Help! How should I mail a picture frame and a DVD and a card?

Question

I have to send a gift to someone, but I don't really know the best way. And, it needs to go out tommorow! (the date snuck up on me). I don't understand all the mailing options at the post office or UPS, but the picture measures about 9" x 12" and has glass in it. Please help, as I am pressed for time, and don't do much mailing.

Answer 1

Just make sure you Secure it in an oversize box with Foam padding. If you see a couch cushion on the side of the street, the insides of that cushion make a GREAT shipping material. ( you might find Foam for sale in a store like an Arts and Crafts store) You say its a 12X9. So you want a box that is at least 15X12 and 6-8 inches deep. You want to prevent from the edges being crushed, and anything possibly crushing the top etc during transport.

If you can get the box, or have a box like that laying around, and can find that foam, you can get your package mailed with the post office without ever leaving your house. Just pack the bottom withthe Foam, about 2 inches of foam on the bottom, place the picture in Then place Foam around the edges in the open spaces and put your DVD and Card on top of the frame and then Fill the rest of the box with Foam, and seal it up This way the box will never move and you have a cushion entirely around the box in case it does get bumped etc. Packing peanuts can settle and can allow the frame to move if those are used.


Go to USPS.COM and you can buy postage online, calculate the costs, and request a carrier Pickup. Just Apply the Mailing label you print with Tape, and the postage is on that label. The Mailman will pick up your package.

As a good idea also, Make sure you also Write the Address of the Recipient somewhere else on the front of the box with the mailing label, But not on the Label, Just in case the label gets ripped. You want to make sure your package gets delivered.
and of course. FRAGILE on all sides of the box for the obvious reasons. Dont Assume that someone loading packages from a Dispatch truck onto a sorting belt looks at the front. IF they just see the back of the package, and dont see fragile, they could potentially toss it.


NO Lines at the Post Office this way. And they'll Even come get it for you. While i know Fed Ex/Kinkos and the UPS store will package it for you, you are still going to pay for those services in the cost of the shipping in some fashion.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Yes, I send out Christmas cards. I mailed them this morning on my way to work. I feel strongly about hand written Christmas cards sent by regular mail and is something I will continue to do. I'm busy too - I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old, I work full-time, we've been doing Christmas baking, shopping, activities, concerts, parties, etc. Christmas cards took about an hour and a half of my time. I spent about 30 minutes one night writing them, another 30 minutes addressing the envelopes, and about half an hour taking and printing out pics. I sent out about 22 cards. I have no "in-laws' or parents nearby to babysit while I shop, LOL. I do my shopping on my lunch hour or at night when the girls are in bed.

Answer 3

UPS is far and away the better way to mail something. AND you get free insurance AND free tracking. Just bring the items to your nearest UPS store and they will box and wrap it all for you.There is usually no line either. Geez, you'd think I worked there by my rave review. I got so frustrated with the post office last year I switched to UPS and it really is the better value.

Answer 4

Your best bet is to go to a FedEx/Kinko's or something like that. They can package it and ship it for you. If there isn't one in your area the post office has packages with bubble-wrap for breakables and you can pay extra postage to get it there fast. And these days the USPS requires you to take larger packages inside the lobby to a clerk to ship anyway. I would opt for the FedEx if you can.

Answer 5

Get a bubble mailer envelope.