How Do You Ship Large Lots? 2 2

[Math Teacher]

I'm in the process of culling my collection, and I have several large lots I would like to sell, such as Spectacular Spider-Man #1 - #263, or Flash Volume 2 #1 - #247. I spoke via PM with @nmtg9, and he sold a gigantic lot on Ebay, but he designated it for local pick up only. Since I live near Omaha, I can't imagine that I would get a lot of local interest in these books.

If you were to sell a large lot (150+ comics), how do you do that? The comics that I am selling are bagged only, so I usually replace the bag and add a board before I ship. Some of the bags are getting quite yellow. Also, I was seriously admonished by an Ebay buyer to whom I sent five comics, and they weren't boarded. They were placed between three pieces of cardboard (cardboard, three books, cardboard, two books, cardboard), but that wasn't satisfactory in his eyes.

I don't want to sell these at a local dealer and get ten cents a book, but I do want to sell them because I am trying to decrease the clutter in the room where I keep my comics. I know very well that I will never open the long box that contains the Spectacular Spider-Man issues and read these issues again. I would rather they go to someone who would like to read them, and I would like some cash to fund some upcoming purchases.

I'm really looking forward to some good advice. Thank you!

 

Edited March 21, 2021 by Math Teacher

[shadroch]

There is an excellent thread on how to ship, and how not to ship. 

Shipping large lots is expensive. You can try media mail but it's wrong and if the box is open can be problematic.

At some point, donating comics and getting a tax writeoff is your best move.

[Math Teacher]

1 minute ago, shadroch said:

There is an excellent thread on how to ship, and how not to ship. 

Shipping large lots is expensive. You can try media mail but it's wrong and if the box is open can be problematic.

At some point, donating comics and getting a tax writeoff is your best move.

Due to the increased standard deduction, I don't foresee us being able to itemize deductions ever again. Our house is paid for, so no mortgage interest, and there is no way we could ever make $20,000+ in donations.

[xvipah]

Why is media mail "wrong"?

You have up to 70 pounds and 108 inches, I think it is, combined length and width. So for 247 comics, maybe that's 2 or 3 packages, not sure of weight with comics and such. Can't use gemini's, but standard boxes should be sufficient I would think? 

Maybe I'm missing something.

Otherwise, large flat rate priority boxes? $19.30 for as much as fits, weight doesn't matter. Not sure on sizing for those though.

Or, just tape up the long box and send it for $110+.

[Jeffro.]

8 minutes ago, xvipah said:

Why is media mail "wrong"?

Because comics are not eligible for media mail.

Yes, people use it and will continue to and yes not all post offices are consistent in enforcement but using MM for comics is at your own risk. Sometimes boxes get opened and checked by USPS

[xvipah]

Why are they not eligible?

5 minutes ago, Jeffro. said:

Because comics are not eligible for media mail.

Yes, people use it and will continue to and yes not all post offices are consistent in enforcement but using MM for comics is at your own risk. Sometimes boxes get opened and checked by USPS

 

[Math Teacher]

I only use Media Mail to ship TPBs. To me, if a book has an ISBN number, that means it is a book. And books can be shipped using Media Mail.

I found this information at MyComicShop.com. I understand that they are not the Post Office, but based on many packages they ship in a month, I think they know what they are doing.

Post Office Shipping Options

• PARCEL POST: Use for any printed material containing advertising.
• MEDIA MAIL: The cheapest postal rate is the "Media Mail" rate which may be used only for books, including graphic novels, trade paperbacks and hardbacks. Items that contain advertising do not qualify for media mail. Almost all comics contain advertising and therefore cannot be shipped media mail.

https://www.mycomicshop.com/webuycomics/howtoshipcomicbooks

[Math Teacher]

5 minutes ago, xvipah said:

Why are they not eligible?

 

I believe that this is because they contain advertising, which makes them ineligible for Media Mail.

[Math Teacher]

I also found this on the MyComicShop.com website.

How to Ship Long Boxes

There's no better way to ship large quantities of comics than in white comic storage boxes, commonly referred to as "long boxes" (white corrugated double-walled boxes with lids that are designed for comic storage). Most collectors already have their comics in comic boxes, and they are available at most comic book stores.

• Place a few sheets of corrugated cardboard inside each end of the box to provide extra strength and protection.
• Seal the lid to the box with 2 inch clear tape. If you have extra lids, you can provide even more corner and edge protection if you place a lid on the bottom of the box and seal this lid to the box the same way you taped the lid on top.
• Reinforce the barrel of the box by wrapping it all the way around with three equally spaced bands of reinforced strapping tape.
• Do not tape over the box handholds on each end as this will cause the people handling your box to lift it by the ends of the lid, which can result in the box tearing open.
• You should only use boxes that are still sturdy, not weakened by excessive handling and wear over the years.
• Comics may be shipped unbagged, bagged, or bagged/boarded.

https://www.mycomicshop.com/webuycomics/howtoshiplongboxes

[xvipah]

Ah, ok. I had no idea. Now I know better going forward. Thanks for that!

1 minute ago, Math Teacher said:

I believe that this is because they contain advertising, which makes them ineligible for Media Mail.

 

[xvipah]

Yea, I've received bulk comics in a long box before. If not packed right it can be a bit of a mess. But in general it really is the best way. Might even be cheaper to look in to UPS Ground or something like that for one that size.

Edited March 21, 2021 by xvipah

[shadroch]

When shipping long boxes, which I don't recommend , putting an extra lid on the bottom of the box will strengthen it tremendously. 

I use short boxes myself.

[Chaz G.]

I sent multiple boxes.

[Albert Thurgood]

2 hours ago, Math Teacher said:

 

• MEDIA MAIL: The cheapest postal rate is the "Media Mail" rate which may be used only for books, including graphic novels, trade paperbacks and hardbacks. Items that contain advertising do not qualify for media mail. Almost all comics contain advertising and therefore cannot be shipped media mail.

Ha! I find it deliciously ironic that underground comics are thereby eligible for media mail rates and hence some sort of government support. 

[boomtown]

I received a nicely packaged 300 book box from the UK a few years ago. I can't say enough about the care and attention to detail that the seller put into getting it to me. I recommend this method to anyone that wants to make sure the package arrives safe and sound.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 22, 2021 by boomtown

[JollyComics]

I used to ship both short and long boxes.  I used two covers for the top and bottom of the box. Also I put the double wall on each side. All walls are inserted inside both boxes. Of course, I taped around the box in sideways and crossing.  So far, all boxes went through without any issues.  FedEx is best option for over 12" in any dimension and over 20 lbs.

 

[littledoom]

Ship those comics in those brown boxes Midtown Comics or Diamond uses. Wrap them in bags of about 15 issues each. That way you don't just put 100 comics loose in one box. Secure them. Then around I usually put shipping paper that is crunchy... essentially the theme is using recycled material to get your cost down.. Usually comics can fit in USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A but those are not thick. They also don't provide a lot of breathing space for protection of the comics. You can also check FedEx and UPS rates if it's cheaper than USPS

[onlyweaknesskryptonite]

I can not remember which thread I posted my full explanation in about shipping long boxes, but it was already mentioned that use two lids. One for top and bottom. The sides I add a layer of foam board( what I usually use for all of my shipping. ) I prefer to use foam board as it is stronger and sheets can be bought from dollar general usually for $1. I also use bubble wrap and water activated security paper tape. (Makes it stronger and I already have it due to Registered expensive packages and International) here are images showing what and how I ship most long boxes. 

First the full long box as well as the material.

Notice I measure and score the sheets so they fold for sides to help increase rigidity.

Then I tape long internal seams to start to form external box.

I repeat this on ends on the inside as well, but leave one flap undone to form top lid. I then take the long box with lid on top and bottom and fill the gap between lids with another strip of the foam board being sure to tape all seams and wrap the box with tape to be sure thos lids are secure. ( also note that I place at least two sheets of foam board cut to comic size on either end inside the box helping to protect the comics inside. Then wrap that entire long box in bubble wrap and place inside the foam board box. 

Then tape the final lid shut.  ( I do this both internally and on the outside) after this I double each corner overlapping the cut.

Once the entire box is constructed I go back over the edges with plastic tape( in this case ebay) to help prevent snags or edges catching, but still leave the paper edges exposed

( again this is only for Registered as they require the security tape, but when not I usually use a layer of the plastic tape to completely cover it to help prevent water) I also usually mark all over the package with stickers or printed labels which side is UP. 

Here is what this package came up to total weight with a full long box Packaged as described above. 

The other reason I use the foam board is that it is lighter and stronger. 

Hope this helps. Good luck.

[onlyweaknesskryptonite]

Forgot to show the inside of that box before long box went in. 

Also a few more showing reinforced corners.

 

By using the foam board I can make any size sheet, package, or box that is lighter and strong than most of their cardboard counterparts.  

from large to small.

I still used the water activated security tape on all edges of out side of this box as well as plastic tape as shown above. ( this was sent to CGC ( note only reason I didn't build my own box for this was by this time I had CIS private insurance that covers shipping) 
 

[CHASEnBLUE]

43 minutes ago, onlyweaknesskryptonite said:

Forgot to show the inside of that box before long box went in. 

Also a few more showing reinforced corners.

 

By using the foam board I can make any size sheet, package, or box that is lighter and strong than most of their cardboard counterparts.  

from large to small.

I still used the water activated security tape on all edges of out side of this box as well as plastic tape as shown above. ( this was sent to CGC ( note only reason I didn't build my own box for this was by this time I had CIS private insurance that covers shipping) 
 

I appreciate the visual on the long box packaging...makes sense.