How to Choose the Right Mailing Bag Sizes

Online sales are continuously increasing, shipping products efficiently and securely is paramount. Choosing the correct packaging is a crucial aspect of this process, and mailing bag sizes play a vital role. Selecting the wrong size can lead to damaged goods, increased shipping costs, and a poor customer experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to select the right mailing bag sizes for your business, ensuring your products are shipped safely, cost-effectively, and sustainably.

What are Mailing Bags?

Mailing bags, also known as postal bags, courier bags, or poly mailers, are lightweight and durable bags used to ship products through the mail or via courier services. They are designed to protect the contents of the package from damage during transit while keeping shipping costs low. These bags come in various materials such as plastic, paper, or a combination of both. Common types include poly mailers, bubble mailers, padded mailers, and paper mailers. The benefits of using mailing bags include their lightweight nature, durability, water resistance, and cost-effectiveness.

Why Mailing Bag Size Matters

Choosing the correct mailing bag size is essential for several reasons:

• Product Protection: The right size bag is crucial for protecting your items during transit. An undersized bag can lead to tears or rips, while an oversized bag can allow items to shift, potentially causing damage.
• Cost-Efficiency: Using the appropriate size bag minimizes shipping costs by reducing dimensional weight and material waste. Overly large bags increase shipping costs due to their dimensional weight.
• Customer Experience: Right-sizing your packaging helps create a more thoughtful and positive customer experience. Customers may be frustrated if a small item arrives in a large, excessive package.
• Sustainability: Choosing the correct size minimizes the amount of material used, which is a key aspect of a sustainability strategy.

Understanding Standard Mailing Bag Sizes

Mailing bags come in a variety of standard sizes, typically measured in inches. Some popular standard sizes include:

• 6″ x 9″ (165mm x 230mm): Ideal for small items such as jewelry, accessories, small electronics, and baby socks.
• 10″ x 13″ (250mm x 350mm): A versatile size suitable for books, t-shirts, dress shirts or a yard of fabric. This is often considered a standard size for poly mailers.
• 12″ x 15.5″ (305mm x 406mm): Perfect for clothing items like jumpers, dresses, jeans, or two yards of fabric.
• 12″ x 16″ (305mm x 405mm): Another medium size option, as cited in one source.
• 14.5″ x 19″ (350mm x 525mm): Great for larger items such as jackets, posters, beddings, or multiple smaller items.
• 19″ x 24″: Ideal for oversized items like blankets or multiple clothing items.

Standard sizes are based on common product dimensions but custom sizes are also available. You can find size charts from various suppliers to aid in your selection.

How to Measure Your Products for Mailing Bags

Accurately measuring your products is crucial for selecting the appropriate mailing bag size. Follow these steps:

• Measuring Regular Items: Use a ruler or tape measure to determine the length (longest side), width (shorter side), and height/depth (thickness) of your product.
• Measuring Irregular Items: For cylindrical or oddly-shaped objects, measure them as if they were rectangular. Imagine a cube surrounding the item and measure accordingly.
• Measuring for different types of bags: Note that box dimensions measure the interior, while most mailer dimensions measure the exterior. Make a larger fitting allowance for mailers.
• Fitting Allowance: Always add extra space to your measurements to allow for padding and easy closure. A 1-2 inch buffer around your product is generally recommended.
  • For boxes, the fitting allowance is straightforward; the boxes are cut to size with an added space for padding.
  • For mailers, add extra space to the length and width dimensions to account for height, especially with thicker items.
  • It is recommended to add 0.5 – 2 inches to the width and length of the item for a looser fit.
  • For rigid items, add an extra 0.5 – 1.5 inches to the width.
  • A simple formula to determine the minimum mailer size is Mailer size = (L + H + 2″) x (W + H + 1/2”) where L is the product length, W is the product width, and H is the product height/depth.
• Tools: Use mailer size calculators to simplify the process. You can also use dimensional calculators provided by major shipping companies like USPS, UPS and FedEx.

Choosing the Right Type of Mailing Bag Based on Size and Contents

The type of mailing bag you choose should depend on the size and nature of your product:

• Poly Mailers: These are lightweight, tear-resistant plastic bags ideal for shipping soft goods like clothing and textiles. They are durable, water-resistant, and can be more flexible than paper mailers.
• Bubble Mailers: These are similar to poly mailers but with an added layer of bubble wrap for extra cushioning. They are suitable for shipping delicate or fragile items like electronics, jewelry, and small gadgets.
• Padded Mailers: These offer superior protection with a thicker layer of padding, often made of foam or paper. They are ideal for shipping glassware, ceramics, and other fragile items.
• Paper Mailers: These are an eco-friendly option made entirely of paper. They are suitable for shipping documents, books, and other paper-based products. They are recyclable, but may not be as durable as plastic options.
• Heavy Duty Mailers: Designed for heavier or bulkier items, made from thicker plastic to ensure contents remain secure.
• Custom Mailers: These allow you to add branding or logos for a memorable unboxing experience.

Specific Sizing Examples & Recommendations

Here are some specific sizing examples for common items:

• Clothing:
  • T-shirts: A single t-shirt fits well in a 9″ x 12″ or 10″ x 13″ poly mailer. For multiple t-shirts, a 12″ x 15.5″ mailer may be more suitable.
  • Jeans/Dresses: These often fit best in a 12″ x 15.5″ or 14.5″ x 19″ mailer.
  • Sweaters/Jackets: Larger sizes like 12″ x 15.5″ or 14.5″ x 19″ are recommended.
• Books/Documents: Use paper mailers or flat poly mailers for these items.
• Jewelry/Accessories: Small items like jewelry and accessories fit well in a 6″ x 9″ mailer. Use padded mailers for added protection.
• Shoes: A 24″ x 18″ mail bag is often ideal for shoe boxes.
• Other Items:
  • For essential oils, use 6×9″, 7.25×11″ or 4×6.75″ mailers for single bottles and 8.5×11″, 6.5×8.75″, 10.5×15″ mailers for two bottles.
  • Cosmetics and small accessories can also be shipped in 6×9″, 7.25×11″, 8.5×11″ and 6×10″, 6×2.5×12″ mailers.

Tips for Maximizing Packaging Space

Maximize your packaging space and reduce costs by following these tips:

• Efficient Packing: Pack items neatly to minimize wasted space, reducing the need for larger bags.
• Cushioning: Use appropriate padding (bubble wrap, tissue paper, packing peanuts) for fragile items. Remember that padding reduces the internal dimensions of the mailer, so adjust size accordingly.
• Multiple Items: Use sustainable void fill for padding between multiple items in one package. If shipping multiples of the same item (like glassware) invest in custom inserts to keep them secure.
• Product Placement: Fold clothes neatly instead of rolling them. Measure items by visualizing a rectangular shape around them.
• Promotions: Encourage multiple purchases to maximize packing space and reduce shipping costs.

Security Features in Mailing Bags

To ensure your products reach their destination safely and securely, consider mailing bags with these features:

• Tamper-Evident Seals: These seals provide evidence of any attempts to open or tamper with the package.
• Water-Resistant Coatings: These coatings protect contents from moisture during transit.
• Adhesive Closures: These closures ensure the package remains sealed during transit and prevent accidental opening.
• Heavy Duty Mailers : These are useful for sharp or heavy items that require extra protection.

Environmental Considerations

When choosing mailing bags, consider these eco-friendly options:

• Recyclable Options: Both plastic and paper mailers can be recycled.
• Biodegradable Options: These bags are made from materials that break down naturally over time.
• Reusable Options: Reusable bags can be used multiple times, reducing waste.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: Using minimal packaging is important to reduce material waste.

Cost Considerations

Cost is always a factor when choosing packaging:

• Material Costs: Plastic bags are typically less expensive than paper options.
• Shipping Costs: Smaller and lighter bags will generally reduce shipping costs.
• Balancing Cost and Sustainability: Choose the option that best balances your cost and sustainability goals.

How to Choose the Right Mailing Bag for Your Business

Choosing the right mailing bag size for your business requires considering several factors:

• Factors to Consider:
  
  1. Type of product being shipped.
  2. Fragility of the product.
  3. Budget.
  4. Environmental goals.
  5. Security features required.
  6. Shipping destination and potential weather conditions.
• Steps to Follow:
  
  1. Determine the size and weight of your products.
  2. Consider if extra padding or security is needed.
  3. Choose between plastic or paper based on your budget and environmental concerns.
  4. Research suppliers to compare prices.
• Test Samples: Always test sample bags before making a bulk purchase.
  

FAQs about Mailing Bag Sizes

Here are some frequently asked questions about mailing bag sizes:

Conclusion

Choosing the right mailing bag sizes is crucial for e-commerce success. By understanding the different types of mailing bags, how to measure your products, and the various factors that affect your decision, you can ensure your items are shipped safely and efficiently. Remember to consider product type, fragility, budget, and environmental concerns to make the best choice for your business. By following this guide, you can confidently select the perfect mailing bag sizes and optimize your shipping process, leading to satisfied customers and reduced costs.