How to Package and Ship Books with Media Mail! Tips for Packing and Supplies! Thrift Books for Ebay!

Here are my tips for packing and supplies that work for Media Mail shipping of books! Complete with how to pack demonstrations. Maximize book protection, make it easy on yourself, and keep it affordable. Your customers will appreciate the difference!
My eBay store: www.ebay.com/str/shanemcsplace
My Amazon store: amzn.to/3O8WG2a
Things I Use (Affiliate links that I may earn a commission on at no cost to you):
ScoutIQ Trial
scoutiq.co/?ref=curatorofthelost
For Personal Books and Travel:
Kindle Paperwhite (love this thing): amzn.to/3Ml0s80
Audio Books (hard to beat for the road): amzn.to/3MlM5Aj
Book Selling:
Hi-polymer Eraser (super for erasing marks on books): amzn.to/3vf01Wz
Shipping Tape (I like the Scotch dispensers): amzn.to/3LjdrXk
Scotty Peeler Label Remover: amzn.to/37Pbjb8
Digital Scale I use: amzn.to/3KrAHkx
Boxes: here are the boxes I use the most. Prices can swing dramatically from week to week. Be sure to check out Amazon vs. Ebay for the best price. I always try to order in quantity of 100. I like to get boxes for less than 70 cents each (shipped), but it is getting harder and harder to do.
10”x10”x1” Easy Fold Box: amzn.to/3xWVKJg
12.5” x 12.5” Multi Depth Box: amzn.to/3k9BDQ2
12”x9” Multi Depth Box: ebay.us/S8G0t2
10x8x3” Corrugated box: ebay.us/TUh8uF
12x9x3” Corrugated box: ebay.us/VNQKVK
Video items:
RODE Wireless Go II Microphone System: amzn.to/3LhJCGL
#howtoship
#shippingbooks
#thriftbooks

[@freddysfish2424]

You were the only 1 person to give good box sizes and as they say show your work. New to selling books and have watched days worth of shipping videos. Excellent Job.

[@yolandaj3177]

Excellent video! Exactly what I was looking for. Very easy to follow. Thank you so much!

[@wbandyky]

Thanks for such great tips. This was exactly what I was looking for!

[@whereistruefreedom]

Thanks this is one of the best videos I watched, very detailed, God bless you.

[@jackiehines3349]

Went looking for some good info on selling some books I found on eBay. Your video was easy to follow and you visually showed me what to do. Thanks so much for the help!

[@cynthias6025]

Thank you for making this video. It was very informative and helped me so much.

[@k9fan681]

You helped me with some of my fear of packing and shipping items in this video! Love the multi-fold boxes!

[@richardsanderson2686]

Thank you for a great video, and especially for emphasizing the use of boxes for shipping books. As a longtime collector of antiquarian books, I’ve received more damaged books due to sellers using flimsy padded envelopes than I care to remember. It’s sad when a book manages to survive in good condition for 100+ years, only to have its corners crushed due to improper packaging. Shippers need to remember that when a book enters the mail system, it’s going into combat and needs the proper protection to assure survival.

[@heidigardner2662]

Thank you so much for the video. It was very helpful & will save me money in shipping 😁

[@letticejohnson6882]

Very useful. Without all the extra fluff. Thanks you!!

[@AJDAbelita]

Thank you for the pro tips! I just started selling books online.

[@thewellsmama]

Super helpful video, thanks for sharing!

[@donicadigs]

Very helpful! Glad I found your channel.

[@user-rg4yk4jr1y]

Valuable insight. Much appreciated.

[@reddevilpickers7307]

Good tips! I was looking for how to safely ship a textbook and this is a great way to go. Thank you

[@curatorofthelost]

Hi- thanks for the feedback. Glad it helped!

[@BM23101]

Thank you--this is very informative. Thanks for posting links to the products mentioned as well--very helpful!

[@BroncosNation07]

Awesome thanks for actually going into the packaging of using boxes and what's the best way..

[@tamiz8895]

THANK YOU for not shipping in bubble mailers. I get so many damaged books. It's so irritating. I put two pieces of cardboard on the inside of the box so that the item doesn't get sliced when a knife is used to open the box. It adds a small bit of weight but since I'm shipping via Media Mail, it doesn't add much more. Thanks for the video, really helpful and easy to follow.

[@Elizetabeth]

Great video! I want to get into selling books, but didn't realize that Media Mail rates are the same no matter where in the US you ship them! That is awesome!

[@curatorofthelost]

Glad to help! Take the plunge and join the treasure hunt;)

[@gabrielemecca1148]

Excellent video presentation. Earned a lot!

[@JessieKlein]

Nice job, thanks for sharing!

[@carolcsantos1]

Great video and Dark Matter is one of my favourite books! Cheers from Canada :)

[@curatorofthelost]

Cheers!

[@11kiwis]

Really helpful video. Appreciate it.

[@oncalldev]

Thanks for the info - very useful.

[@ChicoBellik]

Thanks for the examples!

[@Dashfox102]

Great video thank you so much very helpful!!

[@DarthFlan]

Excellent, Concise info!

[@franslinemoleon9903]

very helpful, thanks a lot!

[@glennabushe39]

Great video. Thank you.

[@Southjerseysmokin]

Just sold my first book today! I did use a Polly bag but it was a loose leaf book in a binder, and I wrapped it with the brown paper that comes in chewy boxes 📦😎

[@curatorofthelost]

Congratulations! Be careful- you will be bit by the bookseller bug!!!

[@lindaknight9743]

Old book lover collector now selling years of collecting.. Your tips are easy to follow, least expensive and common sense ideas. Thank you. Also taking advantage of ebay supplies, and finding deals to stock up.

[@curatorofthelost]

Thank you!

[@gcpellerin]

Interesting video :) I buy the "end of roll" newsprint from our local newspaper print shop. I usually pay around $5 for a roll.

[@curatorofthelost]

That is a great source idea. I’m not sure I even have a newspaper printer in town anymore

[@pdixson1031]

Good stuff! Thanks

[@danielnotavailable8833]

Great video Buddy! :)

[@Thigpen_5000]

Great video!

[@BestAntiq]

Thank you Thank you so much!!! Learned so much from you. Best regards

[@ReelyboredJon]

Great video and wonderful insight, thanks. Any suggestions for boxes when selling bulk books or lots?

[@Timetravel1111]

3:33 Oh good points on the fact that the book could actually get cut or damaged on the corner in shipping. Also Ziploc bags 📚 in baggies because if it rains the water could get in the box 📦

[@duanesteininger4058]

Enjoy your videos. I've sold books for years, as my mother was a bookseller and I've carried on with that legacy. I also box the volumes I sell due to the damage factor that the USPS can inflict upon packages. I use some new boxes, but have a great network of friends and work colleagues that save me boxes, brown packaging paper, styrofoam peanuts, bubblewrap, etc. So I try recycling packing supplies as much as I can. I wrap all my books in un-printed newspaper and then bubble wrap each book before boxing, filling in with "peanuts" or air pouches. Don't use printed newspapers due to possible ink damage to the books. I've also found that masking tape is much less expensive then regular "Scotch" tape for taping paper and bubble wrap around my volumes. Duck brand makes a thicker clear packing tape that works well and is less expensive then their shipping tape. I also tape all edges on the box so nothing (water) hopefully can't get it. Thanks! Duane

[@curatorofthelost]

Thanks for the feedback and for sharing your tips!

[@HappyTon-oy9vf]

Great video! Thank you for sharing. Liked & Subscribed

[@curatorofthelost]

Awesome! Thanks for the channel support!

[@jasonb6315]

Thanks for the vid.

[@maydadelatorre4540]

Wow I’m inspired to sell my books and justify/free up the storage space I’ve spent years justifying to my husband.

[@curatorofthelost]

Do it!!!

[@HunterMann]

I am always concerned that the package could get wet at some point and shipping especially if left on someone’s doorstep. Therefore all books the first thing I do is seal them in a good plastic bag so that even if the box gets wet it doesn’t ruin the book. If you simply wrap a book in newspaper and it gets wet that’s going to bleed ink all over the edges of the book and you will not have a happy customer. I rarely use newspaper besides which it makes media mail not really media mail anymore because there’s advertising on the newspaper pages. I know that sounds nitpicky but I’ve had packages returned to me by postal inspectors and that was the reason. Whether it’s a CD a book a DVD I always put it inside of a plastic sealed sleeve of some kind., Then I add paper packing material. This goes the same for using tissue paper because if the box gets wet in shipping thatTissue paper will make a real mess all over the great book you’ve just shipped to your buyer

[@curatorofthelost]

All good input and useful info. I have had people request books in a plastic bag. I haven't traditionally done that although I agree it is a good idea. That said, after selling a few thousand books and shipping them in boxes, I haven't had one water damaged from sitting in weather. Maybe I've just been lucky. The plastic bag is an easy way to even avoid the possibility and I agree it is a great idea. On the newspaper for packing- again, I haven't had any issues but that is a good word of caution. I suppose it could be hit or miss if you have advertisements on a newsprint sheet. Talk about nitpicky- that would be a real dill weed move by an inspector!

[@AllAboutPurple]

so absolutely no bubble poly mailer? lol I am new seller and I'm trying to keep costs down...i agree with the plastic, I do the same and heat seal it

[@Timetravel1111]

I was basically saying the same thing and then I saw your comment after about using a zip bag I could not imagine someone using your friend and then you know snowstorm rainstorm after a few days and shipment…

[@t0dd000]

I just received a book in the mail from an ebay seller and it was drenched. Fortunately, the book was in a bag inside a box. The box was ruined, but not the book.

[@user-nf5mx8yw5m]

can i send used postage stamps in media mail?

[@bscott7261]

Love the shirt

[@curatorofthelost]

I’m an old Fortean 77 guy too. Got to represent!

[@lizlagle671]

useful, thanks

[@murrayzuckerman123]

Great information. Just subscribed.

[@curatorofthelost]

Glad you like it. Thanks for the sub. Got some more coming!

[@wwz1011]

My challenge is I often sell books as a LOT. Last lot was 22 books. Some titles like classic western PBs just don't bring enough $$. But if I sell them 75 at a time, I might get $100 price plus shipping. I find tissue paper at Dollar Tree. All of my boxes are as found, free boxes. But they tend to take more time, cutting and folding to reduce box size and weight.

[@catalinalee1]

Thanks!

[@henrys3629]

I ordered from one of those big online sellers and they use a plastic bag best used for lining a trash can. I use tons of old boxes I cut to size.

[@raccoon_bones]

fantastic

[@pookiehoney]

Thank you! 👍

[@MsSarah32503]

Thank you

[@maydadelatorre4540]

Interesting💁🏻‍♀️ Media Mail🤔

[@user-fm2mi1me5x]

Support local journalism...buy a newspaper! Great video!!

[@HunterMann]

As a long time eBay bookseller and book buyer, I see common mistakes that some sellers are doing. They will ship me a commercial magazine full of advertisements but send it as media mail. Somehow it gets by the postal inspection but I’ve had others arrive where I, as the buyer, had to pay the postage due because it was clearly not media mail qualifying. I also see booksellers who ship me a book with their business card in it & a big invoice receipt and even a written note. You’re not supposed to do that. I also see people shipping books to me where they use priority mail envelopes and even priority mail bubble envelopes inside and then just put a plain wrapper on the outside and mark it as media mail. You can’t use any new or used priority mail materials to ship a cheaper rate item. There’s so many little details and it’s important for all booksellers that we don’t lose the media mail rate that the post office so generously offers. I was doing a road trip in a small car and I would buy a few hundred vintage vinyl records on an average weekend. I was hundreds of miles away from home, so I would pack them in a box and ship them back to myself as media mail. It didn’t matter that it took a long time to get there. I was only paying about $12 to ship a heavy box. During the course of one long road trip I probably shipped 12 boxes to myself. That’s $144 spent and I probably spent an average of $.25 per record album. That was OK I think I had two records in there that paid for all of those expenses so the rest was just profit. Media mail is like a gift, I’ve gotten to where I mostly sell Items on eBay that qualify as media mail. It just works out lots cheaper since I always include free shipping. With really rare expensive books I still include free shipping but I send it as priority mail, a collector spending a lot of money deserves fast service and the added insurance.

[@adude6484]

Can a Video Game Strategy Guide with a Poster qualify for Media Mail?

[@nikkiflippy007]

I appreciate your comment, I didn't think about including my thank you card and receipts etc!

[@BilboDad]

Dark matter is a great read!

[@curatorofthelost]

Such a good read. Loved that one. I picked up Recursion but haven’t read it yet

[@BilboDad]

@@curatorofthelost Recursion was also great

[@dougcurtis3069]

My packing materials sources. Boxes: Any Starbucks dumpster. Cost: zero + reduced landfill. Packing material: Ask for paper not plastic every time you grocery shop. Bubble wrap recycled from things I order and the ol' trusty dumpster. I don't do hundreds of books so this works for me.

[@curatorofthelost]

I did the dumpster dive box finding when I first started- worked great for a while. Then as I sold more, getting enough boxes and getting them the right size so I didn't need so much packing material moved me to start purchasing specific sizes. I absolutely reuse all packing material I get in the mail!

[@dechinta]

@@curatorofthelost I also recycle boxes if they are impeccably clean. When I first began doing Ebay in 1997, I would ask my friends for their boxes, etc., but I ended up just having to buy mailers to mail my books. HOWEVER, since Covid, almost everyone has tons of Amazon boxes lying around the house. Easy peasy. I will find a box that is where the height and width is good, but the box is too tall for, say, a coffee table book. So I cut the box down all 4 sides to the depth of the book (not with the book in it, of course,) and then use a strip of heavy metal like a bone folder to fold the sides down. If it looks ugly, I have a rubber stamp with the recycling circle and will stamp "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" on the box. The flat boxes you were using.....I can't find them in your affiliate links. The one you used for the Andrew Wyeth The Helga Pictures book. All I can find are boxes already put together. I like them and am going to invest in a few. I do use padded bubble mailers for my smaller, cheaper books, but I would prefer to use nicer boxes for books that people pay a lot for. I sold one for $129.99 and another for $71 in the past couple of months, and I would prefer to be more professional on those. My boxing IS professional. I'm not saying it's shoddy, and I always add something "extra" in with my packages, even if it's just a handmade bookmark I make to put in my books. I make all kinds of bookmarks to donate to the public library and I have always put a bookmark in each book I sell. If I sell a box of 75 books, each book gets a bookmark, all 75 of them. I just like making bookmarks. And sometimes if I had a small book that is not worth putting up on Ebay and I sell a book on the same subject, I will add the 2nd book as a freebie. If nothing else, I always put a thank you card in with "Thank You for Supporting Small Ebay Businesses!" because we all need that!

[@curatorofthelost]

@@dechinta I still reuse my host of amazon boxes- especially the larger dimension flat ones. I have an area I just store them and rummage through when I need them. I love the idea of the recycle/reuse stamp when reusing the box! Great idea. I will have to check the affiliate for the large flat mailers, but if you do an ebay search on 12.5 x 12.5 box, it should come up with some. I have used product from the Valuemailers reseller before. That larger size flat mailer is often used for LPs too. Thanks for the channel support and info!

[@dechinta]

@@curatorofthelost I love ValueMailers too! Thank you for answering! I will look for the 12.5 x 12.5s. You rock!

[@alongyourpath]

Been selling books for over 10yrs. Great video. Here is what I've been doing to keep costs down. I use polybags for paperback books only, no more than 2 in one bag. I buy in 3 different sizes and 100 to 500 of each at one time. Most of the time I cut two pieces of cardboard to size of book and place on either side then put in poly bag and tape up, especially on the edges. Cardboard, well I work at a resale shop and we get cardboard boxes (as well as bubble wrap, packing paper, permanent markers and paper for printer) in all the time and for free. Reusing them is so cost effective. It may be crazy and time consuming for many, but I hand make my own boxes to size of books. I find it relaxing figuring it out in a timely manner, and I've gotten pretty good at it. Before this job I would reuse boxes and cardboard from anywhere I could find, especially empty boxes that grocery/retail stores would throw away. When I dont cut to size and use a regular box, I stuff with the free bubble wrap or wrapping paper we get in. Thin Duck tape is the best but I hate tapeguns or little holders. So I'm ok with the tape getting lost on itself if I dont place it against something. I buy packaging tape at Dollar General in bulk since my girlfriend works there and use her discount. Also, since working at a resale shop, 100% of our items we get have been donated by the community. I like keeping costs down and repurposing items before they get to the landfill.

[@curatorofthelost]

Thanks for all that info and feedback! I'm all about reuse of boxes too. Any boxes I get from online orders; ie, Amazon, go in my box pile that gets used eventually. Especially the larger, flat boxes. Nothing like having an oversized item and finding the perfect box in the reuse pile! I appreciate the channel support!

[@callie8848]

Thank you, fantastic video! Would this work for rigid mailers/carboard mailers?

[@curatorofthelost]

Hi- thanks! I would still wrap in paper and tissue and put paper cushions around and the same concept should work. I still prefer boxes but that would improve a mailer with corner protection and avoiding cover scuffs!

[@dechinta]

I love the Scotch shipping tape and refuse to use anything else because I'm a lover, not a fighter and all I do is fight with any other brand. I never thought of putting another brand in the Scotch holder. I'm going to have to try that. Thanks for the tip! Definitely worth a try! Last time I bought tape, there was a family standing in front of the tape yakking so I just politely walked around doing other shopping and then went back hoping they'd be done, but no, they were still standing there talking. I said "excuse me," but they ignored me. I said, "Excuse me, could I get one of those Scotch tapes please?" but nope, they continued to ignore me, so I just got another kind and scurried away, ticked off. And sometimes I'm somewhere they simply do not have the Scotch. But now I know what to do! Thank you!

[@christinadarque8246]

Do you ever worry about rain or during the winter, snow etc getting through the book with only paper around it? I'm a bibliophile too & would probably feel better about using a clear bag. But I may overpackaged! Avoiding returns at all costs LoL

[@nolslifegren]

Padded envelopes much easier

[@anitahaviland3036]

Books, my husband wrote many, still writes daily. I wrote some small ones. They are the most powerful force for real education. Weekly newspapers may have small rolls of clean newsprint that are discarded because hey are too short to make another run. Cheap and they last. Please provide a link to your store (s) below.

[@curatorofthelost]

About 2 years ago I started writing too. Just "Garrison Keillor" type snippets of thoughts and memories of growing up. Amazing how cathartic the process can be. I love newsprint for packing- it is my favorite. It is clean, tough, and has enough weight to provide nice padding. Check out CuratorOfTheLost on ebay: www.ebay.com/str/shanemcsplace

[@anitahaviland3036]

Bill wrote anthro text books, had over 50% of tne market for some years. I wrote 3 children's books that are well.written, but the publisher's wife was the artist and did a very poor job. I sprcified bsrious races and got a cartoon French artist rather that a man with an afro! Frustrating! Few sales in this time of racial awareness.

[@sugee4080]

Do you use the free triangular USPS boxes to ship posters? Do those items arrive safely? I'm used to using tubes to ship our posters but I'd love to save on costs.

[@curatorofthelost]

Hi- I really don't trust the triangular boxes by themselves. I just feel like they are too thin walled You are right though- tubes can be expensive!

[@charchar714]

What are your thoughts on using file boxes to ship sets of books? The handles are quite handy for lifting since they are quite heavy (even if I divide the larger sets between 2 boxes), they’re the perfect size, and I also have a good many, so I can use what I have!! I would wrap the books inside tightly with bubble to protect against impact and also moisture coming in through the holes. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks again for all the great information and keep up the good work!!

[@curatorofthelost]

Hi- I think there are pros and cons to file boxes. I typically don't use them based on a bad experience, but it sounds like they are great for what you have. The pros are handles and construction-they are typically very heavy and handle heavy books extremely well. The cons are the holes from the handles like you say and the way the tops go on. Be sure to protect the insides by putting tape or bubble wrap like you said. The other con is what bit me once- the tops can be a removable piece on a file box (if it is the fold overs the you are good). I have found that this box lids can get ripped off- even if you tape securely. So if you have a box lid type file box, then just be sure to tape the edges and over the top very securely. Otherwise, having a bunch of them the perfect size is great and avoids more shipping cost!

[@charchar714]

@@curatorofthelost Wow!! That is good to know about the lids!! Obviously, I knew the lid stuck out but I really didn’t think it would be an issue!! I feel like I need to think about this a bit more.. I’m so glad I asked you, I knew you would have good information and advice!!

[@charchar714]

@@curatorofthelost Thanks again fir your insight!! I’ve been thinking about this some more in light of your comments.. I’m certainly willing to use quite a bit of tape to tape the lid firmly to avoid buying boxes OR avoid using a larger box that would be quite heavy!! I had another idea: what do you think about using duck tape instead of packing tape? That would be a lot more difficult to slice through (accidentally or intentionally) in transit!! OR: a layer of paper tape underneath packing tape?? I REALLY don’t want to buy boxes!! 📦 Thanks in advance and have a great weekend!!

[@curatorofthelost]

@@charchar714 Hi- I think you will be fine with packing tape- just put the lid on and tape around the lid edge so there is not a hard lip. Then, tape across the top all the way around the box- in both directions. Do this at the edge and in the middle. It will be good to go. Also, if very heavy, you may want to tape the bottom corners in case it is dropped. The heavier file boxes will be a great benefit on this. Keep on selling!

[@charchar714]

@@curatorofthelost Yes, I will!! Thank you so much, you are awesome!!

[@markpenske7]

where does one get a 12x9x3 box for 40 cents? And, where is the best deal on tissue paper?

[@mwiz3700]

Hi I wanted to ask you guys 2 questions. Does media mail mean you have to use your own brown boxes or can you use both brown and usps white and red boxes? And the other question is mainly the same but with priority mail. Do you have to use just their boxes or any box?

[@curatorofthelost]

Hi- you can only use the USPS red and white boxes for priority. They have priority written on them and the PO will only let you use (and charge that rate) for them; ie, you can't use them for media mail. You just have to use your own box for media mail. For Priority shipping you can use any box. Hope that helps!

[@HunterMann]

Great video, but early on in the video you weighed the book and say that it weighs 1.3 ounces. It looks more like maybe 1.3 pounds. Could you clarify please? Thanks

[@curatorofthelost]

It is 1 lb 3 oz. I know at one point I do say 1.3 lbs and that is not completely accurate. The intended point as stated was there will be 13 oz to play with on a box and shipping material and stay in the same price range. Thanks for the comment and feedback! Keep on selling!

[@ThePrintHouse]

Can I get a cost analysis on how much scotch tape you use?

[@curatorofthelost]

That would require special consultant rates- I’m very expensive!

[@anitahaviland3036]

Lost my comjent 3 times now! Is the navy blue, padded binding of the 15th edition of the Encyvlypaedia Britannica real leather? Hard sell against those who say it is if it isn't. How to ship it several volumes per box and keep it safe from water damage? I'll post this and add another. Thank you! I've subbed.

[@curatorofthelost]

Probably best to describe it as faux leather and avoid the debate. Water damage prevention is a tough one. There are 3 options. First- make sure there is ample internal padding or barrier inside the box such that books do not touch the cardboard at all. This provides some protection for light water as the box will absorb moisture but not transmit all the way to the books. Second- tape the corners and all seams on the outside of the box. This will help restrict water and moisture from going inside. Third- if you are really worried, then as Ellen M commented, you can put individual books in bags. Even the standard cheap plastic bags from the grocery will help. If small enough, you could use gallon sized ziplocs, but that would add extra expense for sure.

[@anitahaviland3036]

Thankyou very much! I really had to be certain about the leather. I grew up with my mother's set that was real leather and wasfairly certain that this is not.

[@representing50plus]

I didn't think I could ship a book in a box and use media mail. I don't know why. ... I shipped out a spiral book/planner in bubble wrap and a poly mailer and the spirals broke. Now I know I can.

[@dechinta]

I sometimes ship spiral bound cookbooks in bubble mailers, but I make a little cardboard C that goes down from the top of the spine to the bottom and over on the book a few inches. That protects the spirals.

[@representing50plus]

@@dechinta now you know you need to make a video to show that ! Lol

[@dechinta]

@@representing50plus I probably should. I have stomach issues and can only drink chocolate Boost for meals. The 24-pk boxes are great for cutting up to use for supporting books in bubble mailers and the sides are good to fold and make a little C to put the spiral edge in to protect it. Yeah, it's hard to explain. I've always wanted to make KZbin videos, but I don't think I could deal with all the arguing that goes on on some channels. :) The little C is more like a rectangle cut in half. LOL It just covers the spiral. I sell a lot of cookbooks and my favs are the community cookbooks which are almost always spiral bound.

[@Elhardt]

There are a lot of videos of people describing how they ship media mail, but I have yet to see anybody address the topic of the lack of insurance available. What happens if USPS damages or loses the package, or porch pirates steal it. What then? Do you reimburse the buyer the price plus shipping and just take the loss? Does this kind of thing happen often, or is it so rare it's basically a non-issue?

[@curatorofthelost]

You are at loss and generally have to reimburse buyer if not insured. However, you can buy insurance on media mail. I do for more expensive books ($100 or so). I’ve only had this happen like 3 times with about 4000 sales. Those all happened in one week during covid. Sometimes things might get delayed but knock on wood they typically show up. Hope that helps.

[@SuzNews]

I speak Olde Fortran! Where do you get a shirt like that? 😁

[@curatorofthelost]

FORTRAN is still the best right! This one is from Futurama and Bender’s beer- but I loved it as an old Fortan 77 programmer. I found it online somewhere. Google futurama olde FORTRAN shirt and one will pop up.

[@ronnidmiller]

I went through all the links above, which I appreciate, but could not find the flat cardboard choice that can be folded into several different sizes and I can't seem to call it something that eBay recognizes so haven't been able to locate it. :(

[@curatorofthelost]

You can search on search on 12x9 bookfold multi depth mailer. Here is a direct link to an example. Prices have gone up again, so check amazon too. www.ebay.com/itm/380917905428?hash=item58b079f814%3Ag%3APzsAAOxyx0JTi0nk&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAAAkGjX4ga9o5vsyzx%2FCT1HtTfESFZbPrzicyA1rm%2F4Q4wzFlsCK58Q6ZWOT%2BXQOlxv4yfJ4wNViLOWEzlZNJJT8hEsg6vVRuouJ8kgM1Buzw%2FB8CC6dK8PImaXbzJOY%2BOhgaJ6aH6rNYSAQ4GoKxiKEA%2B1ahrjpmHg6IQiVBRAqJ0dy9tXm0AyFdPRWwiIlGHmNA%3D%3D&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338924111&customid=&toolid=20012&mkevt=1

[@lynndemarest1902]

Do you have to take the packages to the post office or are you able to schedule a pickup?

[@curatorofthelost]

I’m not sure you can schedule a pickup for media mail. I know you can for priority. I have a convenient PO so I just drop off.

[@Hustlesworld617]

Great video! If you ever need inventory we are a wholesaler that caters to amazon seller for over the past 10 years. Feel free to let us know if you need help or inventory!

[@beautifulpak]

What box size is good for 15 paperback historical romance small paperback novels?

[@curatorofthelost]

8x10x8 or similar should work

[@johndoe9843]

Haven't sold anything on ebay before. Is the shipping label emailed to you after item is sold?

[@curatorofthelost]

Once sold, you select ship item within the eBay ecosystem. You can buy and print labels at that point. If you charged buyer for shipping it is already wrapped into your payout.

[@Sixdays_aweek]

If the media mail package is lost by USPS, do you have to pay for the refund if it was not insured?

[@curatorofthelost]

Yes- if not insured and not delivered; ie, lost in transit- then you will be on the hook. I haven’t had big issues with this (maybe 3 packages over the years), but now if it is an expensive book, like over $75, then I have started adding insurance.

[@Elhardt]

Because KZbin keeps making changes to this site, I can't respond to comments. I can only post new comments... Thanks for the response to my lost / stolen packages questions. According to other sources, there aren't any insurance options for media mail. I may have to stop by the post office and hear what they say about that and if they have a chart with media mail insurance rates. Don't see it in the PDF I downloaded. Good to hear loses are rare, but I'm still a bit concerned about a porch pirate stealing an expensive package. And in that case I have to wonder why / if that's considered the seller's responsibility. The seller doesn't have control over whether the buyer is home to receive the package or whether they have a secure area to leave the package.

[@curatorofthelost]

I have personally bought/added insurance to media mail packages online and at the PO. Maybe this is a bonus for living in the Great State of Alabama!

[@somebodycomelistentothispo7217]

Where can I get the list for prices and weights ?

[@curatorofthelost]

Do a Google search on 'usps rate table'. You should see a hyperlink for USPS Price List. Go to that page and there is a media mail link with current rates. Also links to other rates.

[@OptimusFBA]

When shipping for ebay do you recommend paying for a tracking number or insurance?

[@curatorofthelost]

Tracking is included in all USPS. I include insurance on books > $75.

[@OptimusFBA]

@@curatorofthelost thanks good to know! So if this book is Los in the mail you just eat the cost or is buyer expected to buy insurance for >75? Enjoying all your content, been learning alot. I've got about 150 books in to FBA no sales yet, about 20 active right still receivng. Slowly putting books on ebay.

[@lorrainewharton980]

I would think the newsprint could transfer to the book???

[@curatorofthelost]

Never had a problem but I would avoid with a white book. That said- I have since gone to the rolled Kraft paper. Newspapers are so out of print!

[@laurenchalaire3955]

What type of scale do you have?

[@curatorofthelost]

I use this one: www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-PS-25-Postal/dp/B004W7IOV4/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=aws+postal&qid=1630881346&sr=8-3 I have had it for years. I like the 0.01 lb resolution. Only had to change the battery once.

[@lindagromkomd]

How long do you find it takes for media mail to arrive vs priority mail? Thank you.

[@curatorofthelost]

I typically have great luck with media mail- often getting delivery in 3-4 days versus 2 days for priority. That said, sometimes media can fall into a trap and take 2 weeks. I think it depends on your post office- mine puts everything into the same bags for pickup, transport, and sort in Birmingham AL. I think it helps that everything goes together at my PO. Some POs have separate bags/gaylords for different classes. I'm told media is officially on a space available basis and if there is a pure media gaylord it even goes to a different regional sort. I know that is a lot of words that really mean 'it depends', but 95% of my shipments are amazingly fast for media, in the 3-4 day timeframe- well before the advertised shipment time.

[@lindagromkomd]

@@curatorofthelost thank you so much! Linda

[@TheGardenAndWormLady]

Where is the cheapest place on eBay to purchase the boxes? I’ve looked all over eBay and they are expensive😢

[@curatorofthelost]

Hi- prices have definitely gone up lately. I use a lot of 10 x 8 x 3 boxes. On ebay, the best deal is currently 59.50 for 100 boxes. Another size I use a lot of is 12 x 9 x 3- I see those for 55.99 for 100 with free shipping. I had been getting both of these for about $45 per 100 shipped. I find that buying in 100-150 box lots gives you the best price. Search for '10 x 8 x 3 corrugated' for example. Also, be sure to price compare on amazon and even big box office supply like staples. Sometimes Staples will run buy 2 get 1 and offer free shipping over $50. Free shipping is a key- places like Uline can have good prices but their shipping cost blows the total up. Never found good total price there. I try to get my box cost under 50 cents. I'm about to need another order of boxes too and it looks like 55-59 cents per is the new norm. If you have an ebay store you can get $25-50 credit per quarter to use on supplies- their flat multifold boxes are good. Using that credit for tape, tissue, or some box supplies helps your overall expenses. Hope that helps. If I find a good deal I will post it.

[@TheGardenAndWormLady]

@@curatorofthelost Wow thank you for so much detail. I have an account on eBay because I purchase a lot on eBay but I don’t know if that is a store. I have so many books it’s ridiculous I want to sell them😂 Hopefully I can make some side money because I work full-time in a jail, miserable place

[@unclexphil7874]

won’t the newspaper bleed onto the book?

[@curatorofthelost]

Never had a problem with that on books. That said, I would not use newsprint on any book that is a light colored cloth board with no DJ. Rubbing in transit could make that possible. Interestingly, since I did this original video, my access to newspaper has been practically eliminated. The paper here in town went under and when I travel most hotels have curtailed papers in the lobby and go full digital. So I have largely moved to tissue and light weight kraft wrap- whatever is cheaper.

[@dbluehorsedeboe5567]

Do you charge 4.00 shipping no matter the weight of the shipment? What about protection from rain?

[@curatorofthelost]

If it is a heavy book, I may go to $5, but in general I price my books with a $4 flat media mail shipping. It covers most of the cost- the rest is absorbed in overall pricing.

[@dbluehorsedeboe5567]

@@curatorofthelost are most buyers willing to pay 4.0 shipping,?

[@curatorofthelost]

@@dbluehorsedeboe5567 Yes. Especially when I put in a box.

[@davidwillborn3850]

Is media mail insured. I have some expensive books I might sell.

[@curatorofthelost]

It is not. You can add insurance for extra.

[@kelseyleeman4640]

I don’t see any boxes in that price range on Amazon. Anyone have a link by chance? 🙏

[@curatorofthelost]

I know- prices have gone up a lot in the few months since that original post. I have been finding best prices on ebay lately- just search on 10x8x3 corrugated boxes. Buy in lots of 100 or more for the best price. Shipped on those is more like 59 cents each right now from the Boxery. I use that size as much as possible. The 12x9x3 is the other size I often use. Prices on those are killing me- more like 75 to 79 cents each. There are some 12-1/8 x 9-1/8 x 2 (or 1) inch bookfolds on ebay for about 69 cents each if you buy 100. I have been liking those too for thinner books- one benefit is they are a bit lighter and can save you on postage when you barely go over the 1lb shipping increments for media. I hope that helps!

[@kelseyleeman4640]

@@curatorofthelost thank you!

[@JesustheChristofIsrael]

Can you just use USPS boxes you get for free???

[@curatorofthelost]

Priority mail boxes are free. You can order them online. Just have ship priority-

[@LuftpolsterManu]

How long you take to pack a book?

[@curatorofthelost]

Usually takes 2-3mins to pack. I have everything setup and a good wrap surface. Then I have to login and print the label.

[@lucian5304]

Ive seen alot of people selling books on ebay for 7$ free shipping..how in tbe world do u make any money that way ..even if u got the book fir free your basically going in the red to sell it .

[@curatorofthelost]

Always amazes me- I can only think they have postage deals and high volume.

[@eddiegonzalez2883]

What size are the flat mailers?

[@curatorofthelost]

12.5x12.5. They can accommodate 1 to 3 inch thickness. I get them on the eBay shipping supplies.

[@eddiegonzalez2883]

@@curatorofthelost how do you get to eBay shipping supplies, I’ve just entered ebay box on search, and it took me to a lot of listings, never understood exactly where to go on eBay for thier specific supplies

[@curatorofthelost]

Search for user ebayshippingsupplies. Or 12.5” flat adjustable box I have a store subscription so I just use my quarterly store credit to get these. You may be able to find cheaper elsewhere but those searches will get you there

[@eddiegonzalez2883]

@@curatorofthelost thanks again

[@donseay3220]

あなたはスマートマネーです！！！

[@curatorofthelost]

SmartMoney 101 baby!!!

[@Edog1337]

Watch your packing tape and bubble wrap. Sometimes in shipping it gets very hot and they release odors like paint thinner. I have had multiple books ruined by sellers shipping a paint thinner smelling book and send that shit straight back. Don’t be that seller.

[@niggaflies]

Boxes are now more expensive due to inflation!

[@curatorofthelost]

Absolutely- that video was over a year ago. Painful what prices are now!

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

anybody can ship an item with the cheapest mail ever without damage the items as long the package was shipping with care and love, the problem is there's many lazy sellers online.