Pickup Packaging/Shipping Box Size

[jrdamien]

Hey all, for those of you ordering 100/200 boxes from Uline, etc, what sizes do you use? I'm hoping to get something that I can use for everything from a strat pup to 2 humbuckers.

Obviously I can just measure the pickup and go from there but I am wondering what sizes ya'll use.

[jrdamien]

No one?

[David King]

Are you going to be shipping these through the mail? Make sure they can fit inside a small flat rate box for instance. Those are 1-5/8" x 5-3/8" x 8 5/8".

[jrdamien]

Are you going to be shipping these through the mail? Make sure they can fit inside a small flat rate box for instance. Those are 1-5/8" x 5-3/8" x 8 5/8".

I guess not all of them because there's no way to get 2 buckers into a box that size.

[big_teee]

I've shipped a lot of small stuff in Padded bubble wrap envolopes.
Keep boxes small for cheaper shipping.
T

[jrdamien]

I've shipped a lot of small stuff in Padded bubble wrap envolopes.
Keep boxes small for cheaper shipping.
T

Actually bubble wrap envelopes would be OK but kraft gift boxes are actually cheaper.

But you buy them 100 or 200 at a time and I would really like to know what sizes are used most.

[big_teee]

Actually bubble wrap envelopes would be OK but kraft gift boxes are actually cheaper.

But you buy them 100 or 200 at a time and I would really like to know what sizes are used most.

I send my wife to the dollar store to buy the bubble envelopes, and they are a good price.
I like the long flat surface to put my printed address labels on.
T

[SonnyW]

I use the Uline boxes quite a bit. The one that I use the most is 7 x 4 x 2 part no S-465. Most pickups and small parts will fit and the top of it is just the right size for the shipping label. I also use the 4 x 4 x 2 sometimes. For a loaded pickguard I use their 12 x 9 x 3. I also ship some things in regular 6 x 9 manila envelopes that I put stuff like capacitors in, I wrap the items in a layer of bubble wrap and put them between a couple of sheets of cardboard cut about 4x7 that fits in the envelope and I think it protects as well or better than the bubble envelopes.

[David King]

I find with anything I ship that the time it takes to prepare the package is often longer than it takes me to make what's inside. It's a significant drag on the bottom line. If you can find a way that saves time then that's what I'd choose. If you figure your time at $60/hour and it takes you 1/2 hour to calculate the postage, print out the label, print out the invoice, check the address and zip code, secure the parts in a nice looking presentation, assemble it all and check that you have the right parts going to the right person one last time. God forbid you should have to actually go to the post office and wait in line. That's $30 lost to what might only be a $60 sale anyway.

I'd estimate that invoicing and shipping eat a good third of my time while answering emails and phone calls probably eats another third.

[jrdamien]

I find with anything I ship that the time it takes to prepare the package is often longer than it takes me to make what's inside. It's a significant drag on the bottom line. If you can find a way that saves time then that's what I'd choose. If you figure your time at $60/hour and it takes you 1/2 hour to calculate the postage, print out the label, print out the invoice, check the address and zip code, secure the parts in a nice looking presentation, assemble it all and check that you have the right parts going to the right person one last time. God forbid you should have to actually go to the post office and wait in line. That's $30 lost to what might only be a $60 sale anyway.

I'd estimate that invoicing and shipping eat a good third of my time while answering emails and phone calls probably eats another third.

Truth spoken if ever it has been.

Calls and emails alone suck up enough time to pretty much ruin any profit margin. Good thing (for me) it's just a solid hobby at this point. For you guys doing it full time...

[jrdamien]

Are you going to be shipping these through the mail? Make sure they can fit inside a small flat rate box for instance. Those are 1-5/8" x 5-3/8" x 8 5/8".

I think this is ultimately the cheapest way to go. The boxes are free. Wrap them well, include a business card or sticker on the box...