How to Ship a Baseball Cap Without Causing Any Damage at All
How to ship a baseball cap is easy – you may not really need cushioning, but it is highly recommended for collectibles and vintage hats. In terms of shipping, you have more options, while shipping software will allow you to print shipping labels for free.
What is the best way to ship a baseball cap?
Whether you run a business or you sell one of your caps, learning how to ship a baseball cap is not that difficult if you follow a few simple rules.
The good news is that a baseball cap is pretty simple to pack – much easier than classic cowboy hats, straw hats, or other similar alternatives.
This guide will give you the necessary details to ensure the receiver is happy.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Prepare
How to Pack a Baseball Cap
In this guide, you will learn how to ship baseball caps safely and efficiently, like a pro. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of damage during shipping.
1. Prepare the Hat Before Sending it
Baseball caps are easy to fold compared to other types of hats, and this aspect will make transportation a breeze.
You can fold or set it flat without worrying about sophisticated packaging – no need to be concerned about damaging the brim or the crown.
However, if you sell an expensive cap – whether it has an autograph or an old collectible, you must be careful not to bend the bill, as it might be made of cardboard. It is the most crucial step in the process.
2. Place the Cap in a Zip Bag and Lock it
Once folded or set flat, the baseball cap should go in a classic zip bag – make sure you can close it.
The zip bag will not necessarily add to the physical protection, but it can protect against moisture, dust, and spillages.
You have no idea how courier employees will handle the package.
What if it is left outside in the rain for a few minutes?
What if someone spills soda on it?
Liquids will go through the box and stain the cap, reducing its value.
Therefore, protect it inside a bag.
3. Get a Middle-Sized Box and Add Some Packing Materials
Now, most experts will tell you that packing materials are not needed.
Indeed, they are not, especially if you run a big business and sell dozens of basic caps every day.
But if you have a small business or send a rare collectible item, you want to ensure it gets to the destination in perfect condition.
Opt for a small box – something big enough to take the hat.
When it comes to filling materials, packing peanuts is the best.
You can also use crumpled newspapers, but packing peanuts are more effective at protecting the bill, especially if it is made of cardboard.
Place packing peanuts all around the cap – fill the bottom first, place the cap and put more peanuts all around it and on top.
Shake the box for the peanuts to settle and fill the gaps again.
4. Seal the Box
Seal the box with tape.
Go all over the openings and edges.
Take a few layers around it to ensure it is not torn – otherwise, your cap may get damaged or even lost.
You can also use some wrap once the package is taped – just some extra protection.
While it will not guarantee better handling, writing fragile on the box may help.
The cap is less likely to be affected during transportation, especially if packed correctly.
But a bit of extra safety can only help.
5. Get Shipping Labels and Ship the Parcel
Get some shipping labels and ship your parcel based on your chosen courier.
Different couriers will give you different rates, so it pays off to shop around.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Baseball Cap?
Get ready to pay between $4 and $10 to ship a baseball cap.
The good news is most couriers will charge you per weight, and baseball caps are incredibly lightweight.
Sure, there are some limits regarding the box size, but you should not worry about it either.
The cost depends on more things.
Get ready to pay more if you want to ship the cap internationally.
If time is an issue, opt for express shipping – also more expensive than standard shipping.
While not included in the rates, shipping labels represent an extra cost too.
You will have to get them separately from the courier.
And if you sell a rare and expensive collectible, it might be a good idea to invest in insurance too.
The Cheapest Way to Ship a Baseball Cap
USPS is one of the cheapest options and will give you a flat rate – a regular box for a baseball cap will not exceed any limitations.
Keep in mind that shipping labels are sold separately and not included in the actual rates.
Fortunately, you can use shipping software and print them yourself.
Pirate Ship allows you to weigh the parcel, input the box size (measure it upfront) and print your shipping labels for free to save some money in the process.
At the same time, most post offices have special counters where you can drop parcels with shipping labels – no need to wait in the queue anymore.
You will need a scale to do it yourself and a printer – worth the investment if you run a business and ship items regularly.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, figuring out how to ship a baseball cap is not as difficult as it might seem.
While some people avoid cushioning, it is highly recommended if you have an expensive, rare, collectible, or vintage hat – especially if it has parts based on cardboard too, which can easily bend.
As the shipping depends on whether you want to send it locally or internationally – the time is just as important.
There are a few good options, and Pirate Ship will work with most of them.
