Online shopping in the US is expected to bring in $1.14 trillion by the end of the year. Chances are, you’re selling more now than ever before, which means that it’s time to reexamine your shipping logistics.
Are you using the best and most affordable packaging options for your products? If you aren’t using bubble mailers, you probably aren’t.
Switching to bubble mailers can come with a learning curve because the internal bubble cushion can take up a bit of space. We’re here to clear up any questions you have about bubble mailer sizes.
Read on for a shipper’s guide to bubble mailer sizes and how to pick the right bubble mailers for your needs.
How to Interpret Bubble Mailer Sizes
While you can order custom bubble mailers, you’ll typically see the most cost savings when you opt for standard sizes. Standard bubble mailer sizes are listed as:
- 4″ x 6″
- 6″ x 10″
- 8.5″ x 12″
- 10.5″ x 16″
- 12.5″ x 19″
These dimensions reflect the exterior measurements of a bubble mailer, not the internal usable space. It’s important to anticipate that the bubble cushion will take up some internal space. As a rule of thumb, take one inch off the larger measurement (i.e., 4″ x 6″ becomes 4″ x 5″).
Using Bubble Mailers to Reduce Waste and Costs
Given that customers care more about shipping costs than factors like shipping speed, it’s time to start cutting the cost to mail your products. The right shipping supplies will prevent your products from breaking, bending, or tearing in the mail. However, there’s no need to overdo it on protective materials like packing paper or bubble wrap if your products aren’t exceptionally fragile.
When you’re using bubble mailers, go for a snug fit to reduce the need for void-fill supplies. The smallest standard bubble mailer is suitable for items like jewelry and stickers. The largest standard bubble mailer can hold items like photo frames or single items of adult clothing.
Accounting for Bubble Mailers in Shipping
When you’re mailing items packed in a bubble mailer, you can use those external dimensions when calculating costs and postage. Bubble mailers typically won’t add as much weight to your package as solid void-fill supplies, but you should still weigh your packages to get an exact weight.
Larger bubble mailers won’t fit in most drop boxes regardless of the company or organization that handles your shipping. If the parcel is too big for automated sorting, you may need to pay a bit extra.
Order the Shipping Supplies You Need
Bubble mailers are a great solution for items that aren’t highly fragile but still require extra protection. Selecting bubble mailer sizes can come with a learning curve and knowing what to expect can help. Use this guide to estimate the best types of bubble mailers for your products.
Looking for a better supplier for your business’s shipping supplies? Packaging Fulfillment has been providing packaging solutions for businesses in Tennessee and surrounding areas for over 28 years. Contact us and let us know what supplies you need and start saving more on better products today.
