Inexpensive way to ship matted prints.

[Steve Bingham]

Any input on this. Sure, tubes work great for prints, but what is an inexpensive way to ship 16" x 20" matted prints (or larger) - if there is a way.
--
Steve Bingham
http://www.dustylens.com

 

[Mike Worley]

. . . but seriously, here's my only source for such issues:

http://luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/shipping.shtml

I don't think he actually gets into cost, but a cheap shipping job and a ruined print may not be the most inexepensive way to go.

Regards,

Mike

 

[George Law]

matted to a larger size?

Either way, if you are on good terms with a local photo lab, ask for some left photo paper boxes.

I just mailed out a 16x20 print last week using a paper box. The print was wrapped and taped into the box and the box taped closed. The USPS would have to run over it with a truck to hurt the print. My lab just gave me the box.

George

 

[Steve Bingham]

Just looking for a better way! Currently I just don't do it (send matter photos) - it's a big fat mailing tube packed correctly or nothing!
--
Steve Bingham
http://www.dustylens.com

 

[JR_Sprawls]

For 11x14 I use the standard size flat Priority Mail boxes, available free at the post office. Instead of setting up the box I leave it flat, slide the print in, and trim and seal the ends. There may be a similar solution for larger prints.

This was suggested by my brother-in-law, a window clerk with the Postal Service who has experience shipping everything from cremated human remains to live chickens.

--
J.R.

Somewhere south
of Amarillo

 

[BobbyC]

I recently tried MPix for the first time and had a 16x20 shipped to me in a box about 1" thick, the print was sandwiched between cardboard, wrapped and taped with plastic then inserted into the box with packing around it, print was undamaged.

I usually use tubes for 13x19 and up, photomailers for 11x14 and down. Out of several thousand pieces mailed last year I only got one call about a damaged print sent in a tube and frankly, I think we bent it before it was packaged.

 

[LarrysVision]

Hi Steve, great advice. Tell me, if I do this do I have to pay the Priority Mail price for using the USPS mailer, or can I change the method of shipping.

 

[grannygear]

I know I am not answering the OP's question, but as a hobbyist, I have it easier to use an online service to print, mat, frame and ship the final product. I have shipped a couple framed prints in the past, and will go the online route next time around.

 

[photolando]

You guys do realize this thread is 10 years old and the OP and others may have moved on? Check dates of thread starts before you post. Still can. Just don't be surprised if the OP is no longer around.

 

[nail33]

You guys do realize this thread is 10 years old and the OP and others may have moved on? Check dates of thread starts before you post. Still can. Just don't be surprised if the OP is no longer around.

 

[wgosma]

For 11x14 I use the standard size flat Priority Mail boxes, available free at the post office. Instead of setting up the box I leave it flat, slide the print in, and trim and seal the ends. There may be a similar solution for larger prints.

This was suggested by my brother-in-law, a window clerk with the Postal Service who has experience shipping everything from cremated human remains to live chickens.

 

[postal24060]

No flat rate pricing if you change the shape of the box. At the office I work at we won't accept packages in flat rate boxes like the one described in this thread.

From the usps.com:

Note:Flat Rate prices are available when material is sent in a USPS-produced Flat Rate Envelope or Box. When sealing a Flat Rate Box or Flat Rate Envelope, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to reinforce the container; provided the design of the container is not enlarged by opening the sides and the container is not reconstructed in any way.

Disclosure: I am a 20 year employee of USPS

 

[wgosma]

No flat rate pricing if you change the shape of the box. At the office I work at we won't accept packages in flat rate boxes like the one described in this thread.

From the usps.com:

Note:Flat Rate prices are available when material is sent in a USPS-produced Flat Rate Envelope or Box. When sealing a Flat Rate Box or Flat Rate Envelope, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to reinforce the container; provided the design of the container is not enlarged by opening the sides and the container is not reconstructed in any way.

Disclosure: I am a 20 year employee of USPS

Yesterday I went to my local post office in Oceanside, CA and asked the clerk about this, he said no problem using the 'flat rate' mailer and leaving it basically 'flat' while taping the unfolded ends closed. The matted print is on it's way.

We just have a unique way of bending the rules in California you know

Thanks/Bill

 

[postal24060]

Yesterday I went to my local post office in Oceanside, CA and asked the clerk about this, he said no problem using the 'flat rate' mailer and leaving it basically 'flat' while taping the unfolded ends closed. The matted print is on it's way.

We just have a unique way of bending the rules in California you know

Thanks/Bill

 

[lightandaprayer]

How did this thread get resurrected anyway?

If it's more than a one-off shipment, there are shipping supply companies that sell shipping supplies. Uline.com sends me a catalog every year. (I quit selling prints years ago. It was a very minor sideline, mainly orders of published magazine and newspaper photos.)

 

[wgosma]

..I did a search for prior postings on the subject and found this thread; I have (had, it's shipped) a matted print to ship to a friend.

Thanks/Bill

 

[RJNedimyer]

You guys do realize this thread is 10 years old and the OP and others may have moved on? Check dates of thread starts before you post. Still can. Just don't be surprised if the OP is no longer around.