" x 8 1/2" x 5 1/2") Flat-Rate Box is $10.35<br /><br />And bear in mind, the boxes to ship them are free!<br /><br /><br /><br />*anything legal to ship

That definitely helps (we did this ourselves for our trade item shipment).  Unfortunately, the small box really doesn't hold that much (74 cubic inches) and the next size up is almost too big  (514 cubic inches).  We had to stuff a bunch of newspaper in to try and keep the bags from sliding all over. 

<br />You missed your big chance, Amorgen.  Instead of *newspaper* stuffing, try *candy bar* stuffing.  Actually beer stuffing would probably be even better, but would get you in trouble from the Post Office.<br /><br />

37 tokens stack nicely in a snack size ziplock. 5 of the ziplocks go great into one of the smaller priority boxes. the boxes fit very well into one of the larger boxes from the post office. also, you CANNOT use enough clear shipping tape to insure the package doesn't explode during shipment.<br /><br />as for packing/filler.... try using the plastic grocery bags that seem to accumulate so fast around the house.

You can always use a smaller Priority Box inside the larger Flat rate Box. The medium flat rate box will hold 2 of the small flat rate boxes. If your mailing a lot of tokens 2 small flat rate boxes inside the medium is a safe way to mail them. Address each individual box inside in case they get separated.<br /><br />Larry

I mailed my lot in via a flat rate box.  I gift raped the contents of each turn-in, and then labeled them.  I then used a formidable amount of packing tape.  I did this to ensure proper containment.  The light packaging idea put forth would eliminate the need for such a process for those who would care for it to be eliminated.  Now we need a math major to figure things out.  I play cards with one.  I just need the data. 

Is there any chance of getting a slightly lighter metal core?  It won't make a difference on shipping costs for flat rate packages, but a large Priority Mail flat rate box is about 50 lbs.  Getting those to and from the Post Office is tough (well, a hand truck helps). <br />

The two times I have shipped big lots to Dave, I filled several of the smallest Priority Mail boxes (I don't think that particular one is Flat Rate) and then put those in one of the larger Flat Rate Priority Mail boxes. I don't remember specifically which one it is, but it will perfectly hold six of the smaller boxes. In both of my shipments, I did not fill all six small boxes, but I constructed them and put them in the bigger box to use as filler and to prevent movement. Remember, the boxes are free. <br /><br />Shipping Tip<br />Always shake your package vigorously before you seal it. If the contents can move, repack it. Internal movement=breakage and/or spillage.

Since we had actually packed it in the same box we had received from Lori, we were unprepared for packing the flat rate box instead, but the guy at the post office suggested it and provided the newspaper.  I prefer plastic bags too.

Some of the small (video tape) mailing boxes are labeled "Flat Rate" and some are not.  They are the same size, but the ones not marked, "Flat Rate" do not get the flat rate.  Seems silly, but I asked at the Post Office.  I bag most stuff in 25's (since 25 of something = most Trade Items).  You can put 5 vertical stacks of 25 in those boxes, topped with 2 horizontal stacks, squished slightly to fit.  That's 175 tokens in a small flat rate box.  You can technically stuff in a few more, so 180 is pretty near the upper limit.  The small Flat Rate Box (FRB) is $4.95 to mail.  <br /><br />I believe you can get 6 of the small FRB's in the Medium Flat Rate box.  At $10.35, that's the better deal if you have more than 2 Small FRB's.  I think you can get 9 of the Small FRB's in the Large FRB, and you still have a small squarish space that'll hold about 200 tokens.  It's somewhere around $14 to ship, and weighs about 50 lbs.  It's the most cost effective you have have more than 6 small FRB's of tokens.  But you do need to fill any empty space with packing material and tape the heck out of the outside of the box (not just on the seams).  Doing the math, that's about 1,800 tokens in the Large FRB, and I think that's about how many I sent in when I sent a Large box.  <br /><br />Yes, the boxes are free, but I'm not sure if you're supposed to use multiple boxes in other boxes.  I think that if you ask at the Post Office, they'll tell you not to.  I've never heard of anyone having a problem with it, though.  When I can, I re-use the small boxes (from prior shipments) that I put inside the big box.  <br />

<br />Some of the small (video tape) mailing boxes are labeled "Flat Rate" and some are not.  They are the same size, but the ones not marked, "Flat Rate" do not get the flat rate.  Seems silly, but I asked at the Post Office.  I bag most stuff in 25's (since 25 of something = most Trade Items).  You can put 5 vertical stacks of 25 in those boxes, topped with 2 horizontal stacks, squished slightly to fit.  That's 175 tokens in a small flat rate box.  You can technically stuff in a few more, so 180 is pretty near the upper limit.  The small Flat Rate Box (FRB) is $4.95 to mail.  <br /><br />I believe you can get 6 of the small FRB's in the Medium Flat Rate box.  At $10.35, that's the better deal if you have more than 2 Small FRB's.  I think you can get 9 of the Small FRB's in the Large FRB, and you still have a small squarish space that'll hold about 200 tokens.  It's somewhere around $14 to ship, and weighs about 50 lbs.  It's the most cost effective you have have more than 6 small FRB's of tokens.  But you do need to fill any empty space with packing material and tape the heck out of the outside of the box (not just on the seams).  Doing the math, that's about 1,800 tokens in the Large FRB, and I think that's about how many I sent in when I sent a Large box.  <br /><br />Yes, the boxes are free, but I'm not sure if you're supposed to use multiple boxes in other boxes.  I think that if you ask at the Post Office, they'll tell you not to.  I've never heard of anyone having a problem with it, though.  When I can, I re-use the small boxes (from prior shipments) that I put inside the big box.  <br /><br />

<br /><br />I did get in trouble for this a while back. They do not like it. I think I sold something on Ebay and it was to someone from the post office. I received a warning letter telling me not to use them as packing. If I did I would be subject to fine or something. I can't remember to much. I mostly use UPS now

Everything that comes to me in terms of packing material I either reuse or recycle.  The collection place takes paper, plastics 1-7, and cardboard.  Not styrofoam, unfortunately.  <br /><br />And yes, chocolate makes a great space filler...<br /><br />Dave