weaselguys
having dreams about rocks
Member since September 2020
Posts: 68
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Post by weaselguys on Oct 21, 2020 8:57:26 GMT -5
What is the best way to ship single rocks, padded mailers or should only boxes be used for rocks ?
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thecrystalisle
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2020
Posts: 142
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Post by thecrystalisle on Oct 21, 2020 9:25:41 GMT -5
It depends on the rock. I had a free form break after I put it in a padded envelope with plenty of bubble wrap and cardboard, so now if I always put any crystal or stone in a box, even if I then put the box in a bubble mailer.
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Post by mohs on Oct 21, 2020 9:26:19 GMT -5
I send a lot of rocking heart in padded envelope heart are fragile even hearts of stone never had fatality yet
a safer way is probably always a well padded box little more expense
best Ed
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 21, 2020 9:32:53 GMT -5
It might depend on the size and weight. If it is heavy - a flat rate box is a good idea with cardboard and bubble wrap. If it is small, then a little box and bubble envelope. Or, you can sandwich it in cardboard, tape all around and add some bubble wrap for a bubble envelope. Not all rocks are terribly breakable, but why tempt fate- or the PO.
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Post by knave on Oct 21, 2020 9:56:06 GMT -5
Shipping is a bugger. Any more specifics on weight, material, rough, finished?
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,666
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Post by Fossilman on Oct 21, 2020 9:56:36 GMT -5
I always use the small priority boxes...
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Post by knave on Oct 21, 2020 10:02:24 GMT -5
I always use the small priority boxes... Hey mike I want to see that can you send me one? Lol
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Post by fernwood on Oct 21, 2020 10:22:24 GMT -5
I only use SFRB's. Small, US Postal Priority Mail boxes. Lots of padding or add more items to make sure the box is completely full. Even then, some wrapping/padding of individual rocks/slabs is needed. Lots of taping. Unless it is a RTH traveling box, then it become a Medium or Large box. Lots of creativity to prevent rocks from damaging the slabs.
Do this for both rocks and the jewelry I sell.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2020 10:39:49 GMT -5
For shipping domestically, you can often save some money by using Regional Rate A (a bit smaller then Medium Flat Rate) and B (a bit smaller than Large Flat Rate) boxes. You do have to order supplies of those boxes (free) from the usps.com website to keep on hand, as post offices don't stock them. Shipping a Regional Rate A box within your local zone(s) can be almost as cheap as the Small Flat Rate box, but a LOT roomier.
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Post by greig on Oct 21, 2020 11:33:29 GMT -5
I have had slices break in padded envelopes, but for me is worth the risk due to the cheaper cost and ease of packing, unless the item cannot be replaced. I suspect envelopes go through postal sorting machines and boxes do not.
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,124
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Post by RWA3006 on Oct 21, 2020 14:52:20 GMT -5
What is the best way to ship single rocks, padded mailers or should only boxes be used for rocks ? Rough, slabs, finished stones? Each configuration requires a different approach.
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Post by stardiamond on Oct 21, 2020 17:24:12 GMT -5
I pack cigar boxes and then put the box in a $7.75 large priority mail flat rate padded envelope. My normal way to ship cabs is in gift box inside a padded envelope. I shipped 33 cabs and didn't want to try to fill a bunch of gift boxes. I put double sided 3m waterproof tape on a sheet of cardboard and stuck the cabs to the tape. 3 layers with bubble wrap in between all in cigar box. Last time I had a similar order for the same customer I put them on layers of bubble wrap in a cigar box. The cabs moved around but weren't damaged. The only complaint was the customer wanted a cigar. I included a Cuban cigar with this order.
I duct tape slabs together and then wrap them in cardboard and then put them in a cigar box and the large priority mail flat rate envelope. Larger rocks in either a MFRB or a LFRB.
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