How do you ship cheap SMS/Genesis clamshell games?

[Cornelius]

I've accumulated a number of spare Genesis and SMS games that are in the standard cases. I've put off selling them because they aren't really worth more than about $10, so expensive shipping (i.e. Priority small flat rate) isn't worth it, and I'm unsure how these cases fare in a bubble mailer.

Have you mailed Genesis games in a standard bubble mailer? Does that work okay without complaints from buyers?

[megasdkirby]

I've sent in bubble mailers, but many were cracked during shipping. Not alot, but noticeable.

I use boxes for almost all my items, if not all. Sturdy boxes or at least with lots of protection. I've noticed that even somewhat flimsy boxes with a cart wrapped nicely in bubble sheet protects it more than just sticking a game inside a bubble mailer.

This is all from my experience, so of course, use mileage varies.

[Kitsune Sniper]

There are some very light but sturdy boxes available at some stores. If possible, buy in bulk to get them for cheap.

[norkusa]

I always ship boxed Genesis/SMS games in bubble mailers and never had any complaints. If it's a rare or valuable title, I'll usually bubble wrap it or secure it inside a small Priority box that fits inside of the bubble mailer. Postage usually costs around $2.50 - $3 with DC included.

[dendawg]

If you're only shipping one at a time it should easily fit into a VHS/DVD mailing box and send it out first class.

[gum_drops]

I usually give buyers the bubble mailer option or priority option and state that the mailer has a higher chance of damage, compared to the priority box. Most just go with the bubble mailer option, even on pricey CD games, go figure.

I started using calculated shipping making priority the only option. The $4.00 restriction is silly. If you specify priority you should be able to charge more than $4.00.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I started using calculated shipping making priority the only option. The $4.00 restriction is silly. If you specify priority you should be able to charge more than $4.00.

I just went back to eBay after years away... The category limits are really pissing me off. I don't like shipping expensive/scarce carts, jewel cased or cardboard boxed games in a bubble mailer. I just put down in description that if you select $4 economy shipping, expect damage not fitting description and/or photos, barring exceptional providence/luck, and forget about returns if you're unhappy with the results.

Of couse, I stated it in a much less prickish way. That's just my raw nerves talking. LOL

[Cornelius]

I just went back to eBay after years away... The category limits are really pissing me off. I don't like shipping expensive/scarce carts, jewel cased or cardboard boxed games in a bubble mailer. I just put down in description that if you select $4 economy shipping, expect damage not fitting description and/or photos, barring exceptional providence/luck, and forget about returns if you're unhappy with the results.

Of couse, I stated it in a much less prickish way. That's just my raw nerves talking. LOL

I've used calculated shipping for a long time, so am totally unaffected by the category shipping limits. Especially for expensive games, you should just enter in a typical weight, say 8 oz, and make the only shipping option Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box. Or better yet, start weighing all your items and do them all calculated whether you offer First-Class or not. It seems to me that buyers prefer calculated shipping (when it is used legitimately and not just to jack up shipping prices) over flat rates. Plus, then you can buy all your postage online and the savings on DC alone add up.

I think for these Gen/SMS games I'll make a more prominent note in my listings that First-Class gets you a bubble mailer and you have to use Priority to get a box. I know it is still technically my problem if the First-Class item is damaged, but it just isn't that likely.

[megasdkirby]

I think for these Gen/SMS games I'll make a more prominent note in my listings that First-Class gets you a bubble mailer and you have to use Priority to get a box. I know it is still technically my problem if the First-Class item is damaged, but it just isn't that likely.

That's the thing: I've shipped Gen/SMS games inside small boxes, and I've shipped them First Class Mail.

As long as the total weight is below 13 ounces, it can be shipped, even if using a box. Just recently I sold two Playstation 3 games, placed them inside a box, and total weight was 12.1 ounces, below the 13 ounce limit. So off they went First Class mail, in a box, to the recipient.

[Cornelius]

That's the thing: I've shipped Gen/SMS games inside small boxes, and I've shipped them First Class Mail.

As long as the total weight is below 13 ounces, it can be shipped, even if using a box. Just recently I sold two Playstation 3 games, placed them inside a box, and total weight was 12.1 ounces, below the 13 ounce limit. So off they went First Class mail, in a box, to the recipient.

That's fine if you have the boxes, but for the number of these that I have (~10), and their value (only 1 may go over $10), it just isn't worth it to me to purchase 10 boxes (paying a lot per box, unless they are cheaper than I think) or to purchase bulk boxes and have them sitting around. The games would just sit here and gather dust instead, like they have been because I couldn't decide what to do with them. Maybe I'll just throw them up as a lot.

And yes kirby, we all know that you are a freakin' "make your own boxes out of belly button lint" genius. ;) I just don't have the time or will to do so myself. And I don't buy enough stuff to have a bunch of appropriately small boxes laying around.

[megasdkirby]

And yes kirby, we all know that you are a freakin' "make your own boxes out of belly button lint" genius. ;) I just don't have the time or will to do so myself. And I don't buy enough stuff to have a bunch of appropriately small boxes laying around.

LOL

Thing is...you are right. :D

Speaking of which, my family prohibits me from storing boxes in the house, so I had to use my car to store them. Unfortunately, people at work now poke fun at me for doing this. LOL