How to Pack and Ship Books Safely and Cheaply

Most damage to books in the post happens at the corners, from bending, and from moisture. A few simple packing habits prevent nearly all of it. That means fewer returns, better reviews and happier buyers.

Materials worth stocking

• Rigid book mailers (cardboard wraps that fold around the book)
• Small boxes in common sizes
• Bubble wrap or kraft paper for padding
• Clear plastic bags or wrap for moisture protection
• Cardboard sheets for stiffening envelopes
• Strong packing tape

The packing method

1. Bag it. Slip the book into a plastic bag or wrap it in plastic. Rain and damp are the commonest causes of ruined books in transit.
2. Protect corners. Use cardboard corner protectors or extra padding at each corner, especially for hardcovers.
3. Stiffen it. For mailers or envelopes, add cardboard on both sides to stop bending.
4. Immobilise it. In a box, the book shouldn’t move when you shake it. Fill gaps with padding, leaving a margin around all sides.
5. Seal and label clearly, including a return address.

For dust-jacketed books, consider a clear archival jacket cover, which protects the jacket from scuffing in transit.

Extra care for valuable books

• Double box: wrap and box the book, then place that box inside a larger box with padding all round.
• Insure the shipment for its value and keep proof of condition with photos taken before packing.
• Use tracking and signature confirmation for expensive items.
• Never write on or tape directly to the book or its jacket.

Choosing a shipping service

Compare by weight, size, speed, tracking and cost:

• United States: USPS Media Mail is an economical service for books and certain other media. It’s slower than other services, contents can be inspected, and it can’t be used for items that include advertising or non-qualifying content. Check the current rules before using it.
• Elsewhere: many national postal services have economical rates for small parcels or printed matter. Compare against couriers for heavier items.
• International: customs declarations are required; describe contents accurately as books.

Rates and rules change, so check your carrier’s current information and weigh the packed book to avoid surprises. Our Reseller Profit Calculator helps you price shipping into each sale.

Avoiding common shipping problems

• Underestimating weight: heavy textbooks and art books cost more; weigh before quoting shipping.
• Reusing weak boxes: worn boxes collapse; reinforce or replace them.
• No moisture protection: always bag the book.
• Slow dispatch: ship within the time you promised; buyers notice.

Good packing is one of the cheapest ways to raise your seller rating. Grade the book accurately with our Condition Grader, pack it well, and it will arrive exactly as described.