Shipping using usps small flat rate box

[bangsters]

Hey guys. Has anyone shipped any watches or received watches in a small usps flate rate box? The dimensions of the box look too thin and not sure if it can protect the watch even if bubble wrapped inside.

So far all items I have shipped I used my own box and shipped regular usps priority. Also, all my watch purchases have arrived in custom boxes taller than a usps small flat rate box.

Curious about the small box as it is free from usps but not sure if a watch will arrive unscathed.

Some pics for reference...

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[chefzorba]

I don't see any problems as long as it's packaged really sound and solid. I'd feel much better receiving a watch in a more cubed size with a 3-5 inch height as it has a greater amount of room for protection inside of it for foam/protective materials.

Just my 2 cents bro!


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[bangsters]

Thanks. That's what i thought also. I feel the box is not tall enough especially usps would be throwing the box around lol...

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[minty007]

Personally, that small flat rate priority box is all I've used for years to ship single watches and parts around the US. It's proven to be very sturdy and paired with adequate bubble wrap, I've never had a damage issue (knock on wood). Probably at least 50 shipments and counting...

 

[bobandshawn]

All I've ever used. Handful of shipping peanuts to take up dead space, then bubble wrap layers around the watch.

 

[R2L]

All I've ever used and watches have arrived safely to new owners. My boxes have always bulged out some due to the extra bubble wrap I use to protect the watch. I also use plenty of tape on the edges so that the box is not likely to split at the seams.


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[d4m.test]

Personally I use a bubble envelope with the watch wrapped in bubble wrap, haven't had an issue. I've had various experiences with USPS, once I got a watch in a flat rate cardboard envelope which was ripped upon arrival (watch was still in it though), no issues with the flat rate box I think I've received three watches with that so far. Just be sure to wrap the watch well in bubble wrap and put extra so it doesn't shift around in the box, you want the watch to stay put.

 

[Radman]

wrap the watch in bubble wrap, and then fill the open space in the box with that or other packing material. All will be good

 

[hurk]

Thats all i use. Foam and bubble the crap out of the watch. Papers or peanuts to kill dead space as mentioned above.

 

[jmb]

In over 8 years of mailing watches and parts around I've never had a problem. Don't trust the "stick-um" on the flap, though, tape it as well.

 

[R2L]

If you're looking for advice on how best to package watches for shipping, you need to hear from the master himself: @Martycus. He is a legend on these forums when it comes to packing. Follow his advice and your buyers will be most grateful!


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[Martycus]

Thanks @Ride2live!

The problem I found with just using a small flat rate box is it can jar loose your indicators or worse ,have your items crushed, the latter happened to Johnny Lazar a couple years ago. I personally had watches sent to me wrapped in one sheet of bubble wrap which itself was placed into a bubble envelope and I received it destroyed. And there's this

Some people will wrap the watch and stuff it into the small flat rate box, but IMO, it doesn't offer much protection. I usually over pack by placing the small flat rate box into multiple flat rate bubble envelopes to a point you have a package that's about four or five inches thick and comprised of five six flat rate bubble envelopes. Just ask @JBowen or @la Fantasma

@FiloViridae also does an excellent job of wrapping his watches.

This is what a member wrote of my packing

I've since upgraded and am using the multiple bubble envelopes in addition to the flat rate boxes. The cost is still the same.

Optionally, small boxes used for mugs or cups can be used in place of the flat rate box and just multi-wrap your watch in it before sticking it inside the flat rate bubble envelopes.

 

[FiloViridae]

Thanks for the @Martycus !

I use the small flat rate, or another box I have laying around. If the flatrate is packed okay, it will be okay. But, I have seen issues before. Also, issues can arise from packed to well with foam.

I received my gen omega with some bubble wrap inside the watchbox, the box wrapped in one padded envelope, and then placed in another.. All went well. I've received a few other gens from a reputable AD, with just a box, and the box in a box.. I was shocked.

I have also have received watches in sunglasses cases. That protects the watch from being crushed. It seems to work as I have received two in great shape! Anyways, good luck!

 

[elfuque]

I have used them a number of times - liberal application of bubble wrap and it's been just fine. You can also grab a bunch to bring home for later use... do the click and ship thing on USPS website and give it straight to the mailman. Saves a trip to the post office.

 

[bangsters]

So far i have shipped only 3 watches lol.... And those 3 i used the box that i got from abother member when oh bought the watches, and used bubble wrap on the watch and filled the empty space on the boxes with bubble wrap as well. These boxes are a tad bigger than the usps small flat rate box. I'm ok doing it this way, although the boxes are harder to come by, whereas if i use usps box i can grab as much at the post office for free lol.



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[KBH]

That's all I've ever used and never had a problem. I've never seen a watch that's thicker than the height of that box.

 

[spankster23]

I've shipped 50+ watches this way. The trick is to bubble wrap the watch first, tape the bubble wrap, then tape the whole bubble wrapped watch to the inside of the box before you fold it together. Then add some peanuts. Tape seal all edges and your good to go. This way the watch can not move around in the box. And I have never had an issue thus far.

 

[Reaps]

Thanks for this thread! I will be using small flat rate boxes, triple bubble wrapped, and then packing peanuts.... let's see how it goes

 

[asusundevils1971]

@Reaps how deep did you have to dig on here to find an eight year old thread

 

[Reaps]

@Reaps how deep did you have to dig on here to find an eight year old thread

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