Can I use a bubble mailer and/or a cardboard mailer with eBay standard shipping? (2024)

FAQs

Can I use a bubble mailer and/or a cardboard mailer with eBay standard shipping? ›

If you want to use eBay's first class standard envelope, the envelope must function like a letter. That means not too thick and not too stiff, as it has to move through the USPS high speed letter sorting equipment. So, no rigid cardboard mailer and no bubble mailer.

NOT Supported: Bubble Mailers Cardboard Packages. or any packaging made of plastic material. Envelopes and content that weigh more than 3oz. Envelopes smaller than 3.5” x 5” inches or larger than 6.125” x 11.5” inches.

This depends on the thickness of your bubble mailer. Once packed, if your bubble mailer is 3/4 of an inch thick or less, it's considered an envelope. If your bubble mailer is over 3/4 of an inch thick, it's considered a package. Your bubble mailer will most likely be a package.

The eBay "standard envelope" is apparently not compatible with nonmachinable status. On this Help page about the standard envelope, under the final FAQ on restrictions, eBay says, "eBay standard envelope has strict limitations on weight and size. Envelope and contents weigh 3oz or less.

If you want to use eBay's first class standard envelope, the envelope must function like a letter. That means not too thick and not too stiff, as it has to move through the USPS high speed letter sorting equipment. So, no rigid cardboard mailer and no bubble mailer.

What happens if a trading card sells for more than $20 using the 'eBay Standard Envelope' option? If you list at auction and the price exceeds $20 then ESE will not be available when you purchase a shipping label. You would have to use a different shipping service.

Send envelopes using the USPS mail.

Printed eBay Standard Envelope labels are non-refundable and cannot be voided.

Standard shipping on eBay refers to shipping services that arrive in 3-7 days, such as USPS First Class packages and UPS Ground. Standard Shipping on eBay is a catch-all term with no specific definition or service.

Is A Bubble Mailer enough? ›

Boxes are the best option if you have a heavy, large or fragile item to ship, but there is a better choice for smaller items. Bubble mailers are a perfect, less expensive way for flat items like books, CDs or small valuables like jewelry and apparel to be shipped.

Label Your Bubble Mailer

The mailer needs to have a label on it to be shipped. If you choose to label it yourself, make sure that all necessary elements are present and legible. Include the delivery address in the center, the return address in the top left corner, and postage in the top right.

For a standard bubble mailer weighing less than one ounce, the cost to mail it will be around $. 55. If the bubble mailer weighs more than one ounce, the cost will increase based on the weight and distance.

Any non-paper envelope (such as a poly mailer) shipped as a "letter" would be considered non-machinable and subject to additional charges.

Examples of a nonmachinable letter include: It has an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of less than 1.3 or more than 2.5 (a square envelope has an aspect ratio of 1, making it nonmachinable). It is more than 4-1/4 inches high or more than 6 inches long and is less than 0.009 inch thick.

A mailpiece must be flat-size or larger, if rigid, or over 3/4" thick to be classified and priced as a package (parcel). For padded bags (e.g., ReadyPost ^® “cushion mailer”), when the thickness is 3/4" or less and the item is flat-size and somewhat flexible, the item should be classified and priced as a large envelope.

Media Mail packaging rules

If your package weighs under 8 ounces, it's less expensive to send it First Class. Media Mail packages must include both the sender's and receiver's full addresses. You can protect your Media Mail shipments like other packages with packing peanuts, bubble wrap or other filling.

In that case, you will have to use a Priority Mail Flat Rate box or envelope. Similarly, Priority Mail boxes can only be used with Priority Mail shipping service. You can order free co-branded eBay-USPS Priority Mail boxes here.