Learn how to ship 78 RPM records as professionals do. Get all the materials you need for protection, make a sandwich around your records and ensure the package is well-secured before handing it to a courier.
There are lots of ideas when it comes to shipping 78 RPM records.
Unfortunately, many records fly through the mail, ending up broken or cracked.
Learning how to ship 78 RPM records is not rocket science, but it does ask for attention to small details, whether you run a business or sell some of your fragile oldies to different collectors.
Classic envelopes and mailers may seem alright for similar things – not the best, but good enough for vinyl records.
However, they are too thin for classic 78 RPM records and are highly contraindicated.
This guide will teach you everything you need to ensure records get to the destination in perfect condition.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Prepare
- Sturdy cardboard box for the shipping
- Cardboard squares in the size of the record to be used for parts and make a sandwich for it
- Packing peanuts to provide some cushioning for the records
- Newspapers as cushioning, yet newspapers can scratch records if not put in carefully
- A bit of paper for protection
- Bubble wrap to prevent accidental damage
- Sleeved protective envelope
- More newspaper if you cannot find a sleeved protective envelope
- Tape to keep things together, so the records do not slide out of the sandwich
How to Pack 78 RPM Records
In this guide, you will learn how to ship 78 rpm records safely and efficiently, like a pro. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of damage during shipping.
1. Determine How Many Records You Want to Ship
Learning how to send 78 RPM records begins with the amount you need to ship, which will dictate the amounts of cardboard squares you need.
These squares are usually cut out of a box – they should be the record size.
You will need four squares if you only send a record or two.
But if you send more than three records, you will need two extra squares for each couple of records.
It only ensures the records are kept safe and less likely to be damaged.
2. Cut the Cardboard into the Right Size and the Optimal Amount of Pieces
Cut the cardboard into record sizes.
Since they come in square packaging, it must cut the cardboard into squares.
They do not need to be a perfect size but keep it close to prevent records from moving too much.
3. Make a Sandwich for Your Records
The next step implies arranging these squares – two only, at first.
The cardboard must place, so the groove runs in opposite directions.
One square needs the groove to run vertically, and the other needs it horizontally – like a grid.
Once you have two of these squares, one on top of the other, place the record on top.
Cover it with two other squares – ensure the groove arrangement follows the same rule.
You can put two or even three records in one sandwich.
If you ship four records, for example, add two extra squares between the second and the third one.
4. Seal the Sandwich to Prevent Discs from Slipping
There are more ways to seal your record sandwich.
The purpose of this operation is to prevent the disc from shifting.
Packing or any other type of tape is ideal for avoiding such problems.
Get some tape and roll it around the sandwich.
Get about three or four separate runs at equal distances on each side.
You can use some solid rubber bands if you have no tape.
They work just as well, yet they are more likely to slip.
Avoid masking or scotch tape – they tend to break down straight away.
You can also add a small piece of paper between the tape and the record – or better said, the sides of the sandwich, only to ensure the record will not tear the sleeve, or there will be no sticky residue on your records.
A run of bubble wrap will ensure the record is in good condition during transportation.
5. Prepare the Packaging
Get sturdy and large cardboard and fill it up with packing material.
Packing peanuts are excellent because they are soft, light, and less likely to damage records.
Besides, they are also quite protective and act as cushions.
6. Seal the Box Securely
Finally, you can seal the box and get it ready for shipping.
Close it and add lots of tapes to ensure it is adequately sealed.
You can write fragile on it, so people know they should not throw it around.
You never know how postage workers handle it, though – some of them will not care but play it safe.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship 78 RPM Records?
The price to ship 78 RPM records varies from one courier service to another.
You could send it locally for less than $3 or spend over $25 if you ship it internationally.
There are more considerations.
Most couriers will charge you based on the weight, yet super large and light items could also be charged differently.
The more discs you send, the more you pay, yet the difference will be insignificant.
Local shipping should take less than five working days – international shipments cost more and take more.
The Cheapest Way to Ship 78 RPM Records
Get the package labeled and drop it off. You can find couriers that pick up products from your door, yet this service may cost you a bit more – useful if you want extra convenience.
Buying postage online will give you cheaper deals. There are more options out there – you will most likely need a shipping scale.
If this is a business, feel free to invest in one because you will keep using it. You can get it weighed at the post office if it is just a random one-off sale of your old stuff.
Assuming you label the package yourself, you will not have to wait in queues – most post offices have a drop-off section.
USPS is probably the most cost-effective choice regarding 78 RPM records. Getting the postage online is easier if you use Pirate Ship – you need an account first. The rate is usually fixed.
USPS also allows priority or express shipping. You will get the boxes free with the deal, but you need USPS labels.
Final Thoughts
Bottom line, 78 RPM records are collectible these days, and while old-fashioned, some people are still after them.
Learning how to ship 78 RPM records is a piece of cake – everything is about the protection around them.
Hopefully, this guide is clear enough to help you figure it out, regardless of how many discs you pack.
If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it with others who may need a hand with their shipping ideas.
