Poker Chip Shipping Tips and Tricks (5 Viewers)

[JeepologyOffroad]

Almost always USPS is the cheapest for international. Unfortunately 3 racks means you 100% have to use at least a MFRB ... I don't remember how much that is but $30+ is my guess

Thanks. I'm assuming this one has to be done in person? The paypal create a label wouldn't even offer the option.

 

[David O]

Thanks. I'm assuming this one has to be done in person? The paypal create a label wouldn't even offer the option.

Yes it does offer the option. You need to go in and change the destination country

 

[TrainGamer]

CARE = Crush + Annihilate + Ravage + Eradicate

Be careful what you ask for.

FRAGILE is even worse; postal workers typically view it as a challenge and rise to the occasion.

My son told me that the postal workers consider "FRAGILE" to be French for Frisbee.

 

[JeepologyOffroad]

Yes it does. You need to go in and change the destination country

Ok now I see it. $47 + sounds right?

 

[David O]

Ok now I see it. $47 + sounds right?

Yes but it does depend on the country. I know France is a little higher!

 

[allforcharity]

Almost always USPS is the cheapest for international. Unfortunately 3 racks means you 100% have to use at least a MFRB ... I don't remember how much that is but $30+ is my guess

I know to Canada it is about $50 for a MFRB.

 

[Hornet]

No problem if there's one thing I like more than getting chips out into the market it's making sure other people's chips arrive safely. General (people can figure out funky ways of fitting more usually) rule of thumb on # of chips per packaging:
1-40: non-flat rate padded envelope
40-200: SFRB or PFRE (I prefer SRFB inside a few PFREs)
200-600: MFRB
600-900: LFRB

Note for both MFRB & LFRB I highly suggest double boxing the package & taping all the edges and corners to prevent crushing and ripping of the box.

I’m trying to figure out the best way to ship 120-200 chips, and it seems like the SFRB inside a PFRE (or two) is the way to go.

I have seen several references to an “expanded SFRB” but I’m not sure what exactly that is.

Is there a step-by-step post on here for this? I’m spatially challenged and basically need a “packing for dummies” explanation.

 

[abby99]

@Hornet
Here ya go (both from p. 11 of this thread):

Correct. Stuff two chip boxes in a SFRB with padding between, cut off the excess cardboard, slip another SFRB over the first one and tape it all up. Then insert in padded envelope and tape it tight, then put that in another padded envelope and mail. Make sure the UPC code can be scanned to get the Priority Padded Envelope rate.

SFRB - (extended) in doubled padded flat rate envelope.

View attachment 196593View attachment 196594

 

[ReallyGoodUsername]

I’m trying to figure out the best way to ship 120-200 chips, and it seems like the SFRB inside a PFRE (or two) is the way to go.

I have seen several references to an “expanded SFRB” but I’m not sure what exactly that is.

Is there a step-by-step post on here for this? I’m spatially challenged and basically need a “packing for dummies” explanation.

There’s definitely ways I don’t know about (see above) but the way I do it is two chip boxes in a SFRB (no need for padding inside as it’s already tight), followed by 3 PFREs:

*I tape the box closed as well just to be sure

Never had an issue with it including international shipping. You could also tape the outside of the PFRE for super protection but I’ve never received/heard of the PFREs getting punctured.

 

[Hornet]

There’s definitely ways I don’t know about (see above) but the way I do it is two chip boxes in a SFRB (no need for padding inside as it’s already tight), followed by 3 PFREs:
View attachment 345792View attachment 345793
*I tape the box closed as well just to be sure
View attachment 345794View attachment 345796
Never had an issue with it including international shipping. You could also tape the outside of the PFRE for super protection but I’ve never received/heard of the PFREs getting punctured.

Great. Looks like the two chip boxes don’t really fit well in the SFRB (maybe that’s what the term “expanded SFRB” refers to). The SFRB goes into the PFRE, and then into another PFRE, and then a third. Any need for extra padding?

Seems like this would work perfectly for shipping between a rack and two.

 

[ReallyGoodUsername]

Great. Looks like the two chip boxes don’t really fit well in the SFRB (maybe that’s what the term “expanded SFRB” refers to). The SFRB goes into the PFRE, and then into another PFRE, and then a third. Any need for extra padding?

Seems like this would work perfectly for shipping between a rack and two.

No extra padded needed. It ends up being fairly snug without any.

 

[Saoliver]

Great. Looks like the two chip boxes don’t really fit well in the SFRB (maybe that’s what the term “expanded SFRB” refers to). The SFRB goes into the PFRE, and then into another PFRE, and then a third. Any need for extra padding?

Seems like this would work perfectly for shipping between a rack and two.

Another option is 2 racks in Warneke boxes in a padded envelope. Tape that tight. Then put that in another padded envelope. If you are worried that it needs more, use a 3rd. I’ve never heard complaints when I’ve done this.

But the expanded SFRB is probably a more rigid option.

 

[doughboy63]

Another option is 2 racks in Warneke boxes in a padded envelope. Tape that tight. Then put that in another padded envelope. If you are worried that it needs more, use a 3rd. I’ve never heard complaints when I’ve done this.

But the expanded SFRB is probably a more rigid option.

This method works very well for two racks in boxes. I like to fill the chip boxes with something to make them tight as well. I’ve used foam, but even paper towel works well. I feel chip movement is what you really dont want during transport. This makes the chips snug in their boxes and then they are very padded by the time you are on the third padded envelope.

 

[Darson]

Just received a rack from @colter ripton who is clearly a pro.

Three padded envelopes:

Memory foam!!!

Box wrapped tight

About 3 million feet of stickly film wrapping

 

[ReallyGoodUsername]

Anyone receiving error messages when trying to pay for postage via PayPal?

 

[Saoliver]

Anyone receiving error messages when trying to pay for postage via PayPal?

View attachment 355801

I get that on my iPhone all the time. When I use the PC or iPad, I have no problems. At least not last night.

 

[ReallyGoodUsername]

I get that on my iPhone all the time. When I use the PC or iPad, I have no problems. At least not last night.

thanks for the reply, I'm on my mac, hoping a reboot will fix it

 

[ReallyGoodUsername]

It fixed it, don’t know why but it works!

 

[Himewad]

If just shipping out dealer buttons, is there a "best practice" way to do it? I'm going to order some custom dealer buttons, and apparently there would be interest in a group buy. But $8 for a shipping box seems excessive. Are padded envelopes not secure enough?

 

[Darson]

If just shipping out dealer buttons, is there a "best practice" way to do it? I'm going to order some custom dealer buttons, and apparently there would be interest in a group buy. But $8 for a shipping box seems excessive. Are padded envelopes not secure enough?

I just shipped a bunch of buttons for the Emerald Bay group buy and it was around $4 domestic by first class package in a small 3.5" x 5" padded envelope for two buttons.

For extra security some tape around the edges should help and won't increase the weight that much.

 

[Sparty]

I would like to ask everyone to please keep Mr. Terrible in your thoughts and prayers for the next couple days. I hope he comes out of this without any broken arms. It would also be nice if he is able to keep his head on straight after this ordeal. I can't help but thinking how much this looks like a coffin for him. Godspeed Mr. Terrible. May @The Cranberry Canary find you fully intact!

View attachment 241074

Still my favorite packaging job.

 

[ReallyGoodUsername]

For those who aren't yet aware I'll be reposting this on the regular.

PSA: PAYPAL POSTAGE CAN SAVE YOU 10*-60% ON EVERY PACKAGE YOU SEND

1) Sign into PayPal
2) click this link: https://www.paypal.com/shiplabel/create/#
3) complete the form and information

If you have bubble mailers, any package below 16oz can be shipped using the First-Class Mail option and will cost as little as $2.85 to ship. Otherwise PayPal Postage gives you a discount on all flat rate boxes.

 

[Darson]

If you have bubble mailers, any package below 16oz can be shipped using the First-Class Mail option and will cost as little as $2.85 to ship.

I'd be a little careful here. When I went to the post office they won't ship a bubble mailer as an envelope i.e. first class mail - they use the package price i.e. first class package. USPS states "Pieces that are rigid, nonrectangular, or not uniformly thick pay parcel prices."

Paypal shipping is definitely cheaper that USPS.com or going to the PO but only ~10%.

 

[ReallyGoodUsername]

I'd be a little careful here. When I went to the post office they won't ship a bubble mailer as an envelope i.e. first class mail - they use the package price i.e. first class package. USPS states "Pieces that are rigid, nonrectangular, or not uniformly thick pay parcel prices."

Paypal shipping is definitely cheaper that USPS.com or going to the PO but only ~10%.

Good to know ! Been to 4-5 USPS around the greater boston area and they've never batted an eye but all depends on your USPS. My local one I've brought in 10 bubble mailers at a time and still not a mention of "package" . At around 6-10oz it can make a $10 shipping job cost as little as $4 if they let you .

 

[Darson]

Good to know ! Been to 4-5 USPS around the greater boston area and they've never batted an eye but all depends on your USPS. My local one I've brought in 10 bubble mailers at a time and still not a mention of "package" . At around 6-10oz it can make a $10 shipping job cost as little as $4 if they let you .

I went to the PO several times when shipping the Emerald Bay dealer buttons in small bubble mailers - the lady behind the counter immediately said "package prices" but they were still only $4 to $5 domestic.

 

[ReallyGoodUsername]

I went to the PO several times when shipping the Emerald Bay dealer buttons in small bubble mailers - the lady behind the counter immediately said "package prices" but they were still only $4 to $5 domestic.

Do you have dimples and did you flash them? Usually works for any woman over 50 for me ...may very well be how I get away with it/the only guy who works there is hilarious and gives zero fucks. Still worth a try though !

 

[Himewad]

Here are the instructions I received from a helpful PCF'er:

For "Service Type" choose "First Class Mail Parcel service (2-5 days)"
For "Package Type" choose "Package / Thick Envelope"
Enter the package weight in ounces (rounded up)
Check the boxes for "Irregular Package" and "USPS Tracking"

 

[Darson]

Do you have dimples and did you flash them? Usually works for any woman over 50 for me ...may very well be how I get away with it/the only guy who works there is hilarious and gives zero fucks. Still worth a try though !

I have a dimple on one side - maybe I should try turning that cheek to face her. Actually of all the PO women I meet they're generally in a bad mood due to previous customers and the best I can do is cheer them up a little - but the benefit is probably realized by the customer after me.

 

[ReallyGoodUsername]

Here are the instructions I received from a helpful PCF'er:

For "Service Type" choose "First Class Mail Parcel service (2-5 days)"
For "Package Type" choose "Package / Thick Envelope"
Enter the package weight in ounces (rounded up)
Check the boxes for "Irregular Package" and "USPS Tracking"

1000x this but yeah will likely still be determined by your local USPS workers.

 

[ReallyGoodUsername]

I have a dimple on one side - maybe I should try turning that cheek to face her. Actually of all the PO women I meet they're generally in a bad mood due to previous customers and the best I can do is cheer them up a little - but the benefit is probably realized by the customer after me.

Yeah there’s some days I just avoid mailing anything because I know the employees working that day are disgruntled. Never understood that. If you’re in customer service and don’t just dislike but hate your job, find a new job!