SKSuser

Using the flat rate priority envelope and the video box (both free to order) you can ship anything for $4.05 Until they wise up about it and change the rules in the domestic mail manual, its a perfectly legit way of shipping something. That box will fit in the envelope, so you can have the safety of a box at the price of an envelope.

Jimbo205

Is that free both online AND in the post office, or just online? Either way, that's great to know.

Purrbox

To get the free boxes you have to order them online and order either 10 boxes or multiples of 25 boxes.

Jimbo205

Shoot!

And I ALMOST ordered them online... and then I thought about my wife cleaning the house and commenting on 'clutter'. So I decided to wait until I got the the Post Office.

Well, now I know!

Thank you.

Muirner

Does anyone know how much they cost at the post office then?

Also I plan to ship java fern, would you say a card board envelope or box? I must ship tomorow and I dont have time to wait for the box to be ordered.

Purrbox

You could just go to your Walmart and pick up a box, they're generally less expensive that way. I was able to pick up a 6"x6"x6" box for $0.77 there the other day for an Overnight Shipment (since Priority boxes can't be used for Express shipments and there aren't nearly as many good box options for Express Shipping).

I'd definately go with a box, even they are only $4.05 shipped USPS Priority if you keep the weight under 1lb and don't use the flat rate boxes.

GlitcH

For express shipping I just turn the priority box inside out.....and slap on an express sticker and tada.....ready for pickup.

Darn ebay and there live animal express shipping policy!

Purrbox

Well that's most certainly a creative way around the USPS requirements on the usage of their boxes. Unfortunately I think I'm too honest for my own good, and will be unlikely to use this method to allow myself to use those boxes for Express and/or International shipments.

SKSuser

The people at my post office always give out the priority boxes and envelopes for free. (Even the tyvec envelope used to create hoppy's DIY CO2 checker. )

Six

I recently recieved an overseas order of liverwort and moss. They were shipped in flat, very small zipped locked bags. That seemed to work fine, but they were packed in just an envelope for a 12 day transit. Is this really a good way to ship? 2/3 of my order died and were obviously smooshed going through the USPS mail center.
I would have used cardboard or a box at least. There was nothing protecting the plants.