If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a bookstore, selling paperbacks and hardcover books online can make more economic sense than owning a brick-and-mortar store. You can save money on rent, employee wages, and common bookstore amenities like cozy reading chairs.
There is one big challenge, however: you have to deal with the expense and logistics of book shipping. Learn how to package books and find an affordable shipping solution so you can start selling and sending books every day of the week.
Table of contents
How to ship books
- Gather packaging materials
- Securely wrap the books
- Arrange the books in their container
- Seal the box securely
- Label the package
- Select a shipping carrier
Shipping books requires careful packing to ensure they arrive safely to their destination. If you’re in the ecommerce book trade, you’ll need a reliable way to pack books and ship them to their destination. Here’s how to do it:
1. Gather your packaging materials
Packing books requires a set of materials that will protect a written work from the elements. Start by purchasing sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, packing paper (thick brown paper or bubble wrap works best), and padding material (crumpled plastic bags or crumpled newspaper works). Ensure your packing boxes are slightly larger than the books you’re shipping, to allow for padding.
2. Securely wrap the books
Wrap brown paper or bubble wrap around each book to protect them from potential damage during transit. If you’re shipping valuable or delicate books, use acid-free paper to prevent any chemical reactions with the book’s pages or cover. Make sure to secure the wrapping with tape to keep it in place. Some sellers place wrapped books in a Ziploc bag, grocery store produce bag, or other plastic bag to prevent the risk of water damage.
If your customer has requested the books be sent as gifts, you can cloak them in wrapping paper. Avoid wrapping delicate or rare books with wrapping paper, as it may contain damaging acid.
3. Arrange the books in their container
Once each book is wrapped, carefully arrange them in their shipping container—typically a sturdy cardboard box. The books should lay flat, with heavier and larger books at the bottom and lighter ones on top. For extra protection, give each book its own layer and separate the layers with plastic and cardboard protectors.
Fill any empty spaces with additional packing material like bubble wrap or plain paper for extra protection during shipping. Ensure that the box is not overpacked, as this could lead to damage. A standard cardboard box can withstand a lot of weight, but check the box’s weight limits if you’re worried about its structural integrity.
4. Seal the box securely
Place packing tape on each edge seam of the package to seal the container securely and reinforce it. Double-layer the tape on large boxes, making sure the tape firmly adheres to the shipping box to prevent it from opening during transit.
5. Label the package
Clearly label the package with the recipient’s address and your return address. Include any relevant shipping labels or instructions provided by the shipping carrier. Consider labeling the package as “Fragile” if the books are particularly delicate. Even if you’re using a particularly sturdy box, this label can help protect your books. Cover the entire label with clear packing tape.
6. Select a shipping carrier
Select a shipping method that best fits your needs in terms of cost, speed, and reliability. Consider options such as USPS Media Mail for shipping books within the US. UPS, FedEx, and DHL may provide better options for expedited or international shipping.
Choosing the right carrier for books
When it comes to choosing the right carrier for shipping books, there are several options to consider, each with its own set of services and pricing structures:
USPS Media Mail
USPS Media Mail is often the cheapest way to ship books within the US. It is specifically designed for shipping educational materials, including books, DVDs, sound recordings, printed music, and other media. Media Mail offers a discounted price compared to other USPS services, but it comes with some restrictions, such as slower service and no advertising material allowed within the package.
The discounted rate makes this an appealing option for shipping multiple books in one package. Delivery times for Media Mail vary, typically ranging from two to eight business days.
USPS Priority Mail
Priority Mail is another offering from the US Postal Service that offers faster delivery times compared to Media Mail and standard First Class Mail. It is a reliable option for shipping books, especially if you need them to arrive at their destination quickly.
Priority Mail includes features such as free tracking and insurance for packages up to $100 in value. (Though you may opt to purchase insurance from a third party for more valuable books.) Pricing for Priority Mail is based on the package’s weight and destination, making it more expensive than Media Mail in many cases.
USPS Flat Rate Shipping
USPS also offers flat-rate shipping options such as Priority Mail Flat Rate. To use this service, you’ll purchase specially sized boxes from the post office. This shipping option can be cost-effective for mailing books if they fit within the specified size and weight limits for the flat rate packaging.
Flat rate shipping includes features like free tracking and insurance, making it a convenient choice for mailing books with predictable shipping costs.
UPS
UPS Ground is a popular choice for shipping books, especially for larger packages or when customers request faster delivery. UPS offers reliable service with guaranteed delivery dates and features, such as tracking and signature confirmation. You can take your packages to UPS retail locations or partner stores. In some cases, you may be able to schedule free pickup from a UPS carrier.
Pricing for UPS Ground is determined by the package weight, size, and destination, with rates typically higher than USPS Media Mail but competitive for heavier or time-sensitive shipments. You can also upgrade to UPS air service for additional fees.
FedEx
FedEx Ground is similar to UPS Ground in terms of services offered and pricing structure. It provides reliable ground shipping with guaranteed delivery dates, tracking, and free pickup options. Insurance is not included.
FedEx Ground rates are calculated based on package weight, dimensions, and destination, making it suitable for shipping books of various sizes and weights. FedEx Express is an air-based service, which can be helpful for expedited shipping. It’s also among the most expensive options for sending books.
How to ship books FAQ
What is the cheapest way to ship a book?
The cheapest way to ship a book is typically via USPS Media Mail.
How much does it typically cost to ship a book?
The cost to ship a single book starts at $4.13 for USPS Media Mail within the US, depending on the book’s weight and size. This cost does not include any additional packing materials you may need—such as bubble wrap or acid-free paper—to protect rare, delicate books.
Should you get insurance when shipping books?
It is advisable to purchase insurance when shipping books—especially if they are valuable or rare—to protect against loss or damage during transit. A carrier’s insurance policy, such as those offered by USPS, may offer sufficient protection in the event of a lost or damaged book. You can also look into insurance policies from third-party providers.