Use These Instead Of Padded Flat Rate Envelopes
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- Опубліковано 15 січ 2022
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Thumbnail photo by Igor Starkov: www.pexels.com/photo/shirts-h...
Rachel Strickland's original video: • Shipping Hack | Foldin...
Updated version: • Tips Trick and Mind-Bl...
This is a surpassingly easy modification to the standard flat rate envelope that will let you fit larger items in it. Obviously this will not accommodate all bulky clothing items. If you're concerned about the item not being well enough protected, you can also put it in a poly mailer before it goes into the flat rate envelope. - Навчання та стиль
Some people are getting rankled about this and claiming that this breaches USPS policy by adding an additional fold to the package. I've already sent out a couple packages with this method and have not had any issues. In my judgment (and based on comments from people who have been doing this for a while) it does not violate any rules and I have trouble believing that any post office would a) notice or b) care that there was a crease in the envelope. Or that they wouldn't back down in the unlikely event that they made a fuss about it. However, if you want to play it ultra mega safe, then perhaps this is not for you.
The post master told me I could put a brick in there creased as long as the flap closes.
I had my first refusal about 3 weeks ago. I didn't argue I just dropped it at another PO. I then went on to vent my frustration at the lack of knowledge displayed by the postal worker in a group and got taken to the woodshed by a few people. All of them telling me I should go back and apologize for my non argument with the worker 🙄. Once I posted a copy of USPS own rules regarding the usage of these envelopes, the crickets could be heard round the world.
@@yolandarouser1413 People get real precious about being Earth's Most Upstanding Resellers.
@@ThriftALife :D
I spoke to the manager at my local post office and he said it's fine. Some teller's sometimes complain just to complain. Maybe they don't like the job and take it out on the customers. My post office isn't in the greatest neighborhood so that could play a factor.
Yes, definitely! I’ve been mailing jeans that way for 2 years now. My post office just asked that I reinforce the edges with tape as these envelopes can open along the seams. 😊
simply test this using a garment/item which you would normally toss. Keep it and test your shipping methods. You will be amazed how crappy the boxes envelopes are. One trick I use for breakables is "fragile stickers". Never had an issues when I ship with those on the box. The customers love them. Adds that extra layer of "don't smash this one Postal moron".
The amount of value/information you add to the community is of the highest value. I wouldn't be anywhere near as successful in my first 3 months without your videos. Thank you.
I do something similar. When I sell jeans, even bigger men’s jeans, I fold them neatly, mostly rectangle shaped, put them in a poly bag , sit on it until the air is depleted, it kind of creates a vacuum in the poly bag, then slide that right into the flat envelope. It works every time and I’ve never gotten a bad review.
I crease all sides.It molds just perfect.Also,being that it's a tight fit I'll put it in a tyvek envelope it makes for a better slide.
I love this method. My post office complains but all I say is "If it fits it ships" lol.
Some people like to complain
Lmao! The PO I went to gave me a hard time once..I am worried they might try to hold it longer or it goes "missing",ugh
@@purrmikitty I know how you feel. I think about that every time they complain. I spoke to the manager and he said it's fine but the teller's still have smart remarks sometimes. I think it's a power struggle because I won't submit to how they prefer me to package.
@@ritasjourney so true. I would offer them a hug and say "Jesus loves you" if we didn't have to social distance lol
@@ritasjourney this isn’t because “some people like to complain” it’s because of the way they run their system. Some of these barcodes are harder to read when they’re bent, wasting time to manually punch it in. Also, labels are more of a pain when they have to get put on packages that aren’t flat and have to use more tape to apply them-also using more unnecessary time had you used a package that wasn’t stuffed to the brim. These packages also can’t be recycled if they’re covered in tape that’s a pain to remove. So where you think you’re saving on the environment because you’re not using one that’s plastic yet using one that paper covered in plastic thinking you’re being more environmentally conscious, I can see and understand the annoyance. When you’re saving your own time not having to go to the hassle of getting one that’s a bit bigger/better for the job, you’re wasting someone else’s time. Acknowledging the fact that you know it could be a problem but so long as it’s not your problem, it doesn’t matter because it doesn’t matter to you, is just being selfish.
Brilliant! 20 years selling on Ebay and this never crossed my mind as an option. Thank You
Learn shipping it is easily half the job of reselling. if you have no idea, or worse, never consider the shipping when sourcing you are throwing money away.
RE: Shipping sport coats like that - Do you ever get complaints that the jacket is now all wrinkled and the buyer has to pay to get it pressed?
Yes. I'd be most unhappy to receive a package like that.
There's not one person who opened that and wasn't like WHAT THE FUCK?
That would be awful receiving an item like that formal wear and have it all wrinkled lol
I get it though
Crazy this video came across my feed today. I stopped doing this when I got my 2nd complaint. I’d rather ship neatly
Just the other day my PO guy showed me a template that shows the width of a Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope and it's pretty narrow, about an inch - inch and a half. He was concerned but I've been stuffing jeans in these things for 5 years and have never had an issue. So thank you, I'll try this.
Times are changing and it won't be long before enough people do these tricks and the bear turns on them. This will not last more than a year if that I suspect. I dread the day they crack on media mail.
I've been tempted to do this but I try to add percieved value by the packaging looking nicer. I feel like it gives the customer a better feeling about their purchase
I do too. I agree with you.
That jacket is not going to look like the picture posted in the ad. What does someone have to do to get all the wrinkles out? Take it to a dry cleaner? I could see shipping jeans like this maybe . But if I ordered a sport coat and it came stuffed in an envelope I would think this guy hasn't been doing this that long.
@@michael2943 But some people won't even buy the jacket because the shipping is too high.
@@les0101s No they simply do not feel they should pay the shipping. Since Amazon ships for free they assume all online sellers should...because we get "special deals". By charging them for shipping they think we are raking them by the shipping alone. Its why most "best offers" are about basically trying to not pay shipping. If not that they are trying to steal your item hoping your rent is due.
Most people are POS, lets face reality.
Didn’t know you could shipped packages with bows and ribbon tied around.
Yeah it works and i've tried it before, although its the presentation! i haven't had any complaints but idk to save that 30 cents its hard for me to justify it over a nicer looking water proof tear resistant padded envelope over a cardboard envelope. just my opinion thanks for the video!
Agree. Would be stressful for me. Watch a post office handling video and you see how “haphazard “ the process is from drop off to delivery. With wet weather I always err on the side of caution.
sometimes a larger clothing item wont fit into the padded flat rate, the legal size cardboard is a bit larger.
If you ship in volume a box is hardly an expense. 35 cents for a 12x6x6 box is so much easier and assures a smooth sale. $10 or 15 at the 2lb break hardly an issue shipping a $50 sport coat.
awesome and amazing advice, I been using flat rate padded forever with jeans and most heavier shirts/ sweaters. Now I will be switching to this especially with the recent increase in the padded flat rate cost. Thanks !!!!
This is a great idea, but the risk of damage to the product remains too high for me. I’ve received these flat rate envelopes when I’ve purchased items from eBay sellers and the envelopes come smashed up, dirty and worn out with holes or tears in some spots. Needless to say, it didn’t leave me with a good impression of the seller. I usually protect everything I send out with a plastic bag or wrapping, sometimes in addition to bubble wrap or padding for fear that the packaging will tear or leak and ruin my product or item I’m selling. One careless toss from a postal worker and it’s all over. Then I haven’t saved a dime and I’ve wasted my time AND money.
Thanks as always. Your "Down to Earth" realism is so very refreshing.
Thank you so much. This is actually so smart definitely gonna be doing this for now on
Thank you! I will be trying this immediately! Love saving money on postage!
I have been doing similar to mail books for almost 2 years now, with no complaints from USPS (probably about 50 times total). I don't do that formal crease, but am doing similar. You can also fold the top earlier (making it shorter) so it can meet the depth. Thanks for the video.
Bro tbh I’d be PISSED receiving a newly purchased sports coat gushed into a flat rate envelope.
Thank you! Great hack.. I’ll definitely be trying it. Love your videos!
Nice!! Thanks 4 the trick! I will be doing this from now on!
This is awesome! Ahh, that super neat folding was so satisfying.
Great idea. Been shipping a while and hadn't seen that trick. Thank you
Great Video! Needed to see this ! Thank you!
Great idea to add the fold. When I ship a box inside the envelope & push it down it creates the space also, but I never thought of making the fold. The envelope will look nicer if the seams are reinforced with tape first:) Been doing this for years. If you sent a big packet of papers inside - it would be no different. Thanks for the tip!
Thank you. I appreciate this demo tip!
Thank you for showing us. It's really helpful!
That’s so clever! Thanks for sharing this trick! 😊
WOW. This was really helpful, thank you!!!
Yes, I've done this over a thousand times,...never once had a complaint from the post office or a buyer. Only warning is don't ship puffer jackets(like Patagonia trench-coat puffers),...when you bunch that jacket up tightly it causes the down filling to burst out of any tiny holes that might exist or that suddenly exist.
Love that. I just picked a bunch up!! Nice video!!
What a great tip! Thanks!
Dude, best tip of 2022 so far. Thanks!
Wow, absolutely amazing.
Thank you
I'm new to your channel, but in three episodes I've learned a great deal more than alot louder voices on YT
Thanks for the tips ☮️
Fire. Love your videos man. Real world advice not hype beast click bait. Keep it up bro sending love
You are the best! Thank you for sharing the information!!!!!!
Just got your manifesto. The first sale I make from your list of items, Ill surely send a contribution!
Beautiful dude! Thank you!
What a fantastic idea!!!! You are so innovative!!
I love this thank you for sharing.
O , this is great , creating a gusset ! I ship lots of hoodies in legal flat rates , and packing tape the edges , to stuff a 4XL hoodie …this is super helpful , thanks !
Rachel rocks! Thanks Matt!
Yes, this is an amazing shipping hack! I have been using these for all my over 1 lb clothing items, within reason. I even ship other items such as lotion and liquid soap. With the liquid items, I first insert them into a small flat rate USPS box. This then slides into either the cardboard flat or the padded flat rate. BTW, I love your tips. I pray your neck issues are resolved completely. Have a blessed day!
JoJo
Joanne, I use a 1096L box inside the envelope to reinforce liquid ships. It fits perfectly & slightly larger.
Wow...thank you and Rachel!!!
Brilliant!! I didnt even know this & Ive been using them since 1998!!! 👀 Thank you!!
This PSA is a game changer. 😂 Thanks for sharing!
That is awesome. I am about to list some coats. Thanks.
Ty for this one!!!
It's a great idea for the times I might run out of the padded mailer! I hate getting a sale just before I get another batch, as I prefer the waterproof aspect, but this is a great trick for something I need to get out at the last minute. Thank you sir!
It’s weird to me because I’ve always placed my clothing items in a clear poly bag and sealed as soon as I list. Then I never think about them getting wet during shipping. But I think I spend more on shipping supplies than most people.
@@Curtishardy09 I do similar and for the bugs>moths. One trick you might want to watch for though is when the sale comes...makes sure the extra bag is not pushing the package over a critical weight point with First Class. I save all week long by shipping without the extra bag. I just use more tape on the shipper poly to make it waterproof.
A few years ago I received a pair of shoes shipped in this manor. My fist reaction is that I paid $10 shipping for an envelope with no protection inside. Then I looked at the shoes and decided I got what was advertised for the price I agree to. I have shipped this method ever since that day but I use a poly mailer inside that cost me ..01. Yes a penny. Someday you will get a complaint because that is just how some people are wired. Focus on the 99.98% of buyers who happy.
Great to know! Thank you.
Research the rules on this as USPS website says this below: Flat Rate Envelopes are best suited for documents, but if you choose to send another type of item (up to 70 pounds), it should not reconstruct or expand the envelope in any way. As long as the envelope closes within the normal folds, bulges will not matter. There is no maximum thickness for Flat Rate Envelopes.
In this instance he didn't reconstruct or expand the envelop. What that means, is if you cut it and/or add more material to it - like if you used extra tape to close the envelope, but really you did that because it wouldn't seal and close on its own otherwise.
This is just making the bottom of the envelop more pliable without actually altering it in any way.
Thank you for sharing this…it’s genius!
Put it in a large plastic bag first and squeeze the air out. It will fit much better while also giving it more protection inside the cardboard box.
Wow, thanks Matt!
Always LOVE saving $$$!!! Ty!
Right? I’ve been doing that for the past couple years and it is such a financial savings, So glad you have shared that with others because it was a game changer for me as well!
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing. We have to save anyway we can
Excellent!!!! Thank you!!!!
Brilliant! Thanks!
Genius!!! Thank you!!
Thanks! I'll give it try.
I just sent items out in small boxes. First class mail. 8 x 8 x8 or 10 x 8 x 6. It’s not really that expensive and it gets there in about the same amount of time. Maybe an extra day or two. But it looks nicer in a nice box. And it’s cheaper. And doesn’t take too long to get there.
Matt to the rescue,again!
Many thanks!
Hey there! Love your vids. Theyve been so helpful. Something i havent heard you touch on is do you charge for shipping or does the buyer pay? Thanks!
I ship almost all my jeans in these! Ty 😀
Genius. Thanks!
New to thrifting and enjoying your videos . This was really cool however the USPS offices around me have areas next to kiosks with all of the boxes and envelopes neatly stacked in bins and they are free (there is a sign that says free shipping materials). So every time I ship I grab about five of everything.
Padded envelopes offer protection from rain, snow, etc. Those cardboard ones do not. Clothing should also be bagged before being put inside any kind of package for shipping to protect against moisture, odors, etc. Saving money at the risk of damage to the clothing item isn't money worth saving. I wouldn't be happy to receive a suit jacket or other clothing item the way you showed it there. To each their own.
Genius! Thank you!
Thank you so much friend. I which 1 day meet u in person and thank for all the help u gives us🙂
I've found that by putting the item into a thin plastic bag helps to pack it quicker/neater and if the sticky flap ever stuck to the item...it would be the clear bag, not the clothes. Ziplocks are too thick, I use Great Value or other brand "Twist Tie bags' 10" x 14" found nearly always, on the lowest shelf near ziplock bags. (100 per box). I don't twist tie them, I use a piece of tape to close the bag. If the items is large I will use 2 bags.
Love this one! I heard not to cover the barcode, but I don’t know if it’s an actual rule. Also, whatever I put in the smaller foldover box, I will then slip those into the envelope. (Another UA-cam ship hack;) ). Fits perfectly!!
Oh! Also don’t take box apart at seams and make bigger or rearrange! They won’t accept, but you can reinforce seam with tape.
Matt, I never saw that trick to expand the before, thank you.
Cont. expand the envelope before. Do you sell tie’s?
😁. THANK YOU!! I LOVE IT WHEN RESELLERS SHARE ( SHIPPING HACKS ). SUCH A GREAT IDEA 💡. REALLY APPRECIATE IT 👍👍👍
Thank you so much!
Wow! Cool thanks!!!
That's a great tip. tnx
I’ll use these Flat Rate Envelopes every so often. I also use the USPS Priority Mail tape from the military care bundle to reinforce the envelope. I’ve had an envelope returned to me once due to buyer provided wrong address. The envelope did not hold up on its own. Now I use the tape.
I definitely agree with this but would choose a better looking way in certain situations. I've had buyers leave notes ahead of time or I'll just use judgements on certain items.
If it's a suit jacket, I'll spend a couple more bucks, if it's a Sweatshirt, I wouldn't care as much.
I think it comes down to how professional you want to be perceived.
Are you running a business, or are you making as much money as you can off the sale and the shipping.
BUT, this is an excellent way of saving on shipping costs. Just don't charge more than 8 dollars.
I do love your videos Matt!
Thank you. Jeans for sure good idea, but I would be afraid of bad feedback with a sport coat. I don't think I could bring myself to try it.
Thanks for the info, when doing free shipping this is a good hack!
You can also just poke your fingers in the bottom of the envelope to create the gusseted bottom. Bagging clothing first makes stuffing it in the env easier.
Oooooo tricky! Thx Mat!
Lol I can’t tell you how stupid I feel at this moment… thanks Matt.. I’ve manipulated that flat rate envelope like you don’t even know … hahahaaa. I would like to also extend my gratitude. Because of your videos I’ve gone down the mens clothing path and I love it. All of your recommendations and your Manifest manifesto🤷♀️ 😁✌🏻
Excellent!
Brilliant!! Brilliant!!....and your hair too. Nice.
Omg!!!! The Jesus of tricks. I have been struggling with this!!! Thankyou!
As a buyer if I would receive an item jammed/stuffed this way … seller would get a 1 justified star for 0 effort in making the purchase a “great buying experience”. eBay would side with me as NAD … because photos show a steamed wrinkle free item … I mean why bother to steam, present item in good condition to show a nicer item when u are going to ball it up/stuffed into inappropriate sized mailer.
Sellers need to ask themselves would they be happy receiving the item stuffed/jammed to save a few dollars?
I stopped buying clothes on eBay because of constantly receiving items shipped like way this seller is doing. On eBay it’s all about creating a “great buying experience”. This method hardly meets that standard.
Can u do it … of course u can. Did u save yourself or your buyer shipping $s … of course u did. But don’t complain when buyer comes back with NAD and u pay return USPS shipping costs plus negative feedback.
If you put the item in a poly bag first, you can squeeze out all the air and almost vacuum seal it. I got 2 pairs of large slacks (in a polybag) in a single flat rate envelope
I see Rick from Thrift Fever is back. Your content is great!
Thanks for bringing that to my attention, I wasn't aware. Pumped to see him back.
Love the crease suggestion! I’ve never done that, but that looks so helpful with bulkier items. I heard USPS is getting rid of one of them (envelope or padded) not sure which one tho. I hope they don’t, but I don’t think the padded ones were available on the website as of recently.
There was some panic about this, but it appears that was just for the pre-paid ones. Whew!
@@kay4732 oh good!
I wouldn't have shipped that jacket like that. I'd definitely use this method on jeans and some other type items but I just cringed watching you stuff that jacket in there. It's definitely a personal preference, but I'd be dissatisfied if I were the buyer. Thanks for the video and the tip!
Oh WOW! THANKS!!
I always reinforce going around the package on each end, Also 2 post offices have said they are going to stop offering the padded ones.
Man, that's HUGE!!! And USPS doesn't give you a hard time? THANKS!!!
Brilliant!
You are Awesome!
Shipped tens of thousands of these with zero issues. :D
Thanks Chris