Poker Chip Shipping Tips and Tricks (8 Viewers)

[pltrgyst]

For any who don't know this story:

There's a church called Our Lady of Guadalupe on Rampart St. in New Orleans (on the north side of the Quarter, below the park where the jazzfest is held). In the nave is a statue of Saint Expedite, and the church gift shop sells laminated cards with a picture of "Sanctus Expeditus". The local story is that way back when, a box of supposed bones of saints arrived at the church from Italy. The box was stamped "EXPEDITE' all over, so the locals assumed the bones were of Saint Expedite.

http://www.santiebeati.it/immagini/Original/50050/50050B.JPG

So it would be reasonable to assume there's a Saint Frageelay as well...somewhere.

(Another perhaps more believable account is at http://www.molossia.org/stexpeditus.html.)

 

[NicholasAK]

Looking to buy 500 chips, went to the checkout screen to se shipping at $127. This seems really high for a US to US shipment. What is average?

 

[Netwreck94]

Looking to buy 500 chips, went to the checkout screen to se shipping at $127. This seems really high for a US to US shipment. What is average?

Wow, that's giving exorbitant shipping costs a whole new meaning. Depending on the origin/destination and shipping company, you could ship 500 chips for under $10, but the USPS max price would be Large Flat Rate Box (or Regional B) that would be under $20, no matter the US destination. UPS/FedEx can be substantially more expensive, but still no where close to $127.

 

[abby99]

Wow, that's giving exorbitant shipping costs a whole new meaning. Depending on the origin/destination and shipping company, you could ship 500 chips for under $10, but the USPS max price would be Large Flat Rate Box (or Regional B) that would be under $20, no matter the US destination. UPS/FedEx can be substantially more expensive, but still no where close to $127.

I agree. Could the quote of $127 be an error?

 

[NicholasAK]

I agree. Could the quote of $127 be an error?

It's an automated website shipping charge from california to North Dakota from buypokerchips.com. I'll call them tomorrow(when it's not Easter) and keep you posted on how they handle it.

 

[detroitdad]

Looking to buy 500 chips, went to the checkout screen to se shipping at $127. This seems really high for a US to US shipment. What is average?

Where at in N.D. are you? I was stationed at both bases in the late 80's/early 90's.

 

[NicholasAK]

Where at in N.D. are you? I was stationed at both bases in the late 80's/early 90's.

Devils Lake (camp grafton)

 

[Trihonda]

OK, need suggestions on bubble mailers. I'll be mailing out samples of my FT chips when they arrive, and I recall some discussion on the best way to print off shipping. When I go to USPS, it only gives me priority as an option (at $6 per). I want to ship 1st class, which I think should be $2-3/per. Is there an option to purchase 1st class labels online? Or do I have to label all the mailers then run to the PO and have them do postage for each individually? I'd rather figure out postage online if possible. If it helps, I think I have a stamps.com account (somewhere).

 

[David O]

OK, need suggestions on bubble mailers. I'll be mailing out samples of my FT chips when they arrive, and I recall some discussion on the best way to print off shipping. When I go to USPS, it only gives me priority as an option (at $6 per). I want to ship 1st class, which I think should be $2-3/per. Is there an option to purchase 1st class labels online? Or do I have to label all the mailers then run to the PO and have them do postage for each individually? I'd rather figure out postage online if possible. If it helps, I think I have a stamps.com account (somewhere).

You can print 1st class with tracking through PayPal. Use 6x9 bubble mailer and the label fits perfectly.

David

 

[Trihonda]

You can print 1st class with tracking through PayPal. Use 6x9 bubble mailer and the label fits perfectly.

David

Only issue is all participants paid F&F through PP... would it look suspicious if I'm printing stuff out to ship to all of them?

 

[David O]

I do it all the time using bulk mailing option. You can upload a csv file and not have to retype each label.

 

[atomiktoaster]

Only issue is all participants paid F&F through PP... would it look suspicious if I'm printing stuff out to ship to all of them?

I've done it tons of times with F&F involved with no issues. You'll want to do like @David O said and upload a csv with the addresses for your domestic shipments. The split() function can help to separate out the addresses into columns in excel or google sheets. I like using these mailers: http://www.amazon.com/Uneekmailers-...a_nav_t_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0KKPN1VKWWKBWM4DH6RP

First class 4 oz with the irregular shape option will ship at least 10 chips domestically with tracking for $2.60 (just weighed it yesterday). There's not much of a price break for dropping the weight, so I just did that for my batch going out today. I can walk you through all the details. My current method is to saran wrap the chips to a sheet of cereal box, then tape it tighter. Slide that in the mailer, tape it closed and tape on a label. Never had a report of a broken chip, but I did have one get damaged with painters tape used instead of saran wrap.

I can take some more pics with the Armory samples tonight and post them here. Let me know if you need any help with it (formatting the csv or anything else).

 

[Netwreck94]

Just a note regarding shipping labels for smaller sized packages. I like to fit 4 labels per sheet, which can be done by reducing the printing size to 70% and printing in landscape (rather than portrait). Note that if using a full sized sheet of paper you'll have to feed the sheet for every label (as you're printing on both sides). However, if you're printing 4 or more labels you can cut the sheet in half prior to printing and only need to feed it twice (per 2 labels).

That way you not only save paper (or the self adhesive sheets) but you'll easily be able to affix the label to a much smaller package.

 

[atomiktoaster]

Here's some pics of my current CPC sample method:

Supplies: You can just fit a regular label on the #000 bubble mailers. You also need some cardboard and saran wrap.

I think no more than 5 per layer is best, and I'd shoot for even layers if you have more than 4 chips to send.

Separate the layers with the cardboard.

The first fold is tricky. It helps to leave enough to get a good crease and overlap. Reach your fingers underneath to keep the chips pinched against the cardboard and roll as tight as you can.

Be careful that the chips are tightly pressed on the rolling edges if you have more than 3 in a layer.

Overlay both sides with along strip of tape to hold compression.

Don't let the chips overlap. I'd worry about getting fleabites if that happened.

Two more strips perpendicular to the first to lock everything in place.

Slide it in. I don't use other packing material to save weight.

Double up the self adhesive with more tape, then print and tape on the label. Domestic First Class, 4 oz, package/thick envelope, irregular shape is a good bet for most sample sets/DBs and costs $2.60 via paypal. Tracking is included for free. The bulk ship option lets you import a bunch of addresses at once, which is great. For more than 10 chips, stack them and spill them over carefully to cut down the thickness. Roll in saran wrap, tape, and ship away.

 

[Trihonda]

The CSV file - PP thing works great. I have all the sample group buy folks already in an excel spreadsheet.

I'd probably make a cardboard (cereal box) taco, put the chips inside, then tape it all up tight so the chips can't move or overlap. Insert into a bubble mailer, then use my old school dymo label printer (from my eBay selling days) to print big thermal sticker labels. They're not cheap, but the simplicity makes it an acceptable cost.

Now, if only those Fat Tire chips will get here, so I can send out samples to folks... I'm pretty sure I'm going to oil my FT chips, but will send the samples out neked, so people can decide for themselves.

 

[Mr. Cheese]

I do a similar cardboard method as Erik described however I use single wall cardboard sheets purchased from uline (Roughly 1/8th inch thick each). It makes the package rigid with two pieces sandwiching the chips but it's really strong. All the international rounders orders went out that way.

 

[Netwreck94]

I do a similar cardboard method as Erik described however I use single wall cardboard sheets purchased from uline (Roughly 1/8th inch thick each). It makes the package rigid with two pieces sandwiching the chips but it's really strong. All the international rounders orders went out that way.

I'm a been a big fan of the double walled inserts to make the envelope rigid. Let's just say that there have been about 1000 flat rate legal envelopes that were sacrificed for first class 6x9 or 9x12 envelope packages. Stuff some crumpled newspaper in there and it becomes a giant balloon of cushion, but still stays nice and rigid.


Speaking of those FR envelopes, I actually had someone leave me neutral feedback once on eBay (they were a USPS employee) for cutting one up. I can't imagine what she would do if she received a package that used the padded envelopes as bubblewrap (which is something that I refuse to do unless it's already been used/mailed to me). Or if she received one of my flat rate envelopes that was busting at the seams (I live by the 'if it fits, it ships' mantra).

 

[atomiktoaster]

I've had chips sandwiched between cardboard show up where they've slipped and partly overlapped. I like the friction of the saran wrap better to prevent that. I'm skeptical of how much more protection the double layer provides.

 

[Mr. Cheese]

I've had chips sandwiched between cardboard show up where they've slipped and partly overlapped. I like the friction of the saran wrap better to prevent that. I'm skeptical of how much more protection the double layer provides.

I also saran wrap the chips to the first piece of cardboard to prevent moving before sandwiching them with the second piece. We can never be to safe when shipping chips

 

[Tommy]

Another doubled large flat rate. Extra cardboard added to the inside of the main box (bottom, sides, and top)

 

[Tommy]

850 chips in 5 small flat rate boxes inside of a large flat rate.

3 x 60 rolls per sfrb with divider between each roll.

Add cardboard to the top before closing.

 

[Tommy]

Make stronger corners on Med and Lg flat rate boxes by slicing up Priority mail shoe boxes. (also free)

Cut four 5" strips.

Don't forget to add cardboard to the bottom and top too.

 

[liftapint]

ARG! Why don't eBay sellers know how to ship chips? When I buy chips on eBay, I really should send them a link to this thread, as a condition of purchase!

I received a box via USPS today with nearly 300 "mint" Paulsons loose inside the box. I could tell the minute I picked up the box, that horrifying sound of chips sloshing around.

 

[BGinGA]

If it's not a seller I know or have dealt with before, I always provide insight to the seller on how I expect the chips to arrive -- with the offer to elaborate on specifics if needed. Seems to help, but some people remain clueless.

 

[Tommy]

First class mail/postage in a wrapped SFRB. I use this method every now and then for small/light items not going very far.
I used rosin paper that I had left over from a project. $12 a roll as Depot.

 

[Mr. Cheese]

One thing I would recommend is not using the Press and Seal wrap. I just recently got a sample set in of ceramics and after unwrapping each one they had a sticky residue on them from the sticky cling wrap. I tried washing them in hot water with dawn soap, using rubbing alcohol and they are still sticky.

 

[detroitdad]

Wife says I go over board with my packaging. I'm sure @kaimat will appreciate it

 

[BGinGA]

Tommy's doubled-up MFRB and LFRB both confirmed bomb-proof.

Even empty -- with the chips and chip boxes inside removed -- they probably weigh close to five pounds each just in extra cardboard and packing materials. Could hang 'em and use as boxing punch bags. Insane.

It's like opening up a Russian matryoshka nesting doll............... untape box, open flaps, see more cardboard..... untape, open flaps, see more cardboard,..... untape, remove cardboard, see packing foam and peanuts..... holy crap, where the heck are my chips?!? lol

Thanks for the extra effort, T. (y) :thumbsup:

 

[Max D]

This is site is full of useful information for chip collecting, from buying to selling, I love it.(y) :thumbsup:

 

[detroitdad]

Yep, I double

Tommy's doubled-up MFRB and LFRB both confirmed bomb-proof.

Even empty -- with the chips and chip boxes inside removed -- they probably weigh close to five pounds each just in extra cardboard and packing materials. Could hang 'em and use as boxing punch bags. Insane.

It's like opening up a Russian matryoshka nesting doll............... untape box, open flaps, see more cardboard..... untape, open flaps, see more cardboard,..... untape, remove cardboard, see packing foam and peanuts..... holy crap, where the heck are my chips?!? lol

Thanks for the extra effort, T. (y) :thumbsup:

I also reinforce all the walls add well. I think I did get that from Tommy. The chip rolls are rolled in paper. Then completely encased in packaging tape. As well as the entire box lol.......