Is It Cheaper to Mail a Bubble Mailer or a Box?

When it comes to shipping strategies, it’s important to find the right balance between protection and cost—otherwise, you risk damage to your products, budget, and reputation. The two most-used packaging options for shipping products are corrugated boxes and bubble mailers. Let’s look at which one can the cheaper but still effective choice.

Understanding Shipping Costs

First, it’s essential to understand how shipping costs are calculated. Thanks to the rise of ecommerce, delivery carriers have changed how they charge for shipping. Several factors influence their delivery rates, including:

• Weight: Heavier packages increase rates.
• Dimensions: Larger packages take up more space.
• Distance: Longer distances require more gas.
• Shipping Method: Expedited or priority shipping comes with higher price tags.
• Packaging Materials: Some are more expensive to ship—such as round mailing tubes.

Most delivery carriers now use dimensional weight to determine your shipping charges. Use our Dim Weight calculator to figure out your shipment’s dimensional weight, then see if you can safely reduce it further to save more.

Bubble Mailers

Bubble mailers are lightweight and low profile. They’re made from an outer liner (usually paper or plastic) and lined inside with bubble cushioning. Commonly used for shipping small, non-fragile items, here’s how kraft bubble mailers and poly bubble mailers work as a shipping option:

• Weight Advantage: Bubble mailers are typically lighter than boxes.
• Space Efficiency: Bubble mailers take up less space compared to boxes.
• Cost of Materials: Bubble mailers are usually cheaper than boxes.
• Limited Protection: Bubble mailers provide limited protection. Corrugated boxes can offer better protection if the correct void fill is used.

Corrugated Boxes

Corrugated boxes come in assorted styles, strengths, and sizes. They’re made from linerboard, which is a layer of fluted paper sandwiched between two sheets of paper, and provide excellent protection during shipping. Suitable for shipping large, bulky, or fragile items, here’s how corrugated boxes work as a shipping option:

• Protection and Size: Boxes offer superior protection for fragile items due to their sturdy structure and ability to accommodate packing materials like foam or bubble wrap.
• Weight Consideration: If items weight is high, the cost advantage of bubble mailers can diminish, making boxes more cost-effective.
• Material Costs: Boxes typically cost more than bubble mailers due to the need for void fill.
• Dimensional Weight Pricing: Larger boxes result in higher shipping costs.

Making the Cost-Effective Choice

So, is it cheaper to mail a bubble mailer or a box? Consider the following guidelines:

• Item Size: If you’re shipping smaller items, bubble mailers are likely more cost-effective.
• Item Weight: If you’re shipping heavier items, boxes are likely more cost-effective. The weight advantage of bubble mailers diminishes as the weight increases.
• Item Fragility: If you’re shipping delicate or fragile items that require superior protection, boxes are the more suitable option, even if they incur slightly higher shipping costs.
• Distance and Shipping Method: If you’re shipping something a short distance or using a slower shipping method, bubble mailers are likely more cost-effective.

Carefully consider your product and choose the packaging option that suits its needs and minimizes your shipping costs. You can also compare shipping rates from different carriers and consider any additional fees or surcharges that may apply.

Shop for Cost-Effective Mailers at MailerShop.ca

If you’re on MailerShop.ca, you’ve probably decided that mailers are your best bet. Be sure to explore our mailer categories for the style and size that suits your product. Find the ecommerce mailers you need with MailerShop.ca.