Question about shipping misc trombone equipment

Bonehenge · by **Bonehenge** » 2022-11-20 7:21 a.m.

Hello forum,

I'm preparing some mouthpieces, leadpipes and misc. equipment for sale and am wondering how people are calculating shipment cost prior to shipment, and what method is most economical for shipment. I will be using USPS. So, for example, what kind of box are people using for mouthpieces, and at what rate? The small flat rate box is too narrow and I wouldn't want to send with the outer edges of the rim wedged against the side of the box. What about for leadpipes?

Thanks,

Jeff Campbell

MTbassbone · by **MTbassbone** » 2022-11-20 9:54 a.m.

I like the USPS flat rate boxes. It comes with the box, a tracking number, and the first $50 of insurance is included. Plus no tape is required (although I often add some). I use the small flat rate box for mouthpieces. No argument it's a tight fit, but if you put just one layer of bubble wrap around the mouthpiece and then packing on either side so it doesn't move this is ok in my book. The box will bulge a little, but that is ok. The box is corrugated so it provides a little bit of protection.

Bonehenge · by **Bonehenge** » 2022-11-20 1:53 p.m.

Thanks for the response. And yeah, that was exactly what I was worried about re: the small flat rate box but good to know you've used them without problems.

Doug_Elliott · by **Doug_Elliott** » 2022-11-20 1:55 p.m.

I use the small flat rate box all the time. I do recommend taping it though, I've seen some come open. The glue strip is usually effective, but not always.

Bonehenge · by **Bonehenge** » 2022-11-20 2:08 p.m.

Why thank you, Doug Elliott! As it happens I've been cleaning up quite a few spare pieces with your name on them, all LT stuff from the early 90s. Posting a list of available stuff here soon, most likely selling via eBay. Thanks for the reply.

spencercarran · by **spencercarran** » 2022-11-21 9:07 a.m.

Small flat rate box is a common choice. I've often used the bubble mailers (you'll see them in line at the post office) with good results. Costs like $7-8.

greenbean · by **greenbean** » 2022-11-21 11:05 p.m.

I wrap the mouthpiece in bubble wrap and put into a small envelope - usually padded but if not I add more bubble wrap around the mouthpiece. First Class mail will be about $4.50.

Posaunus · by **Posaunus** » 2022-11-22 2:07 a.m.

[quote="greenbean"]I wrap the mouthpiece in bubble wrap and put into a small envelope - usually padded but if not I add more bubble wrap around the mouthpiece. First Class mail will be about $4.50.[/quote]

Yup. Small Flat Rate box is actually overkill for a single mouthpiece (though it <U>is</U> free). But these boxes are convenient if you are shipping 2 or 3 mouthpieces. Otherwise bubble wrap and a sturdy manila or padded envelope is sufficient for a single mouthpiece (or DE component). Unless you want to make a donation to the U.S. Postal Service! ;)

Doug_Elliott · by **Doug_Elliott** » 2022-11-22 5:35 a.m.

I have received damaged envelopes with nothing in them.

Paying for a decent padded envelope plus first class postage adds up to the Priority rate with a free box, and it's a lot safer in the box.

greenbean · by **greenbean** » 2022-11-22 7:36 a.m.

[quote="Doug Elliott"]I have received damaged envelopes with nothing in them.

Paying for a decent padded envelope plus first class postage adds up to the Priority rate with a free box, and it's a lot safer in the box.[/quote]

I re-use the plastic bubble wrap envelopes that companies use to ship stuff to me. You are right, manila envelopes are risky.

Bonehenge · by **Bonehenge** » 2022-11-22 8:50 a.m.

Thanks for the replies, all. I'll use a box for full mouthpieces, might consider a padded envelope for individual mouthpiece cups, definitely for a rim, not sure about a shank. The insertion end is is just too thin for me to trust an envelope.

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Question about shipping misc trombone equipment