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General Philatelic/Supplies, Literature & Software : Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

 

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bluparrot

12 Oct 2016
08:58:39pm
I've got some full sheets and large plate blocks I'd like to sell.

My questions are - How do sellers normally package these items, where do they buy their supplies, what shipping method is best, and what is a reasonable shipping charge?

Thanks

-Les
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TuskenRaider
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13 Oct 2016
08:17:20pm
re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

Hi parrot;

I used a 9" x 12" manila envelope. Then I went to the store and got free boxes. I cut one piece of corrugated cardboard so the pleats ran vertically, and made a second one that had the pleats horizontally. I made a sandwich with the stamps in the middle. This produces a very stiff item, but can't be machine canceled, so a surcharge for hand stamping.

If the sheets were too large for 9" x 12", they would have to go in a box. This will cost the buyer a lot more for shipping, if a box is used. So it is best to ask if folding is not acceptable, and to inform the buyer about the actual additional costs. Also don't forget all the time spent doing all of this. Maybe a priority mailer box would work too.

It might be possible to roll up the sheets, but I've never tried this. I would think that the perforated stamps would tend to crease along the perfs. If they are to be rolled and shipped in a mailing tube be sure to roll at 45º angle to the vertical and horizontal perfs, to discourage creases along perf rows.

When you find the best method for your situation, post back on this thread, so we can all benefit from your results.

Good Luck....
TuskenRaider

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Webpaper

In loving memory of Carol, my wife for 52 years.

13 Oct 2016
08:23:30pm

Auctions - Approvals
re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

I use foamcore - like model builders use. it comes in large sheets and can be easily cut to any size with a straightedge and an exacto knife. It will not bend and is very lightweight. You should be able to find smaller sheets of it at any hobby shop or artist supply store - I've even seen smaller sheets of it at Walgreens.

"Foamcore" is what it is called around here - feel free to jump in with a more proper name.


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keesindy
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13 Oct 2016
10:45:09pm
re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

I'm repeating myself.....

The mom and pop frame shops that have not yet been run out of town by Michael's, Hobby Lobby, etc. use foamcore and may have suitable leftover scraps they would otherwise throw in the trash. Check them out. Recycle!!!

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Tom in Exton, PA

14 Oct 2016
10:31:53am
re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

"It might be possible to roll up the sheets, but I've never tried this. I would think that the perforated stamps would tend to crease along the perfs. If they are to be rolled and shipped in a mailing tube be sure to roll at 45º angle to the vertical and horizontal perfs, to discourage creases along perf rows"

.

A mailing tube was my first thought. I'd get the largest one I could find and roll the sheet very loose so that it would conform with the size of the tube. Do not roll it tight or God forbid, use a rubber band on it. I think modern sheets would be just fine this way.

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bluparrot

14 Oct 2016
09:03:21pm
re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

Thanks everyone for the responses thus far!

One of my concerns is moisture. I haven't been able to find glassines for sale that large. Are they available? I could wrap the cardboard or 'foamcore' in plastic wrap I suppose, but that seems somewhat unprofessional.

I'd like to keep the sheets/blocks flat. I don't want to run the risk of perf separations or creases.

-Les

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Webpaper

In loving memory of Carol, my wife for 52 years.

14 Oct 2016
09:44:13pm

Auctions - Approvals
re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

Glassines do not protect against moisture. Plastic wrap is not a good idea - you can get poly bags large enough to hold life magazines but they add to the postage cost and add weight. Not sure of the price/availability of acetate film these days but it used to be the standard for protection of better items of ephemera, prints, etc. Cut to size of item plus 2 inches each way and fold/crease 1 inch onto the back of the foamcore. It really makes the item "pop". NO TAPE - repeat that - NO TAPE.

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Philatarium
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APS #187980

14 Oct 2016
09:51:38pm
re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

re: foamcore - If you can't find scraps from framing shops (excellent suggestion, Tom!), the best price I've found it at is $0.99 at DollarTree. I don't know if you have one near you, but they're nationwide now, so perhaps there's close by. Failing that, perhaps another 99-cent-type store has them.

re: keeping things moisture-resistant - I share your concern about this, and try to prevent that as much as possible with my shipments. (However, I haven't shipped full sheets yet.) Tyvek envelopes are not cheap (especially the large ones), but that's what I use, if I have items that are too large for the plastic bags (usually, jewelry bags) or my largest glassines.

In your case, I would tend to go with the plastic wrap over the foamcore. Even if it doesn't look as professional as you'd like, if wrapped and taped carefully, I would think it would offer some reasonable protection. (I also have a roll of office trash-can liners into which I might also insert that wrapped foamcore and tape it pretty well. -- Just a second layer of protection.)

There *are* large glassine envelopes out there. Again, kind of expensive, but, when I used to get new issues, that was often how items were protected. Large glassines inside a chipboard "sandwich" and then in a regular manila envelope.

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AntoniusRa
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The truth is within and only you can reveal it

17 Oct 2016
03:24:10am
re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

Tubes are commonly used for shipping stamp sheets. Glassines sheets in between. I would not bother me much if the glassine was smaller than the sheets. Shipping is of course up to you. Most sheets from the 1940's have a nearly endless supply. There are a lot of people trying to sell them. Charging much more the actual cost may hurt sales.
You could be lucky to get 60% for denominations up to 22cents. There are a couple that for some reasons are worth much more than the others. For instance the 4 cent Nurse sheet from 1964 (as I recall) Use to be real hot with sheets selling for over a hundred dollars. I sold several back then but never knew why they had so much better value. My theory of the Nursing sheet was that it was being bought by nurses and doctors who framed them to put in their office. Their is a book (cannot remember the name) that has the values for them. There are some you may wish to sell by themselves. Except for sheets like the wildlife, flowers and flag issues I would sell the rest in multiples. I sold many of these years ago on Ebay and it was a hassle, so much that, I still have around a hundred of them left. 25 cents stamps and up will get 70% or more.
2-25 centers will make the current rate and are a popular denomination now. I doubt very few people collect sheets anymore. Most people buy them for postage these days and don't care much for condition.

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youpiao
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17 Oct 2016
07:27:28am
re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

"For instance the 4 cent Nurse sheet from 1964 (as I recall) Use to be real hot with sheets selling for over a hundred dollars."



I don't know the time frame of when the value hit that price, but I seem to recall seeing this issue tipped, some years back, in Linn's Stamp Market Tips as being heavily purchased at the time for some kind of marketing promotion. The advice was to sell the issue while prices were high.

Ted

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keesindy
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17 Oct 2016
11:33:02am
re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

A source for clear bags that I use for art prints is http://www.clearbags.com/bags/clear-bags.

I have used them for a decade or more for both storing and shipping archival prints that I produce — up to 17" x 22". The range of sizes is amazing and there are multiple styles. The primary problem you may encounter is the minimum number you must purchase.

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"I no longer collect, but will never abandon the hobby"
bluparrot

18 Oct 2016
01:29:37am
re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

I've found a source for the foamcore. This stuff is perfect. Thank you all for helping me!

Hey Mitch - A side note. An organization associated with the CPA bought up just about all the sheets they could find from dealers of #2361 from 1987. The organization used them on their mail. The stamp has a much higher CV in Scotts as a result (although there are undoubtedly millions left).

-Les

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keesindy
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18 Oct 2016
09:44:20am
re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

"
A mailing tube was my first thought. I'd get the largest one I could find and roll the sheet very loose so that it would conform with the size of the tube. "



I mentioned mom and pop frame shops as a source for foamcore. Those shops can also be a source for reusable mailing tubes. I've gotten some that are 6" diameter. Lengths vary, but I cut them (carefully!) on a table saw to the length I need. A handsaw works, too.

If you can justify the cost of new tubes and can stand ordering a box of 20 or so, check out Yazoo Mills.
Like 
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likes this post.
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"I no longer collect, but will never abandon the hobby"
        

 

Author/Postings
bluparrot

12 Oct 2016
08:58:39pm

I've got some full sheets and large plate blocks I'd like to sell.

My questions are - How do sellers normally package these items, where do they buy their supplies, what shipping method is best, and what is a reasonable shipping charge?

Thanks

-Les

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
TuskenRaider

13 Oct 2016
08:17:20pm

re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

Hi parrot;

I used a 9" x 12" manila envelope. Then I went to the store and got free boxes. I cut one piece of corrugated cardboard so the pleats ran vertically, and made a second one that had the pleats horizontally. I made a sandwich with the stamps in the middle. This produces a very stiff item, but can't be machine canceled, so a surcharge for hand stamping.

If the sheets were too large for 9" x 12", they would have to go in a box. This will cost the buyer a lot more for shipping, if a box is used. So it is best to ask if folding is not acceptable, and to inform the buyer about the actual additional costs. Also don't forget all the time spent doing all of this. Maybe a priority mailer box would work too.

It might be possible to roll up the sheets, but I've never tried this. I would think that the perforated stamps would tend to crease along the perfs. If they are to be rolled and shipped in a mailing tube be sure to roll at 45º angle to the vertical and horizontal perfs, to discourage creases along perf rows.

When you find the best method for your situation, post back on this thread, so we can all benefit from your results.

Good Luck....
TuskenRaider

Like 
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.

www.webstore.com/sto ...
Webpaper

In loving memory of Carol, my wife for 52 years.

13 Oct 2016
08:23:30pm

Auctions - Approvals

re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

I use foamcore - like model builders use. it comes in large sheets and can be easily cut to any size with a straightedge and an exacto knife. It will not bend and is very lightweight. You should be able to find smaller sheets of it at any hobby shop or artist supply store - I've even seen smaller sheets of it at Walgreens.

"Foamcore" is what it is called around here - feel free to jump in with a more proper name.


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Login to Like
this post

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
Members Picture
keesindy

13 Oct 2016
10:45:09pm

re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

I'm repeating myself.....

The mom and pop frame shops that have not yet been run out of town by Michael's, Hobby Lobby, etc. use foamcore and may have suitable leftover scraps they would otherwise throw in the trash. Check them out. Recycle!!!

Like 
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.

"I no longer collect, but will never abandon the hobby"
Members Picture
BenFranklin1902

Tom in Exton, PA
14 Oct 2016
10:31:53am

re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

"It might be possible to roll up the sheets, but I've never tried this. I would think that the perforated stamps would tend to crease along the perfs. If they are to be rolled and shipped in a mailing tube be sure to roll at 45º angle to the vertical and horizontal perfs, to discourage creases along perf rows"

.

A mailing tube was my first thought. I'd get the largest one I could find and roll the sheet very loose so that it would conform with the size of the tube. Do not roll it tight or God forbid, use a rubber band on it. I think modern sheets would be just fine this way.

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Check out my eBay Stuff! Username Turtles-Trading-Post"
bluparrot

14 Oct 2016
09:03:21pm

re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

Thanks everyone for the responses thus far!

One of my concerns is moisture. I haven't been able to find glassines for sale that large. Are they available? I could wrap the cardboard or 'foamcore' in plastic wrap I suppose, but that seems somewhat unprofessional.

I'd like to keep the sheets/blocks flat. I don't want to run the risk of perf separations or creases.

-Les

Like
Login to Like
this post
Webpaper

In loving memory of Carol, my wife for 52 years.

14 Oct 2016
09:44:13pm

Auctions - Approvals

re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

Glassines do not protect against moisture. Plastic wrap is not a good idea - you can get poly bags large enough to hold life magazines but they add to the postage cost and add weight. Not sure of the price/availability of acetate film these days but it used to be the standard for protection of better items of ephemera, prints, etc. Cut to size of item plus 2 inches each way and fold/crease 1 inch onto the back of the foamcore. It really makes the item "pop". NO TAPE - repeat that - NO TAPE.

Like
Login to Like
this post

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
Members Picture
Philatarium

APS #187980
14 Oct 2016
09:51:38pm

re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

re: foamcore - If you can't find scraps from framing shops (excellent suggestion, Tom!), the best price I've found it at is $0.99 at DollarTree. I don't know if you have one near you, but they're nationwide now, so perhaps there's close by. Failing that, perhaps another 99-cent-type store has them.

re: keeping things moisture-resistant - I share your concern about this, and try to prevent that as much as possible with my shipments. (However, I haven't shipped full sheets yet.) Tyvek envelopes are not cheap (especially the large ones), but that's what I use, if I have items that are too large for the plastic bags (usually, jewelry bags) or my largest glassines.

In your case, I would tend to go with the plastic wrap over the foamcore. Even if it doesn't look as professional as you'd like, if wrapped and taped carefully, I would think it would offer some reasonable protection. (I also have a roll of office trash-can liners into which I might also insert that wrapped foamcore and tape it pretty well. -- Just a second layer of protection.)

There *are* large glassine envelopes out there. Again, kind of expensive, but, when I used to get new issues, that was often how items were protected. Large glassines inside a chipboard "sandwich" and then in a regular manila envelope.

Like
Login to Like
this post

"You gotta put down the duckie if you wanna play the saxophone. (Hoots the Owl -- Sesame Street)"

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
Members Picture
AntoniusRa

The truth is within and only you can reveal it
17 Oct 2016
03:24:10am

re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

Tubes are commonly used for shipping stamp sheets. Glassines sheets in between. I would not bother me much if the glassine was smaller than the sheets. Shipping is of course up to you. Most sheets from the 1940's have a nearly endless supply. There are a lot of people trying to sell them. Charging much more the actual cost may hurt sales.
You could be lucky to get 60% for denominations up to 22cents. There are a couple that for some reasons are worth much more than the others. For instance the 4 cent Nurse sheet from 1964 (as I recall) Use to be real hot with sheets selling for over a hundred dollars. I sold several back then but never knew why they had so much better value. My theory of the Nursing sheet was that it was being bought by nurses and doctors who framed them to put in their office. Their is a book (cannot remember the name) that has the values for them. There are some you may wish to sell by themselves. Except for sheets like the wildlife, flowers and flag issues I would sell the rest in multiples. I sold many of these years ago on Ebay and it was a hassle, so much that, I still have around a hundred of them left. 25 cents stamps and up will get 70% or more.
2-25 centers will make the current rate and are a popular denomination now. I doubt very few people collect sheets anymore. Most people buy them for postage these days and don't care much for condition.

Like
Login to Like
this post

mitch.seymourfamily. ...
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youpiao

17 Oct 2016
07:27:28am

re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

"For instance the 4 cent Nurse sheet from 1964 (as I recall) Use to be real hot with sheets selling for over a hundred dollars."



I don't know the time frame of when the value hit that price, but I seem to recall seeing this issue tipped, some years back, in Linn's Stamp Market Tips as being heavily purchased at the time for some kind of marketing promotion. The advice was to sell the issue while prices were high.

Ted

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Ekki-Ekki-Ekki-Ekki-PTANG. Zoom-Boing. Z'nourrwringmm"
Members Picture
keesindy

17 Oct 2016
11:33:02am

re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

A source for clear bags that I use for art prints is http://www.clearbags.com/bags/clear-bags.

I have used them for a decade or more for both storing and shipping archival prints that I produce — up to 17" x 22". The range of sizes is amazing and there are multiple styles. The primary problem you may encounter is the minimum number you must purchase.

Like 
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.

"I no longer collect, but will never abandon the hobby"
bluparrot

18 Oct 2016
01:29:37am

re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

I've found a source for the foamcore. This stuff is perfect. Thank you all for helping me!

Hey Mitch - A side note. An organization associated with the CPA bought up just about all the sheets they could find from dealers of #2361 from 1987. The organization used them on their mail. The stamp has a much higher CV in Scotts as a result (although there are undoubtedly millions left).

-Les

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
keesindy

18 Oct 2016
09:44:20am

re: Best practices and supplies for mailing large multiples

"
A mailing tube was my first thought. I'd get the largest one I could find and roll the sheet very loose so that it would conform with the size of the tube. "



I mentioned mom and pop frame shops as a source for foamcore. Those shops can also be a source for reusable mailing tubes. I've gotten some that are 6" diameter. Lengths vary, but I cut them (carefully!) on a table saw to the length I need. A handsaw works, too.

If you can justify the cost of new tubes and can stand ordering a box of 20 or so, check out Yazoo Mills.
Like 
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.

"I no longer collect, but will never abandon the hobby"
        

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