Why It Matters Whether You Choose Shipping Boxers Or Mailers

13 October 2020
 Categories: , Blog

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When it comes to mailing an item to a family or friend or perhaps even a customer, it is important that you take the time to think about how that item will fare during its journey. Generally, everyone tries to get the cheapest option available, but this is not always the right course of action when it comes to shipping. Sure, the option you choose might be cheaper, but if it breaks, the item you were mailing, then the whole operation was pointless. Here is a brief explanation of shipping boxes and mailers and a quick rundown of which you should choose.

Shipping Boxes

Shipping boxes come in a range of sizes from narrow to large and wide. When it comes to shipping anything over a pound, generally, most professionals would advise you to choose shipping boxes, and there are several reasons for that:

  • Shipping boxes are thicker, and, therefore, can actually support the weight of your item.
  • Because of the additional room, you can pack the box with supportive material (such as packing peanuts) to stop it from getting broken due to shaking.
  • It allows for easy handling by post office employees who might otherwise struggle to support it.

Mailers

Mailers are a great option for non-delicate items that just won't fit into an envelope. Sometimes you might want to send someone a notebook, DVD, some small foodstuffs, or whatever else, and it just will not squish into a regular envelope. While you can get mailers that come in larger sizes, generally, these are for bigger pieces of paper for business purposes, not for stacking full of items. Weight is a big deal when it comes to mailers, and many post offices will simply refuse to take your mailers if they are over the threshold, so be careful about overfilling them.

Which Should You Choose?

To keep it very simple: always go for the safe option when it comes to mailing items. Shipping boxes are perfect for anything over a pound, and mailers are more than capable of anything under that weight (that will fit inside them). Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, as some very lightweight items will need a lot of padding to ensure they don't break, but generally, the rule of thumb professionals live by is that if you are tossing up between the two, always go for the safer option. While it may cost you a bit extra, that peace of mind and assurance it will arrive without being broken is worth it.

For more information on shipping boxes and mailers, reach out to a local shipping supply store.