Questions about shipping a 12" LP overseas

[cjefferys]

I think at least one or two people here sell record albums? Can any of you tell me the safest way to package an album to be sent overseas (in this case from the US to Norway) and what kind of shipping fees would I be looking at?

Thanks for any help!

[megoat]

I think at least one or two people here sell record albums? Can any of you tell me the safest way to package an album to be sent overseas (in this case from the US to Norway) and what kind of shipping fees would I be looking at?

Thanks for any help!

Use an Lp mailer with two cardboard inserts for extra protection.

A single lp sent this method should be around $14-$15 via First Class International.

[Mikey]

If it's a good record and you don't want it lost I would ship it USPS Priority International (which includes insurance).

You can use a regular Priority large "shirt box" ... Remember, ALL Priority boxes can ship international now (except flat rate ones)

If the record is slightly too wide for the box (some double albums are), just put it in katty-corner ... but make sure it's supported on both sides so it doesn't sag in the box.

The shipping, I have no idea ... but to hazzard a guess, i'd say around $35.00
My guess is just that.
I never shipped to Norway

[Mikey]

double post

[cjefferys]

Thanks for the quick responses, guys. It's only a $10 record, so I think the buyer will want to go first class rather than international priority. So in that case, I'll have to supply the box rather than being able to use a priority one. Can I buy an LP mailer at the post office or an office supply store? I never had to buy one before.

[megoat]

Priority Mail will run around $30 however I would NOT recommend using a Priority "shirt box"...

[megoat]

Can I buy an LP mailer at the post office or an office supply store? I never had to buy one before.

Are there any record stores in your area--y'know a store that actually sells vinyl lp's? They may have mailers in stock to sell you. You will not find one at the post office or an office supply store.

[Mikey]

Priority Mail will run around $30 however I would NOT recommend using a Priority "shirt box"...

I think you might be thinking of something different then I am.
My version of their shirt box is 12-1/2" x 15-1/2" x 3"

I sent a few records to Japan and Asia in these boxes and never had a problem.

[megoat]

I think you might be thinking of something different then I am.
My version of their shirt box is 12-1/2" x 15-1/2" x 3"

I sent a few records to Japan and Asian in these boxes and never had a problem.

I know the box you are talking about and they are not ideal for sending records.

[megoat]

Oh yeah, I forgot to add that you should remove the lp and dust sleeve from the outer cardboard jacket when shipping to prevent seam splits during shipment.

[cjefferys]

Are there any record stores in your area--y'know a store that actually sells vinyl lp's? They may have mailers in stock to sell you. You will not find one at the post office or an office supply store.

A real, honest to god record store? I wish, but probably not. I guess I'll to do some looking around this weekend and see what I can turn up.

[cjefferys]

Oh yeah, I forgot to add that you should remove the lp and dust sleeve from the outer cardboard jacket when shipping to prevent seam splits during shipment.

Good advice, I didn't think of that, thanks.

[megoat]

I buy and sell a lot of records online and most people who buy online expect their LP's to be shipped in a proper mailer with the lp removed from the jacket...

[cjefferys]

I'm going to be selling some more in the future. Is there a good place to buy mailers online?

[megoat]

I'm going to be selling some more in the future. Is there a good place to buy mailers online?

Yes, I used to buy from Bags Unlimited but recently I've been using Sleeve City (they throw in free carboard mailer padders).

There are also eBay sellers that sell them.

With shipping they are usually around $1 a piece.