Rules to shipping by lettermail?

[generatorgames]

I am new to selling and am unclear what the rules are to shipping by Canada Post Lettermail. In particular, for items like trading cards and game manuals, can these simply be mailed in a regular envelope with some rigid paper/thin cardstock to prevent damage? Is there anything else I should know that is vastly different from small parcel shipping? Thanks for any clarification.

[femmefan1946]

The BEST stiffener in an envelope is corplast, which is plastic cardboard. You see it used in signs. It is relatively expensive but very rigid and lightweight.

You might find offcuts at a good price at a sign shop.

Corrugated cardboard is best used as a sandwich with one piece at 90 degree from the other to prevent folding.

Stiff card can be used alone or in a sandwich, but before you use it, try to fold it. If it folds, don't use it even in a sandwich.

I don't much like bubble envelopes which offer less protection against folding than the stiffeners and are thicker which means we are approaching the 2 cm thickness limit.

I do like poly envelopes because they are waterproof. 

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/100-6X9-Poly-Mailers-Bags-Shipping-Envelopes-Self-Sealing-Mailers-Bags-CANAD...

These may not be the best deal but they are a decent deal.

[generatorgames]

Thank you for the answer! I'll check out the materials you mentioned. Much appreciated.

[byto253]

Agree on bubblers being pretty thick. If adding some protection but not stiffness, the dollar store may have small sheets of foam. One on each side of a video game and it fits 2 cm when a bubble would not.