How to Ship Vinyl Records

Vinyl records have made a major comeback lately, and there is a resurgence of the brick and mortar record stores, online auctions, and e-commerce music. It means it’s vital for individuals and businesses to learn how to handle these delicate objects properly. If you sell records online or you’re a record collector searching for the best way to ship records, then this article is for you.

A box of records can be expensive to ship, but the cheapest way to ship records easily is by comparing prices. Records are “extremely fragile” and should be treated as such, especially when shipping vinyl records. Records are susceptible to damage because of their construction and size. So, if you want the shipped records to arrive at your customers in good condition, they must be packaged appropriately. Here is an ultimate guide of all you need to know about shipping vinyl records.

How to Pack Vinyl Records

If you have to ship more than a record, use this guide to pack your records.

1. If the records have printed inner sleeves, place them in a clean inner, then put the original empty inner in the outer sleeve.

2. Place the records outside the outer sleeve. It will prevent the records from shaking inside the sleeve while in transit which may cause a scratch to the record and damage the outer sleeve.

3. Place the vinyl records on the outer sleeve, then place them inside plastic covers. You can also use bubble wrap and secure it with tape if you have no options.

4. Sandwich the packages between heavy-duty cardboard. Many online stores are selling special record strengthening stiffeners, so you can opt to purchase one. Investing in a pack will be worth it.

5. Place the sandwiched record inside the LP mailer. There are various sizes and styles of records mailer online for general use (single and multiple records use). Lastly, seal your mailer with heavy-duty packing tape. Remember, once a mailer is used, it shouldn’t be used again.

How to Ship Vinyl Records

When packing your records for shipping, there is a need to fill the remaining space between the outer package and your items. It will help in absorbing potential shock that can happen while in transit. Also, you’ll keep any loose item in place. This is a general theory for any item to be shipped. The alternatives for cushioning range from foam sheets, crinkle paper, and more.

But, for shipping vinyl records, you’ll need to pack them securely using a sandwich method.

So, what is the sandwich method?

The sandwich method is simple. The idea is to use a non-breakable cushion on your record’s sides. It’ll assist in absorbing shocks during transit. Keep the record sturdy enough within its mailing package and also prevent warping.

To use the sandwich method;

· First, put the jacket and the record in a poly sleeve (the clear one)

· Place one side of the vinyl against the corrugated cardboard backing

· Use the second cardboard piece to create a sandwich and place it on top of the record

· Ensure all the cardboard corners are correctly aligned and then place the sandwich into the cardboard mailer. Lastly, fold your mailer slowly but tightly, then use loose tape ends.

Place the second record against the cardboard base to ship multiple records, then continue with the sandwich process. After packaging your vinyl records well, the next thing is to ship your records. Here are the tips to use;

Seal it up

Ensure your mailer is appropriately sealed, and as we said earlier, you can use heavy-duty packing tape. This will also protect the elements as much as possible.

Label your mailer

To ensure your vinyl records arrive in good condition and quickly, find a corrugated cardboard mailer that is sturdy enough and easy to read labels.

So why is labeling important?

Labeling assists shippers in being aware of your fragile package. You can add a simple message on the outer package like “fragile/handle with care .”The handling process will go smoothly with such a label. So, ensure your labels are clear enough that anyone can read.

Warning label tips

· Ensure the label is well written, typed, and printed in an easy-to-read manner.

· If your label needs a barcode, the barcode should be placed on a flat surface that is clear for easy scanning.

· Since records are made of delicate materials, you can use warning labels to notify the shippers.

Insure your package

If you’re shipping a valuable item like rare vinyl, it’s best to insure it. This is not just to protect it from potential damage, but also people. For instance, someone may notice your package label and attempt to open it. And no customer can accept a damaged record or one whose package is already opened. You might also find it interesting to check best practices on how to ship fragile items the right way, for example, how to ship a painting.

How much does shipping vinyl records cost?

The cost of shipping a vinyl record entirely depends on the weight and size of your package. Meaning if you’re mailing a single record, it won’t be expensive. Shipping in bulk can be expensive due to a gradual weight increase. The simplest way of calculating your shipping cost is by using a shipping calculator. Input the weight, dimensions, and destination. You can view and compare the shipping cost of various multiple shipping companies and select a service that meets your needs.

For example, USPS media charges $2.63, weighing 70 lbs. A 10 lb shipment which is approximately 15 records, is around $7

Other factors affecting vinyl records shipping cost includes;

· Quantity being shipped

· The courier service

· Quantity being shipped

· Type of insurance

· Padding materials cost

· Mailers cost

What is the weight of a vinyl record?

Typically, vinyl records are sized 7, 10, and 12 inches. That means the weight varies from size to size from 1.41oz, 3.88oz, and 5.29 oz, respectively. Also, remember, the weight of a vinyl record includes the packaging weight too.

Bottom line

Considering how popular records have become, it’s essential to find a cost-effective and reliable way to ship records to your customers. Find a reliable shipping service provider to help you adhere to the packaging tips listed above.

Click the links below to read on how to ship other items: