eBay

tabithabeaton · ‎11-11-2012

Hi, all -

I've been shipping via parcels since I started here 10 months ago. We now have the opportunity to add some fun kids' shirts to our offering, and I'm looking into the possibility of sending those via oversize lettermail. I've found envelopes and tested t-shirts inside them, and they meet the specs for size and weight for an oversize lettermail item.

That said, I've not been able to get much other guidance from the Canada Post web site. Do I need to put cardboard in them to keep them stiff for shipping? Is there anything else I need to be aware of before we start this form of lettermail shipping?

Take care,

Tabitha

bb_cool_stuff · ‎11-11-2012

By all means, ship Oversize Lettermail If you meet the specifications.

A padded envelope will keep the shirt from Bunching Up. Plenty are available on the net for a great price.

Dollarama or equivalent have them for fifty cents each. Decent price If you are not shipping in great quantities.

Keep in mind you are not covered by Insurance should the Item go missing.

pjcdn2005 · ‎11-11-2012

I believe that when you use lettermail and light packet the package is supposed to be stiff enough to feed through the equipment at the post office.

A padded envelope might make it too thick. I have some inexpensive folder files that I sometimes use. I cut off the tabs and put the item inside the folder so that the item stays flat. You could probably just use a 1/2 folder for a tshirt and wrap the shirt around the folder...similar to how they sell mens shirts. I've used cardboard too but depending on the item, it can make the package too thick for lettermail.

bb_cool_stuff · ‎11-11-2012

You're right PJ.

The majority of T Shirts will be too thick, an odd one will make it through.

Youth shirts should fit though.

pre-ownedbrands · ‎11-11-2012

I ship lots of shirts Via lettermail or light packet.

I use E-bay poly envelopes from Canada post, fold the envelope and tape them so the shirt has no chance to move.

Then put a small needle hole in the envelope and sit on it to get all the air out. This may sound funny but is very effective.

I haven't found a t shirt yet that my fat "A" can't squish to 2 cm

pocomocomputing · ‎11-11-2012

I ship lots of shirts Via lettermail or light packet.

I use E-bay poly envelopes from Canada post, fold the envelope and tape them so the shirt has no chance to move.

Then put a small needle hole in the envelope and sit on it to get all the air out. This may sound funny but is very effective.

I haven't found a t shirt yet that my fat "A" can't squish to 2 cm

Doesn't the air get back in through the hole once the pressue is off? Or do you tape over it to make a seal?

pre-ownedbrands · ‎11-12-2012

it is only a small needle hole but i do tape over.

the poly envelopes almost work like a vacume seal.

this is very effective, give it a try

pocomocomputing · ‎11-12-2012

A cereal company had a free promo for beach towels and I got some (4 of 6 set!!). They were in a poly bag vacuum sealed under 2 cm thick. Stiff as a board. Once opened, the towel expanded. The other three were never opened and 2 are still thin and hold the vacuum seal. The one that lost the seal is twice as thick as the other 2. Over 1 years now.

I checked the sealed one with the vacuum still intact and it fits through my Canada Post 2 cm template slot.

I have tried to use my kitchen food vacuum sealer but it never can suck enough air out. Not really a problem since I do not sell clothing but I was curious to try the vacuum sealer to know if it works.

tabithabeaton · ‎11-16-2012

Thanks to everyone for the advice! We are now very successfully selling and shipping kids' licensed t-shirts - they've become one of our most sought after items this holiday season!

Due to their smaller size, we easily are able to ship oversize lettermail. I did as you all suggested and use cut up file folders to fold the shirts over to stiffen them up. It's working fantastically, and it's so nice to ship items via lettermail rather than parcel post.

I'm taking some packaged hoodies over this afternoon to see if I've been able to squish them down enough to get them sent via lettermail as well. That would be another fantastic savings for our customers if we can make that happen.

Again, thanks to all you brilliant sellers who responded. This is a fun new addition to our line and I so appreciate your help in making it happen.

All the best,

Tabitha

bb_cool_stuff · ‎11-16-2012

Congrats, you've found a way to make It work for you.

Always nice to see a New Line work for someone especially during the competitive silly season.

tabithabeaton · ‎11-16-2012

ZOINKS! Spoke too soon!

I went to drop off more oversize lettermail today containing my t-shirts for shipment overseas and the clerk asked what was inside. I said a t-shirt. She said I cannot send shirts via lettermail to US or international destinations - it can only go as light packet. It increases the costs over lettermail, but I guess that's what I get for being honest 😛

It's fine to be done within Canada, but over borders - and it makes sense now - they need to have customs declarations.

Heartbreaker! But on the plus side, I can print light packet labels from PayPal and not have to wait in line at the post office during crazy season.

You win some, you lose some.