Poker Chip Shipping Tips and Tricks (5 Viewers)

[ArielVer18]

how many setup of cards safely fit in a USPS medium flat rate box? I had to ship 21 setups today (42 decks). My original plan was to cut a padded flat rate envelope in half widthwise and put two setups inside each "half-sleeve." However, I underestimate how much extra volume this technique will take up and there was no way I could've fit 21 setups into one MFRB. All that bubble wrap seemed like overkill anyways.

 

[warma]

My wife works for an Indian company and receives packages frequently. The exterior wrapping they do to ensure things arrive is incredible. Tonight was another first for me.

They wrapped what are effectively 3 LFRBs stacked. Each was taped shut. Around that, they wrapped the the boxes together with bubble wrap, and then around that taped the living daylights out of it.

So the package had a puffy security blanket that protected the package and came off really easily.

Now, these were super light weight boxes, but the trick might still work with a single box. Wrapping a LFRB with bubble wrap and tape hides the LFRB markings and as such may not be eligible for the LFRB cost, but works for DHL and likely any of the other shippers.

 

[Pinesol13]

Does anyone have experience they can share with filing a claim with USPS for a lost package?

Sadly, something happened with a MFRB of chips that I shipped out recently. The box was not delivered to the recipient, only the shipping label itself. I use those plastic pouches for shipping labels that you peel the back off and stick on to the box. I'm guessing at some point during the automated sorting process, the pouch ripped off the box and got lost.

This was delivered along with the lonely label

I don't think I'll be using those pouches anymore. Also moving forward I will write the name and address on the box in permanent marker, and then tape the label on top, just incase.

Anyways, wondering if anyone can share their experience with filing a claim, how long does it take, does USPS push back, has anyone ever appealed a denied claim, etc?

Thanks

 

[inapinch]

Does anyone have experience they can share with filing a claim with USPS for a lost package?

Sadly, something happened with a MFRB of chips that I shipped out recently. The box was not delivered to the recipient, only the shipping label itself. I use those plastic pouches for shipping labels that you peel the back off and stick on to the box. I'm guessing at some point during the automated sorting process, the pouch ripped off the box and got lost.

This was delivered along with the lonely label
View attachment 1126451


I don't think I'll be using those pouches anymore. Also moving forward I will write the name and address on the box in permanent marker, and then tape the label on top, just incase.

Anyways, wondering if anyone can share their experience with filing a claim, how long does it take, does USPS push back, has anyone ever appealed a denied claim, etc?

Thanks

It’s a rough journey. I’m sorry this has happened. Lost, damaged, or mis-delivered happens to me about once every half year (it happens when I’m the recipient and the sender). Claims are a long process that has very little communication. however, I do hope you find what you need, and wish you tons of luck in the claim!

 

[Tonysquander]

Does anyone have experience they can share with filing a claim with USPS for a lost package?

Sadly, something happened with a MFRB of chips that I shipped out recently. The box was not delivered to the recipient, only the shipping label itself. I use those plastic pouches for shipping labels that you peel the back off and stick on to the box. I'm guessing at some point during the automated sorting process, the pouch ripped off the box and got lost.

This was delivered along with the lonely label
View attachment 1126451


I don't think I'll be using those pouches anymore. Also moving forward I will write the name and address on the box in permanent marker, and then tape the label on top, just incase.

Anyways, wondering if anyone can share their experience with filing a claim, how long does it take, does USPS push back, has anyone ever appealed a denied claim, etc?

Thanks

Man, that sucks. Hope they can find the package.

FYI---I like to use these labels:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J9LNG7G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

They are easy to print on your home printer and adhere extremely well. I also use a strip of the packing tape to go over the addresses and then one over the tracking number itself (but not the bar code) just as an extra precaution. Depending on value and where it is going I will also write out the address and sometimes include a slip inside the package as well.

Hope you find your package. Only process I know of to start a search is through the USPS website for lost packages. Good luck!

 

[Himewad]

I literally just received a check from the USPS for a lost package (first one I've ever had go missing). The tracking actually showed it as "delivered" so I figured I had zero chance of getting either money or the package. They denied my claim the first time around. Then I told them that the residence this package was delivered is an apartment building, and always gets its mail at a certain time of the day. Yet the "delivered" time stamp was long after the post office closes. My guess is they must have checked the delivery route with the postal carrier's route, and determined there was no way the "delivered" stamp aligned with this package being actually delivered. I received a check for $95 earlier this week for a SFRB that was obviously stolen. Didn't quite cover the contents entirely, but it was nice to get SOMETHING.

 

[warma]

They are easy to print on your home printer and adhere extremely well. I also use a strip of the packing tape to go over the addresses and then one over the tracking number itself (but not the bar code) just as an extra precaution.

I’ve never had any issues taping over the bar code printed on standard white paper from a home printer. I use a wide, clear packing tape and only apply one layer of tape, applied tightly and smoothly (without wrinkles).

 

[Tonysquander]

I’ve never had any issues taping over the bar code printed on standard white paper from a home printer. I use a wide, clear packing tape and only apply one layer of tape, applied tightly and smoothly (without wrinkles).

10-4, I have seen people say they do that w/ no issue even though the USPS rules say not to do it. I just err on the side of caution and figure if at least the tracking number itself and the sender/return addresses have tape protection, they are good. It's weird b/c I'm normally a rule breaker...

 

[upNdown]

I’ve never had any issues taping over the bar code printed on standard white paper from a home printer. I use a wide, clear packing tape and only apply one layer of tape, applied tightly and smoothly (without wrinkles).

I usually tape over it completely, like laminating it, and have never had a problem. And nobody at the PO has ever said anything to me about it.

 

[warma]

10-4, I have seen people say they do that w/ no issue even though the USPS rules say not to do it. I just err on the side of caution and figure if at least the tracking number itself and the sender/return addresses have tape protection, they are good. It's weird b/c I'm normally a rule breaker...

I have to do it, printing a paper label. Those Avery labels look awesome- I might switch to those.

 

[Pinesol13]

Man, that sucks. Hope they can find the package.

FYI---I like to use these labels:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J9LNG7G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

They are easy to print on your home printer and adhere extremely well. I also use a strip of the packing tape to go over the addresses and then one over the tracking number itself (but not the bar code) just as an extra precaution. Depending on value and where it is going I will also write out the address and sometimes include a slip inside the package as well.

Hope you find your package. Only process I know of to start a search is through the USPS website for lost packages. Good luck!

Thanks, I'll check those labels out. Great idea adding a slip inside the package

 

[allforcharity]

Lately I've been considering doubling up on the shipping label, with one copy affixed to the outside as normal and then another one on the inside with the goods.

 

[inapinch]

It probably already been mentioned here, but please avoid 3M heavy duty tape (often found in Home Depot). It’s TURRIBLE! This is roughly my third time purchasing, but no more.

for a small example, after 12hrs, the tape is already lifting and not staying stickied to the surface.

 

[upNdown]

It probably already been mentioned here, but please avoid 3M heavy duty tape (often found in Home Depot). It’s TURRIBLE! This is roughly my third time purchasing, but no more.

for a small example, after 12hrs, the tape is already lifting and not staying stickied to the surface.
View attachment 1133389


View attachment 1133392

I think at least part of the problem is that surface. I have those same envelopes. I like to put the tape on so it can wrap around and affix itself to a flat surface. Those rippled (I can’t find the right word) edges are probably going to be a challenge for any tape.

 

[inapinch]

I think at least part of the problem is that surface. I have those same envelopes. I like to put the tape on so it can wrap around and affix itself to a flat surface. Those rippled (I can’t find the right word) edges are probably going to be a challenge for any tape.

damn, that's a really good point! I never considered that it might be the envelope surface.

well, for anyone that receives my envelopes with a 100yrds of tape around a 4x6 envelope, now you know why!

 

[TheOffalo]

I think at least part of the problem is that surface. I have those same envelopes. I like to put the tape on so it can wrap around and affix itself to a flat surface. Those rippled (I can’t find the right word) edges are probably going to be a challenge for any tape.

Ribbed for her pleasure.

I do the same thing, I always make sure if I have to tape near an edge to have the tape fold over the edge and adhere to a larger, flatter part of the packaging.

I've been using the same heavy duty tape that @inapinch dis-recommended, but I don't like them that much either. I asked for recommendations before...

Speaking of tape, what's everyone's favorite packing tape?

...but didn't get any responses. I'd prefer a thinner tape. The thicker, heavy duty one may seem stronger in theory but seems to be opposite (or at least neutral) in practice.

 

[louBdub]

Picture speaks for itself

 

[TheOffalo]

Picture speaks for itself

View attachment 1133463

How long do you sous vide that so it's nice and tender?

 

[inapinch]

Ribbed for her pleasure.

I do the same thing, I always make sure if I have to tape near an edge to have the tape fold over the edge and adhere to a larger, flatter part of the packaging.

I've been using the same heavy duty tape that @inapinch dis-recommended, but I don't like them that much either. I asked for recommendations before...



...but didn't get any responses. I'd prefer a thinner tape. The thicker, heavy duty one may seem stronger in theory but seems to be opposite (or at least neutral) in practice.

FWIW, I just ordered this:
HERKKA Clear Packing Tape
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0928HXW8J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

A friend on here uses this, and I can certainly tell it's leagues better than the 3m tape. Should be able to try within the next few days, I'll report out

 

[inapinch]

FWIW, I just ordered this:
HERKKA Clear Packing Tape
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0928HXW8J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

A friend on here uses this, and I can certainly tell it's leagues better than the 3m tape. Should be able to try within the next few days, I'll report out

CONFIRMED! It is 100% the tape! This Herkka tape is leagues better than 3M! I admit the envelope isn’t the best surface, but this new tape is like some of that concrete glue stuff. it’s hard to capture in a photo, but it’s great. highly recommend!

 

[Taghkanic]

Picture speaks for itself

View attachment 1133463

I too use a vaccuum-sealer to send small quantities of chips. But I lay mine all flat, in a grid. Then I sandwich the vacuum-sealed chips in between two cardboard pieces, or foam board. Tape that up, then put it in a USPS Priority Mail envelope with the edges folded. Then into a second USPS envelope. Then the whole thing gets sent in a padded mailer.

I worry with the chips staggered on top of each other for increased chances of damage, but no doubt you are sending these with other outside layers of protection.

 

[louBdub]

I too use a vaccuum-sealer to send small quantities of chips. But I lay mine all flat, in a grid. Then I sandwich the vacuum-sealed chips in between two cardboard pieces, or foam board. Tape that up, then put it in a USPS Priority Mail envelope with the edges folded. Then into a second USPS envelope. Then the whole thing gets sent in a padded mailer.

I worry with the chips staggered on top of each other for increased chances of damage, but no doubt you are sending these with other outside layers of protection.

Yeah they won’t move, and definitely wrapped, bubble wrapped, cardboard wrapped, bomb proofed, etc.

 

[louBdub]

This is becoming the absolute standard….

 

[Donttellmywife87]

Here's a similar thread showing my method of shipping 100 chips in a SFRB.
http://www.pokerchipforum.com/threa...commendations-box-size-and-padding-type.4244/

I use a similar method for 500 chips in a medium flat rate box.

Thanks for the info

Doubling a Large Flat Rate box. (Or Medium)

Updated instructions here:
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/poker-chip-shipping-tips-and-tricks.7614/post-289986

Excellent thread idea

 

[jschips]

Easier way to double a large flat rate box (old way is in the FP). (This also works with a medium flat rate and probably just about any two boxes that are exactly the same.)

I'm using a tape machine with fiberglass reinforced gummed tape now but regular box tape works too.

This thing is great! Bought it off eBay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/351714152282
Gummed tape has many advantages over regular box tape. It has a slot machine feel to it.

View attachment 66568


40 LFR boxes waiting to be doubled

View attachment 66569


I still use regular tape on the inside box. (on right)

View attachment 66570

View attachment 66571


Ease over the square corners a bit and it will slide into the other box very easily without splitting it.

View attachment 66572


Eased!

View attachment 66573

View attachment 66574

View attachment 66575

Close up the inside box.

View attachment 66576


Close up the outside box now. I use a small piece of tape just to get the box pulled together nice and tight. Then I will tape the entire seam and pull the sides in tight too. Trying to do it all at once is a PITA.

View attachment 66578

View attachment 66579

A little extra gummed tape on the edges and sides. If I was using regular box tape I would pretty much tape up the entire box.

View attachment 66580

This is a great idea

 

[TheOffalo]

PSA: Tape your box sides and corners, please! Somehow only lost 1 chip out of 500, fortunately...

 

[TX_Golf_N_Poker]

PSA: Tape your box sides and corners, please! Somehow only lost 1 chip out of 500, fortunately...

View attachment 1154714

Not to mention that the chips inside ought to be secured well enough so that even if the box does split open, there is no way a single chip could escape.

Were these not in werneke boxes or ziplocs, or somehow secured inside the box in any way? How could a single chip get out???

 

[Cman]

Yikes that box. An only 1 chip loss is incredible.

 

[BGinGA]

Yikes that box shipper. An only 1 chip loss is incredible unacceptable.

FYP.

 

[Tommy]

PSA

Starting July 9th, USPS will launch a new domestic shipping service called USPS Ground Advantage™. This service combines Retail Ground, Parcel Select Ground, and First-Class Package Service. To adapt to these changes, we will automatically map your existing services to USPS Ground Advantage™ until the end of 2023.