Hello! I ship a lot of books (there's no links to my store on my profile so don't worry, this is NOT promotional) and I choose to use boxes instead of bags when I'm shipping. The boxes protect the boxes better- but I also prefer them because they're recyclable and biodegradable, unlike most bags. I want to minimize my plastic use.
My question is- do I still need to be using bubble wrap? I have been, but my partner says it is overkill because the books are protected by the box. I feel the bubble wrap makes sure they're not moving around, and protects them in case the box gets wet.
I'm curious how people who buy books and value them feel about it. If you bought a book and it arrived in a box with no wrap, would you be bothered or would that be sufficient?
(I'd still be using bubble wrap for more expensive books. This would probably be for books $20 and under)
by BloodedBae
6 Comments
Honestly I’d rather have no bubble wrap if you’re already using boxes. The plastic waste bothers me way more than a tiny corner ding would. Maybe try some crumpled newspaper or those paper air cushions instead if you’re worried about movement? Books are pretty sturdy anyway and a good box does most of the heavy lifting
When shipping anything, i work to the theory that my package is going to be kicked around like a football, I err on the side of too much versus not enough… maybe there are alternatives you could use instead of bubble wrap, see if that may be a better method.
I think one thing to consider is the size of the box in relation to the book. I ordered a heavy hardcover that was shipped in a large box, and though the shipping box showed no damage it was obvious the book had been bouncing around inside, and the corners were damaged. It was a little disappointing, as it was an expensive book. If it had been in a smaller box that may not have happened?
Maybe you could use something other than bubble wrap? Honeycomb craft paper or something biodegradable.
I don’t love plastic but honestly I’d rather have bubble wrap than a box if it’s an either-or. Slipping around in the box can still ding the corners or dent the cover.
Mine come packed with crumpled (recyclable and compostable) brown paper. Protects the books and I can use it to wrap gifts, drawing paper for kids, or recycle or compost it. It’s great for lining the compost bin
I receive a decent number of books just in plastic mailers. They’re almost all fine.
I have received one package (2 books) that was damaged by impact, but I don’t believe a box or other reasonable packaging would have protected it. As long as you understand that shipping has potential for damage and that that damage is your responsibility as a cost of doing business, I don’t think it’s a huge deal.
If it’s something really rare that can’t easily be replaced, that’s when you should be more worried about heavy duty packaging and pricing it according to that. But otherwise just eat the super rare damage in shipping and you’re fine.