How to Ship Hot Wheels Without Damaging the Car or the Packaging
If you are reading this, you already are a Hot Wheels enthusiast or a reseller. If you are worried about shipping your hot wheels and looking for a solution, this article is for you.
Learning how to ship Hot Wheels is simple. First, secure your wheels. Then, bubble wrap the package well and put it inside a box with cushionings. Seal and label the package, and you are good to go.
For shipping, you can use services like USPS, FedEx and UPS. Pirate Ship may cost less. Above all, the cost depends on weight and distance.
Follow the article for a detailed procedure.
Packaging Materials
- Hot wheels original case.
- Box (Size depends on the quantity).
- Bubble wrap.
- Masking Tape.
- Packaging Tape.
How to Pack Hot Wheels
By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of damage during shipping.
1. Choose the Hot Wheels You Need to Ship
Now, you may need different-sized boxes if this is a business.
Sometimes, you will only have to ship a single toy.
Then, there will be the time when you will need to send two or more toys at once.
I believe you have the original box of hot wheels. People tend to keep the boxes alongside the toy.
If you run it as a business, here are some general rules. To send one or two toys, your box should have a box that measures 7 inches in length, 5 inches in width, and a couple of inches in height.
2. Primary Protective Measures
Put the toy inside the box. Now, take the masking tape and wrap it around the extended part where the toy sits. Cover the sides of that part with the tape.
After that, take another piece of masking tape and cover the front part of the extension. This tape cover will save your box from damage during transportation.
For a better understanding, here is an image.
If you have plenty of cars to get rid of it, you can use a massive roll of bubble wrap. If you only ship one toy, the bubble wrap piece should be 12×12 inches approximately.
Get it flat on a table and place the Hot Wheels in the lower left corner – one inch from the bottom and five inches from the left side. The actual car should be at the bottom and facing you
Wrap from left to right, like a wrap. One side of bubble wrap goes over the toy; then, you roll it over again and again. You should be able to do it four or five times.
The last step implies slowly bending the empty bubble wrap roll on top of the toy – you only need to fold it once.
Keep in mind that you do not need tape at all.
Place these Hot Wheels wrap in the box, and it should be a perfect size if you follow the sizing standards.
If you ship two toys, wrap them individually. Place one facing you and the other in – the opposite direction lengthwise.
Also, stick some more bubble wrap in the gap between the cars.
3. Box the Item
If you pack it like this, it should go in a cardboard box without any gaps.
While packing peanuts is not mandatory, a few peanuts around the bubble wrap will add an extra layer of protection. They are compulsory if the box is larger than the recommended size.
Again, you can choose a 7×5 inches box if you are sending two toys off. If there are more, go for a bigger box.
4. Seal the Box
Close the box and shake it a little to ensure no movement.
If the packaging is correct, you can proceed with the sealing.
Get some tape and roll it around the box.
You can also use a large wrap around the box.
If you use tape, grab a market and write fragile on it.
It is not a guarantee that delivery employees will be more careful, but it is better to play it safe.
If you use black wrap around the box, grab a fragile sticker and put it on.
What If You Don’t Have The Box?
If the original case is missing, try to find the box in any shop. You can also order it online.
And if you do not have the option to get one, you can cover the toys with bubble wrap. In this case, put some extra cushioning in the box and make sure the toys don’t move inside.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Hot Wheels?
Shipping costs vary based on the courier you pick.
Classic mail is the cheapest way, but it can take ages to deliver the item, especially if you do it internationally.
Private couriers and a few deals will get you cheaper costs.
Typically, you should expect to pay between $5 and $30 to ship Hot Wheels.
At this rate, each of your toys should cost a little over $1.
It depends if you want standard deliveries or premium or express deliveries.
You can even send the item overnight, but it is not worth the cost.
Most couriers will charge you based on the weight.
The size is also relevant if you have a massive box, but Hot Wheels will do with small boxes, so there should be no issues.
You have options like USPS, FedEx, UPS, Pirate Ship etc. There could be good local service if you search deeper. Usually they cost less than the conventional shipping services.
The Cheapest Way to Ship Hot Wheels
USPS is the cheapest way to sell Hot Wheels and may cost less than $5.
You can also ship internationally, but it will cost more.
USPS has more deals, and just like you have probably guessed already, it depends on the weight.
Luckily, Hot Wheels toys are light, as well as the packaging.
You need to get labels, which will add to the price.
However, you can weigh the box and print your labels to save money.
You will need to find shipping software for the job, though – Pirate Ship is probably the best option.
Get an account and try it out for free.
You will also need a scale – if you have plenty of Hot Wheels toys to sell or run a business, a scale will also prove handy later on.
Final Thoughts
In the end, shipping Hot Wheels may seem pretty simple because toys are quite solid. Most collectors want the packaging in good condition too, and corners tend to be the most exposed parts – especially the corners under the actual car.
And there is a high risk of scratches during transportation. So, the packaging must be solid.
Follow this guide and your hot wheel car will reach the destination without a single scratch. And if you need a visual tutorial, Youtube is always there for you!
Best of Luck!
