Bubble mailers protect small, fragile items from getting damaged during transport. Air bubbles cushion impact better than a regular envelope, which makes it a standard packaging choice. So, can you put stamps on bubble mailers? How many stamps should you put on them? We have researched the answers to find out.
You can put stamps on bubble mailer envelopes weighing 1 ounce or less. You can ship it on USPS First Class since it is considered a personal item. One $0.55 forever stamp would be enough to have this shipped from the post office. For mailers up to 4 ounces, you will need seven forever stamps.
Bubble mailers are often used by small businesses to ship their products more effectively. There are a lot of things you need to know if you intend to ship envelopes and packages using bubble mailers. If you want to learn more about bubble mailers and shipping procedures, please keep reading below.
What are the types of bubble mailers?
Bubble mailers come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate different packages. They also come in different materials:
- poly bubble mailers,
- kraft,
- waterproof,
- metallic,
- and biodegradable.
If you're a small business, you may choose one that best suits your brand.
Proper packaging is an integral part of both the business process and personal shipments. They are the first thing the receiver sees, and they are the first line of defense against accidental drops or smashes. You want the bubble mailers to be a reliable cushion against any circumstances.
The type of bubble mailers you choose depends on the materials you intend to ship. Below are types of bubble mailers.
Poly Bubble Mailer
Poly bubble mailers are soft, shockproof, and tear-resistant. It comes in fun prints which makes it more attractive to the receiver. They are an inexpensive packaging option that keeps your package protected while keeping a flexible structure that can handle various shapes.
Poly mailers are also popular for being moisture-resistant, protecting the package from water damage. Using poly mailers is especially recommended if you are shipping photographs or stationary.
Pad the poly mailer with layers of bubble wrap, and you have a secured package that can withstand any accidental jostles or splashes.
Check out this Poly Bubble Mailer on Amazon.
Kraft Bubble Mailer
You don't have many color options for kraft bubble mailers, but they have a natural color that makes them aesthetically pleasing. They can effectively protect books, articles of clothing, and CDs; but you will have to make sure that the delivery service is reliable and has a good reputation for protecting packages.
This is because kraft paper is not waterproof and is prone to puncturing. If the delivery service does not do a good job, your package may become damaged during transit. If you intend to still use them, make sure you carefully pad the inside with bubble wrap and tape the edges for protection.
Check out this kraft bubble mailer on Amazon.
Waterproof Bubble Mailer
There is more durable kraft paper available, one of which is waterproof kraft paper with air bubbles. It has a luxurious matte finish that is smooth to the touch, making it aesthetically pleasing to the receiver.
Small businesses who want to strongly brand themselves use this mailer to send their packages to make the customers feel appreciated.
Waterproof kraft bubble mailers are tear-proof, waterproof, and shockproof. These qualities will give you peace of mind once you send your package, and no one has to worry about money going down the drain. It may be on the pricier side, but you can't put a price on peace of mind.
Check out this waterproof bubble mailer on Amazon.
Metallic Bubble Mailer
Another luxurious-looking mailer that your receivers will appreciate is metallic bubble mailers. They come in either a matte or gloss finish; you can choose one that fits your image. They come in various colors, and you can also have them custom-print.
These bubble mailers are arguably the most durable ones on the market since it is made of metalized polyester with a mix of low-density polyethylene to boost their rigidity. They are waterproof, lightweight, tear-proof, and have a top seal for convenience that is also tamper-evident.
Having a tamper-evident quality would be beneficial in case someone deliberately ruins--or attempts to ruin--the package. That way, the liability wouldn't be shouldered by you or your business.
Metallic bubble mailers are often used to ship more fragile items such as perfumes, jewelry, and cosmetics.
Check out this metallic bubble mailer on Amazon.
Biodegradable Bubble Mailer
If you want to be more environmentally conscious, or if you want to position your business's brand this way, biodegradable bubble mailers are your best option. They come in yellow, brown, or white, which you can decorate with stickers or post-its.
For more effective branding, you can put a small reminder to recycle or upcycle their mailers. That way, your customers can become aware of your corporate social responsibility.
Check out this compostable bubble mailer on Amazon.
What size bubble mailers do you need?
Effective packaging starts with determining the right size for your packages. This will also ensure that you pay the right amount for the postage and don't overpay.
- Catalogs, large photographs, and documents need an envelope with a 12.5-inch by 19-inch exterior size. You can also put high-volume items here such as stationary, clothing items, and textbooks.
- You can also use an 8.5-inch by 12-inch envelope to put in smaller-sized journals and documents.
- 7.5-inch by 11-inch envelopes can fit DVDs, medium-sized books, and photos.
- Smaller items such as jewelry, stationery materials, and smaller phones can fit into a 4-inch by 8-inch envelope.
Remember that the bubble padding will play a role in how much room will be available in the envelope. You need to account for the allowance needed for your items to comfortably fit into it.
How to Pack Items with Your Bubble Mailer
Breakable items need to be packed in a bubble mailer so they can be safely transported--there's no other way around it. You can't fully depend on your carriers and delivery services since they can't control the weather, the amount of moisture it can be exposed to, and the bumps they may encounter on the road.
If you are packing perfumes, remember that they cannot be shipped through airmail. Remember this when purchasing your postage stamps, too.
Here is how you can safely pack your items into your bubble mailer.
- Prepare a kraft mailer with bubble padding.
- For liquids, roll the bottle with a paper towel and tape it with packaging tape.
- Place the item in a Ziplock bag, making sure you take out the air. Secure with tape.
- Put the item in the bubble mailer. Remove the adhesive and fold it back over the item. Get it sealed shut properly; use another layer of adhesive if necessary.
Read: "Can Bubble Mailers Go In The Mailbox?"
How much does it cost to ship bubble mailers?
There is no definite amount that you can get when shipping an item. It all depends on the size of the item, the weight, and the distance it needs to travel.
Packages weighing under 16 ounces (1 lb) can be sent through the USPS Frist Class Package Service. This will only cost you from $3-$5, which is by far the cheapest cost you can send your package.
Final Thoughts
Bubble mailers provide peace of mind for both the receiver and the giver of the item--especially if the package is fragile. Postage stamps and costs of shipping all depend on the item themselves, so you will need to inquire the post office to get more accurate numbers.
If you enjoyed this article, check out "How To Pack Empty Plant Pots For Moving."
