How do you ship your jewelry?

kimber · 02-08-2010, 08:01 PM

I hope this is in the right section, but it is aimed at jewelry designers specifically.

I am wondering how you guys ship your items to friends/clients? The items aren't heavy but obviously need to be safe from mangu..lation..

I know one gal that uses altoids tins to ship her earrings and just uses bubble envelopes. I signed up for that special UPS ebay seller pricing but yikes..its still sort of expensive so I will be going back to USPS I guess. I saw on the ebay forums that one woman uses parts of egg containers which I thought was clever but not sure if customers want to recieve jewelry supported by egg cartons.

Any tips tricks etc? I am almost wondering if it would be cheaper to go to the dollar store and just buy cheap containers

TheCraftyMommy · 02-08-2010, 09:50 PM

I use the mini zip bags found at the craft store and sometimes wrap in tissue before placing in a padded envelope to ship via USPS. I've never had any complaints on shipping before doing things that way.... I guess it would depend on the piece you're shipping though- what type of jewelry are we speaking of in your case?

kimber · 02-08-2010, 10:33 PM

thanks for your input TCM

I usually use sterling with swarovski and natural stone. I really think because of the crystal going with a box is better but finding tiny boxes to ship out isnt so easy.

I would imagine that since the product is so light that you use first class and not the flat rate $4.99 envelope? I find this whole researching/comparison shopping for shipping dreadful...as soon as I think I have a grasp on it...

merehawk · 02-09-2010, 07:45 AM

Hi. I make lampwork beads and jewelry. When I ship beads I usually put them in a zip lock baggie, wrap in bubble wrap, and ship in a cardboard box. I get them from uline (www.uline.com) the small 4x4x4 size cost about 15 cents each and shipping is usually under $3 for first class with delivery confirmation. When I ship jewelry I usually put the item in one of those cotton lined jewelry boxes, wrap in bubble wrap and ship in cardboard box. Uline has a huge variety of boxes but I've found I use the 4x4x4 and the 4x6x4 the most.

I hope this helps.
Gina

envyjewels · 02-09-2010, 08:33 AM

I use jewelry boxes in a bubble envelope. I'm in Canada though, and because of the packaging it is a package and not a letter which means expensive shipping! I know of one person who buys metal cd cases to ship her jewelry as it is thin and strong.

aimeesrockworks · 02-09-2010, 12:36 PM

I know a lot of jewelry-type folks that buy their packaging here - http://www.papermart.com/ - (they also like Uline, but there was something mentioned about higher shipping costs).

I use the flat-rate boxes from the USPS, but I'm shipping rocks so I need the 'if it fits, it ships' mantra.

Sue · 02-09-2010, 01:11 PM

I place my jewelry in a plastic bag, place it in a handmade envelope, wrap everything in bubble wrap and then put everything in a mailing envelope (which gives it a double bubble wrap) or in a cardboard box, depending on what is being shipped. I use USPS regular mail.

kimber · 02-12-2010, 12:13 AM

Thank you so much everybody

this is really helpful.

So pretty much everyone here sticks to USPS?

Does anyone here that sells their jewelry ever throw in a gift? It has been such a long time since I have used Ebay and I just took a look at their fees (ebay paypal empire) and yikes...anything extra that I would like to include is just out of the question at this point. I am not looking to make a living on this, just keep up my "addiction"

Lorelei · 03-03-2010, 04:44 PM

I used to just bubble wrap them but I have since decided that I really don't trust my post office that much so now I use boxes. That way my stuff is way more secure and safe. As I do chainmaille, I really don't want the PO to send my envelope through one of the sorters and smoosh the bag and in turn the rings.