The Standard Chart
Our poly mailer range covers the North American and European markets with seven standard sizes, from PM-1 at 6 by 9 inches through to PM-7 at 24 by 24 inches. Carton quantities fall as the bag gets larger, from 1000 pieces per carton at the small end to 250 at the large end. The full chart with widths, lengths and carton quantities sits on the poly mailer product page.
How To Measure
Lay the product out the way it will actually be packed, folded if it is folded. Measure the width across the widest point and add roughly one inch, so the contents sit inside the bag without stressing the side seam. Measure the length and add enough for the flap to fold over onto a flat surface rather than over the product.
If the product is compressible, pack it as tightly as the pack bench realistically will, not as tightly as it can theoretically go.
Why The Wrong Size Costs More Than The Bag
A mailer costs a few cents. A parcel that is charged on dimensional weight rather than actual weight can cost several times that difference on every single order. Oversized mailers create air, air creates volume, and volume is what the carrier bills. Undersized mailers create split seams and replacement orders, which cost more again.
Where Standard Sizes Do Not Work
Special sizes are acceptable and can be custom made. It is worth doing when a large part of your catalogue sits awkwardly between two standard sizes, because the saving repeats on every order for the life of the SKU.
Poly Or Bubble
- Soft goods with no hard edges go in a plain poly mailer.
- Books, media and small hard goods go in a bubble mailer.
- Anything with a corner needs cushioning, because corners concentrate impact.
- Glass and ceramics need a bubble mailer at minimum, and often a box.
Practical Notes
- Put the shipping label on the flat back face, never bridging the seal line.
- Store mailers away from heat before use. Hot melt adhesive is temperature sensitive until the bag is closed.
- If contents show through, change to the white and black film rather than increasing the gauge.
- Pack a small returns mailer inside the outbound bag. It removes a support ticket for almost no cost.
