The Best Way to Ship Books
Book shipping, while not a particularly complicated or expensive task, requires a specific approach, just like any other product. And whether you need to ship a single book or a whole batch, you need to take into account some details. Books vary significantly in size, are often heavy, and, despite having an ideally packable shape, also have nuances.
What service to choose, how to properly pack books, is it worth buying insurance for valuable editions? We'll tell you how to deal with the shipping of books wisely, so that you and your customers will be satisfied.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Books?
As with any package, the cost of shipping books depends on several factors. And while shipping a single book will cost around $3-5 within the U.S. regardless of the courier and delivery service you choose, sending multiple books in a large hardbox will cost considerably more. However, using the Qwintry Global service you can save money on shipping multiple books by selecting the best option in our shipping calculator!
The Cheapest Way to Ship Books
The cheapest way to ship books is USPS Media Mail, as this service is specifically designed for sending books and educational materials in various formats. Their rates are based on weight only and do not take into account the size of the package. Plus, this service allows you to ship packages up to 70 lbs, so that is a lot of books. Also, the price doesn't change depending on distance. Sounds perfect, but there are some downsides.
And the main disadvantage, which may discourage many potential customers, is the relatively long delivery. Unlike more expensive services, such as USPS First Class or Priority Mail, which promise delivery in 1-5 days, shipping books with USPS Media Mail will take from 2 to 8 days within the U.S., and to remote areas up to 3 weeks.
Another frustrating factor may be that Media Mail does not provide free home pickup, as Priority Mail does. This will be especially important if you have a large parcel with heavy books. However, there is a little trick to get around this limitation. If one of your parcels is ordered through Priority Mail, USPS will take your books ordered through Media Mail with it.
In conclusion, Media Mail is the cheapest and most efficient way to ship books in any quantity. And by the way, for specialized organizations such as schools, museums, non-profit organizations and others, USPS has a special Library Mail service similar to Media Mail.
The Cheapest Way to Ship Books Internationally
Since Media Mail offers domestic shipping only, you should consider other options for international shipping. With Qwintry Global, you can find the most cost-effective and convenient option for you simply by using our shipping calculator with discounted prices.
How Do You Ship Books Properly?
Once you've decided on a shipping option, it's time to properly package your books. The right way to pack one book or multiple books, paperback or hardcover - there are no big differences. Any book should be handled carefully and for this purpose it is desirable to use cardboard for delivery.
Follow our instructions to ship your books safely and effectively:
- Gather packaging materials
- Securely wrap the books
- Organize the books in the box
- Seal the box securely
- Label the package
1. Gather your packaging materials
When packing books, it's important to use materials that will protect them from damage. Start with sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, packing paper, and padding material. Make sure the boxes are larger than the books to allow for padding.
2. Securely wrap the books
To protect books during transit, wrap them in brown paper or bubble wrap. Be cautious when wrapping delicate or rare books, as wrapping paper could potentially contain harmful acid.
Use acid-free paper for valuable or delicate books to prevent chemical reactions. Secure the wrapping with tape. Some eCommerce sellers use plastic bags or protective paper to prevent water damage
3. Organize the books in the box
Ensure that each book is wrapped individually before placing them in the shipping container, which is usually a durable cardboard box. When arranging the books, make sure heavier and larger ones are at the bottom, with lighter ones on top. Consider using plastic and cardboard protectors between layers for added protection.
When shipping, make sure to use additional packing material like bubble wrap or plain paper to fill any gaps for better protection. Avoid overpacking to prevent damage. Check the weight limits of the box for structural integrity concerns.
4. Seal the box securely
Apply packing tape to all edges and seams of the package to seal the container securely and strengthen it. For larger boxes, use double layers of tape to ensure it sticks firmly to prevent opening during shipping.
5. Label the package
Label the package clearly with the recipient's address and your return address. Use Qwintry Global step-by-step instructions to generate shipping labels. Consider labeling the package as "Fragile" if the books are delicate. This can help protect your books during shipping. Make sure to cover the entire label with clear packing tape.
How to Ship Rare and Expensive Books
If you're shipping rare and expensive books, Media Mail may not be the best option. Losing a valuable book can be more distressing than just losing its monetary value. Rare, out-of-print, or signed editions of antique books cannot be easily replaced. To ensure their safety, consider using signature confirmation, insurance, and express services. It's also advisable to use premium packaging and bubble wrap for added protection.
F.A.Q.
Is shipping insurance necessary?
For USPS Media Mail or First-Class, you need to purchase shipping insurance if you want it. USPS Priority Mail and UPS Ground include insurance for packages valued at $100 or below. And you’ll need additional insurance if the package exceeds $100 in value.
Getting insurance for your packages is always a good idea. This way, you won't have to worry about costs if your package is lost or damaged. When shipping books via USPS Media Mail or First-Class, it's wise to purchase insurance. For boxes of books valued over $100 and using USPS Priority Mail or UPS Ground, consider buying extra insurance.
What’s the best way to ship books in bulk?
For packages weighing less than 70 lbs, we recommend USPS Media Mail for shipping books in bulk. If the package exceeds 70 lbs, UPS Ground is the optimal choice.
How much does it cost to ship a book with USPS?
For shipping books with USPS, the best service to use is Media Mail. Shipping a 1lb book with Media Mail costs $5.10, and the shipping cost increases by 90 cents per lb. Therefore, shipping a 10lb box of books would cost $12.39.
