Summary: Flexible Cardboard Mailers For Stamps And Covers That Work With Ebay Standard Envelope

Just wanted to post a brief summary of mailers that I've found to work well with both stamps and covers. While I don't typically used ebay's Standard Envelope service, as reconciling the charges with orders is a PITA and I would rather use postage stamps anyway, these will both work well with that service, as both will accommodate an industry standard 4x6 thermal label.

One factor that is important to me is weight. Ideally, I like to keep the cost for mailer + stamp or mailer + cover under 1 ounce. Most cardboard mailers, including the majority of ebay's own cardboard mailers, are heavier gauge rigid mailers that trip the 1 ounce threshold and also are not flexible enough to use with ebay Standard Envelope. I typically reserve those for larger/bulk shipments that I send at parcel rates rather than letter rates.

First mailer for individual stamps and blocks, is an EcoSwift self-adhesive 6.5 inch x 4.5 inch mailer that weighs in at 0.5 ounces. These are wonderful and have become my go-to for virtually all single-item shipments. In bulk they can cost well under 20 cents each.

Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/B00DR155N6

100/$28.99 ($0.2899 ea)
500/$105.99 ($0.21198 ea)
1000/$199.99 ($0.1999 ea)
5000/$634.99 ($0.12699 ea)

ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/174350628007

100/$26.98 ($0.2698 ea)
500/$99.98 ($0.1999 ea)
1000/$194.98 ($0.1949 ea)
5000/$599.98 ($0.1199 ea)





Now for covers, or in my particular case, revenue-stamped checks, which can be fairly long, the solution comes surprisingly from ebay itself, in the form of a new mailer they just rolled out earlier this year. It is labeled as "4.5" x 9.5" #10 Paperboard Mailjacket Envelope" and weighs in at 0.6 ounces. It too has a self-adhesive strip.

While it won't work for oversized covers, or larger-height covers, for check-sized documents or documents that can fold down to #10 envelope size, these are perfect. A 19th-century check in a plastic cover sleeve fits perfectly!

The only source is ebay at $28.52 per 100 ($.2852 ea), but if you have an ebay store, the quarterly supplies coupon can be used for these, so they are a great subsidized option.

ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/255197507148

Australian perspective:
These look great, a much needed option for small stamp sets
we have nothing here suitable.
Alas! $140 postage to Australia

Brickbats.
Both the US and Australia "Padded Bags"
The dichotomy, perfect for large catalogues etc , full marks

But for removing stationery ephemera, postage stamps etc
a huge fail.
The desicated paper floss, inside is a nightmare.
Mine go immediately in my garden landfill, if postage is common,
if soaking, I do it in the garden. The fluff goes absolutely everywhere.

For larger packets Australian "Tough Bags" would take some beating
Fabulous.

I use Quality Park 6 x 8 Photo Document Mailers for everything including the ebay standard envelope. They are quite stiff, but apparently they go through the automatic sorting machines fine. When I mail first class I put a "please do not bend" sticker which hopefully means they don't go through the automatic sorting machines. But for the ebay envelope (max value is $20) they have to go through that - so no sticker. I know this is an imperfect thing, but it seems to work ok. When I use the ebay envelope they are clearly going through the sorters because I see all the expected tracking. So it's one size fits all for my purposes - which is generally just a single stamp or a small set of stamps.

Hi Rod

I too am very happy with Australia's mailing produces and mailing rates available.

It is interesting to see how the US works.

The standout is the recent fixed weight costs from 500g to 5kgs same cost anywhere in Australia.

Plus stamps can still buy express and standard parcel mail costs. Soon to disappear I reckon.

Be careful with "do not bend" stickers. Depending on your post office (or intervening stops), such a sticker can be interpreted by usps staff as meaning the letter should have the additional nonmachineable surcharge paid, so it could arrive postage due.

I pay full first class package rates. It's between 3 and 4 dollars per envelope. I know people think I'm crazy but it works for me. I get tracking, stiff mailer protection, top seller rating, and never a single buyer wondering if their package has been mailed or where it is. It's a decision I made a long time ago and yes, my postage costs are high. That's one reason I really like the ebay envelope. It opens the possibility of selling inexpensive stamps.