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I have several vintage keyboards and am looking for a source of boxes to ship them in. I just shipped one and the only USPS box it would fit in was the Large Flat Rate box, cost $14.80 in shipping. The minimum size needs to be 20 x 10 x 2 inches.
I hope to lower my shipping costs. So if you have any thoughts or suggestions I will welcome them. Mike.
i have shipped a couple of keyboards and used the flat rate game box from usps. Ithink the price is for a large flat rate box. i dont think youll get a better price with a free box. i just went to the po and they had a couple. i was told you can order them for free at usps or through ebay usps link. i also checked at ups and they wanted 5+ change for a box not including shipping.
I've seen people drop things off at the post office that have been wrapped in bubble wrap and then brown kraft paper. Not sure how well that would work out, but just an idea.
I am unable to find a flat rate "game" box. Of course I am concerned over the cost of buying boxes free is always better. I would like to find boxes that fit the bill and would hopefully reduce postage as well. Mike.
The priority "game board" boxes are not available at the post office, you have to order them. They will ship them to you for free. If you get free boxes somewhere else you are probably better off shipping these with fedex.
This will not be the answer you want to hear, but there is no good way to ship keyboards cheaply.
That's what I am finding out, no cheap way to ship them. I do enjoy a direct answer.Quote:
Originally Posted by AuburnEwaste
I still can't find a reference of a "game board" box at the USPS web site. If you can provide a link that would be helpful. Thank you Mike
Mike I have shipped some car sun visors that are about the same size as a keyboard using the Priority Mail Envelope/Small Package option using my own box and it was less then $10 each time...but the farther it needs to go the more it will be. Today I shipped one that weighed 3 pounds in a pretty big box for $8.
Mike, when I need to ship something that is an odd size or shape, I usually make my own box. Check with a local liquor store or an appliance store and see if you can have a few boxes. Cut them open where they are glued and lay flat. Wrap your item in bubble wrap and take some measurements, then with a box cutter a 2X4 and some tape you will have a box in a few minutes. When I was selling in ebay that is how I shipped anything that wouldn't fit in a flat rate or priority box. I never had any complaints about my packaging.
edit: 2X4 is to help you get straight folds
^^ Also if you score with a knife where your fold is going to be it makes a cleaner fold instead of being rounded over.
Thanks for the link. Those are the large flat rate boxes I have been using I just didn't notice the "game board" in the name. Its not included on the box its self. I had mistakenly ordered 10 of those the very first time I ordered boxes. I should have enough boxes for the next 3-15 yrs, lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by AuburnEwaste
It appears like I have to either use those large flat rate boxes or build my own. Thanks again, Mike.
I have shipped several in actual keyboard boxes. Do you have any computer store connections you could hit up? I bet they throw those away often. Not sure if they are lighter than the game board boxes or not though...
You can add strength to the boxes by wrapping them in brown wrapping paper.Quote:
Originally Posted by ScrappinRed
I had a load of mechanical keyboards that I sold off about a year or so ago. I used to stop at a bar that was right next to a local Comcast office. They had a cardboard recycle bin out back where I would park when I stopped in at the saloon. They always had lots of boxes both in and stacked around the cardboard dumpster that originally contained DVR cable boxes. They worked perfectly for the keyboards I was shipping. I did not have to dig in the bin because there were always so many of them stacked all over around it.
However, the cost was pretty much the same as using that new large flat rate board game box.
And I can pick these "board game" boxes at my post office now. No Problem.
I get them at staples there 24by10by4 there the fold and put together ones in a 4pack for 6.97 prices vary by store but I do not usually think of price since I turn my ink in there and buy all my shipping stuff there I ship through usps for these and range from $4.30-$5.60 depending on how heavy of course and for some I sell in 2 lots since the smaller ones I can fit 2 in the box lol usually put $6.50 for shipping to make sure on ebay
This looks doable. I read on their web site at 25 per bundle the price is 29.49 on a 24" x 12" x 4". So I think I will go get a few from the store and see how it goes. With your numbers I look to be able to cut shipping costs by half which will make me more competitive and more money. Thanks to all who have contributed to this little thread. 73, Mike.Quote:
Originally Posted by travistemple202020
You can also choose to NOT ship them priority by wrapping them in Craft paper, or painters paper ($10 a huge roll at the hardware store), and just send them parcel post.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mechanic688