How Does Media Mail Work? (USPS) | How to sell and ship books directly to customers
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ส.ค. 2020
- Let’s hope that by the time this video goes live that USPS is still around because they are once again on the verge of bankruptcy.
What is Media Mail?
The USPS defines Media Mail as shipping media items containing books, sound recordings, recorded video tapes, printed music, recorded computer-readable media (such as CDs and DVDs).
They are specific to state that comic books do not meet this designation.
Why this designation?
The whole point is that these materials are educational. Which you could argue is almost any book. The USPS wants educational materials to be able to be sent without a prohibitive cost.
Rules
It can take up to 10 days (so business days) to mail. If you need to get the book to an influencer right away, use the priority mail system.
You can’t use this to also mail advertisements or cards or other items. So if you plan to mail the book with a bookmark promoting your channel or website. NOPE. That violates this rule. When you do media mail you agree that the the USPS can open and inspect the package, if you violate it they will mail it back to you.
How it can help you as an author
You can save soooo much! To ship this book in a standard manila bubble mailer within the US (where I live,) based on the weight this could be almost $7.00. With Media Mail the price drops to $2.80.
Sending your copy to the library of congress
Sending copies to influencers that you have connected with and who have agreed to read a copy
Sending a copy for reviews
Sending a signed copy to your mom
So, if you have a mailing coming up, be sure to consider this. You do have to tell the person at the post office that you need it to be media mail to get this rate.
What do you think? Have you used Media Mail? Have you run into any issues with it? Post in the comments below to keep the conversation going.
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Do you have more questions about Media Mail? I've answered the most frequently asked questions from this video in a new one: th-cam.com/video/pfUYB-z1zBE/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for mentioning that a signing by the author still allows the book to qualify as media mail. That helps me a lot!
You're welcome! Glad this helped
Recording artist here, I was aware of this method, but thank you for confirming everything and being so thorough. SUBBED! you are so lovely! Headed to the post office to send 100 Cds to radio stations ..
Awesome, thank you!
Thank you for the information! Great explanation! I will definitely be using Media Mail for my books!
You're welcome and best of luck with your books!
Thank you! I was told about media mail recently but you have given me more info about it.
So glad to be able to help!
This is such a helpful video! Also I love your personality 💜
Thank you so much!!
Very calming voice 👍
Loved this! Thanks a lot for the Info.
You're welcome!
Love media mail! Such a money saver!
Oh yes! Love the deal. Just mailed 3 packages for less than $9
Another useful video. Thank you M.K.!
You're welcome!
This was super helpful, thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful!
That’s awful you can’t send a card or bookmarks with it for media mail! Good to know, though! Thank you for sharing all the info!
Yea that’s kind of silly!!
Very informative... I love the knowledge
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks, I'm about to send my friends copies of my first book. This will save me $$$.
Excellent! Glad you found this video helpful :)
congrats on your first book! :)
Thank you for this! Super helpful! Good to know you can't put a card or note of any kind in there. Do you wrap the book before putting in the bubble Media Mail envelope? Or is the bubble envelop enough protection?
Hi Erica, Glad you found this helpful. I don't wrap the book, the bubble interior has been enough to protect my books for all of my shipments so far.
M.K. Williams ok great, thank you! Can you use colored envelopes? Or does it have to be a specific kind of envelope?
@@hollywoodsuccesscoach Yes, to my knowledge you can use the patterned or fun colored envelopes as well. There is no specific requirement for the type of envelope, I just prefer the bubble-lined one for the added protection, but I am still trying to be thrifty so I go with the boring manilla envelopes to save a little. I'm planning to upgrade to some fun designs/colors in the near future.
@@1MKWilliams oh amazing. OK thank you so much!!
thank you so much! im not an author, but i am selling on facebook and this really helped. good luck!
Glad it was helpful!
Not sure if you mentioned this but you can't use the free priority mail mailers you cna get online. Which is insane and may hurt your margins a bit with the additional package costs.
Hi there! Thanks for this. My media is in the form of a subscription box (children's books). I plan to use a 12x12 box and maybe start with kraft boxes with a sticker, then elevate to a printed box. Does this affect the media mail price at all? Is there a way to print media mail labels and ship directly from a home/retail store?
Thank you, I learned a lot 😀
Glad it was helpful!
VERY helpful. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the info!
You're welcome!
Thanks Great Information..
Thank you for the help
You're welcome!
Very helpful thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Quick Question! Do they always open up your package? I already put a lot of tape and it’s shaped like a book but inside the book I placed a thank you card I printed out.
They don't always open the package but it is subject to inspection so it could be any package that is open and checked. It's up to you to risk it if it is inspected and that particular person at the post office thinks it violates the terms of Media Mail.
Helpful info! Have you shipped several books in a larger box (staying below the 70 pound limit ) or only individually, one in each sleeve?
I've done a few shipments where it was multiple books and I thought a box was a better fit, but those were usually to influencers so I spent the extra for priority mail to get it there fast as well. But most of my shipments have been one or two books in a bubble mailer.
@@1MKWilliams That makes total sense. I just noticed you have a video from 2021 and plan to watch that as well. Thanks for the speedy reply!
Great insights! So what would the difference be between media mail / library mail? Even flat rate / priority / first can get confusing!
Media Mail is for us everyday individuals or small business owners (or even large business owners). Library Mail is for just that: libraries, academic institutions, museums, etc. who need to ship up to 70 lbs of books or other media. It is Media Mail but for these specific types of non profit institutions.
A smart way to save!
Thanks. Though I didn't know USPS was on the verge of bankruptcy. I mean they've been around for decades and still going strong in 2022 it seems. Why was USPS going bankrupt? Was their service not great lately?
Thank you! Where would you recommended purchasing bulk envelopes for media mail
I purchase mine from Walmart. I found that Amazon doesn't have the best prices in this area.
Love your video. I have been writing for some time but was not sure how the media mail situation ran. Now I know. When I send out free books I cannot place advertisements in them, oops. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you
You're welcome
Would planners be allowed to be sent via media mail? Thank you for this informative video.
I believe so based on how they are defining "books" but always best to check with your postal carrier.
Would a packing slip violate the "only send a book" rule? Literally, just the piece of paper that says they purchased the book. Thanks in advance.
I don't believe so, however it would be good to check with your postal carrier the next time you see them to verify. My understanding is that if the package were inspected it would be subject to that carrier's interpretation.
I ordered a cruiser board through medial mail and my question is will I still receive my cruiser board and if not how do I get it
Very helpful video. Thank you!
Could you mail a children’s book and a coloring book together in one package and still be considered media mail?
Also do you mind sharing where u get ur envelopes from?
I believe so, but it could be worth asking your postal carrier to clarify. If the coloring book is associated with the children's book I don't see why not as it is part of the educational value of the book. I got my envelopes from office max pre-covid, but I ordered my latest from Walmart via their pickup option.
M.K. Williams thank you!!!
Do you create your own shipping label by handwriting it or is there another way to do it?
Well I guess fortunately (not so fortunate) I have never received so many orders that I couldn't complete the address by hand, I think it adds a personal touch. But you can definitely do a printed label instead, no worries.
hello! i was wondering if kpop albums would qualify for media mail. i’ve had albums shipped to me before through media mail but this is my first time shipping through media mail myself. thank u :3 also, how would u actually ship? do you just write the addresses like you would a regular package? i’ve seen on wikihow that you put stamps on it, but i’ve never put stamps on a package and shipped just fine.
Hello, Yes music CDs can qualify for Media Mail. You either need to go to the post office with your package and tell the postal worker it is media mail so they know to apply that rate or you can set it up online with stamps.com : www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100229582-10670063
Comic books with ads do not qualify. Comics or graphic novels with no commercial adds can ship media mail.
That's great to hear! Thank you for clarifying 😊
Can you buy media mail online?
Have you done a video on inexpensive envelopes to mail a 6 x 9?
Hi DJ, no I don't have a separate video, but I can tell you that I use the manilla 8x11.5 bubble mailers from Walmart. Cheap and effective. Perfect size for my 6x9 books.
I didn't quite understand your comment on signed books being sent via media mail. Would a signed copy with a short note written on the book itself be a violation of their guidelines and risk being sent back to me? I appreciate your time, Thank you.
Hi Jasmine, Great question, based on my understanding the signed book should be okay. It's when you add in extras (book marks, promotional postcards, etc.) that the package could be flagged.
So how do you get your book to be media mail? Do I sign up at USPS to get a label or would I simply label it and write addresses on it myself and just tell the USPS workers that it needs to be media mail and pay the price once its weighed?
I am a first time Ebay bookseller. Where do I get the bubble mailer for USPS Media Mail?
Hi Kristen, I get mine from Walmart. I go with the most basic version to keep my costs down. But Amazon has a ton of bubble mailer options in different sizes and colors. I always double check the exterior dimensions with the interior. With the bubble lining the interior is a bit more snug. Best of luck!
Before watching your video, I had gone to the post office and they told me about media mail, but they didn't explain to me that I couldn't do it from home. So, I purchased a label printer, labels and a scale for nothing it seems, right? I have to go to the post office to get media mail? Right? If so, bummer.
So do you need your own envelopes and are there media mail for boxes? What are you options for what to ship media mail in?
You can use any envelope you would like. I use plain manilla bubble mailers but you can use ones with fun colors or patterns. For a big enough shipment I would go with the USPS priority mail boxes since they are a flat rate and you know they will get there fast! Best of luck!
Can i not use a usps envelope of any kind?
And is there no way to send it media mail in a small box? Just different types of envelopes?
@@raid_or_die8962 you can send it media mail in a box. The price for media mail is determined by weight, which is why if the shipment is big enough to need a box, I prefer to go with the priority flat rate boxes. But that is my preference.
K thanka
Thanks for this video:) I use a sticker to close the inner plastic bag, on the sticker is a cartoon with my website address, is that considered advertising?
That is such a great idea! I personally wouldn't think so, have any of your previous packages been sent back?
@@1MKWilliams Thanks! I Haven't sent much out as I just started my business but for now nothing has been sent back:)
Just found out yesterday that you can’t ship media mail with the free usps boxes because they say priority mail on them. I guess they’re useless now because I’m not paying $9 every time I want to ship a dvd. Do you recommend using bubble mailers to ship, and do you print your labels?
Yes, I use plain bubble mailers. I handwrite my labels but you can use printed ones if you want. Best of luck!
@@1MKWilliams thanks so much. I watched the video because I’ve started listing items on eBay, and I’ve sold 3 now! But I also happen to be a writer, and the fact that you are self published is inspiring, and it’s so cool that you ship your own books
Hopefully someone can answer, can you mail homemade books you make like journals?
Hi Violet, The media mail guidelines are fairly open so I don't see why a journal would be excluded.
is wrapping the book in bubble wrap for extra protection allowed when sending media mail or no? Thanks for the video!
Yes, the added packaging with bubble wrap, packing peanuts, etc is allowed
@@1MKWilliams thank you very much for the answer!!
Have you tried shipping multiple books in one package via media mail? I once tried shipping an order of $100 worth of signed paperbacks to a reader and the package disappeared. I wound up having to send them all again via priority mail to make sure she received them. On another occasion, another author was shipping books to me (only two books in a bubble mailer) and they never arrived either. I wonder if they inspect them and decide the books aren't educational in nature, do they just toss them? (We're talking sexy romance novels, not self-help books, though I think romance can qualify as self-help, haha.)
Interesting. I have shipped packages with 2 or 3 books via media mail and they arrived just fine. I'm sorry that massive order got lost, what a bummer. Technically there are no stipulations on genre (except for comic books) so they shouldn't have been discarded. And yes, agree that romance can definitely be educational, some people need the help.
Mine were lost too and no insurance bc media mail :( seems media mail is
too risky and not worth the cheap price for shipping. im so bummed about my lost books
I don’t think they can make judgements based on what the material contains, just how it is presented. I have sent a few shipments of vinyl record albums to customers and they always made it quickly and without problem. I’m talking 8 records shipped in the same container, all vintage 60’s and 70’s rock, nothing I would deem educational at all. But today I was told I can’t ship a blank sketch book via media mail 🤦♂️
Can you use a poly mailer the ones that are white plastic bags can I used it for USPS media mail
Yes! You can use those too.
LOL One more question that I havent seen answered anywhere. A place like Pirate Ship prints all of the information on one big label. Everything tells me to do the standard return address on the upper left corner and destination in the middle but these shipping companies do it all on one label. I'm sure that's ok because Ive done it before and they recommend it, but on an 8.5x11 envelope, does it go horizontal or vertical? It fits either way, I just don't want the books returned. :) thanks
I usually see the label go horizontal.
@@1MKWilliams I just 20 of them at the PO crossing fingers!
I have 3 healthcare books (each like 100 pages) to ship. Total weight 3lb. If I put them all in a box, can I still use Media Mail rates or would I have to switch to USPS Ground Advantage?
Could be good to go to the post office and have them price it out for you
So if they open the box and the book I’m sending is wrapped in paper, will they just open the box and feel it’s a book or will they tear open the paper and decoration I’ve painstakingly created?? That worries me
Potentially, if the presentation is that important to you, I'd suggest paying a bit more for first-class mail or priority. Then you can add some stickers, bookmarks, etc. to the package too.
I have special boxes designed for books and my book has a bit of space so it rolls around in the extra 1/2 inch space- I have tissue paper to put around the book to protect it- would they accept this- or should I just stick to bubble wrap?
Yes, packaging like tissue paper and bubble wrap should be fine.
Can I use just any box? Is there a max price on shipping?
Yes, however if you use a priority mail box from USPS you will be charged the priority rate. No max price that I'm aware of
Can I ship Rock and roll cd's media mail? Thanks for sharing.
Yes, music qualities as media mail
Thank you so much.
So, if I author a book about stitching leather, and include with the book stitching needles, thread and a leather piece for practice, then would I not be allowed to use media mail?
Is the leather, needle, and thread contained within the book itself or outside the book? I would err on the side of not sending it media mail, it all depends on the postal carrier and how much they inspect the package. Best of luck with your book!
Do I have to package it myself or could I go to my post office and have them package it for me?
I've always packaged it myself. They have supplies at the post office but you would need to package it there before handing it to the person at the post office.
I used it for the first time today. I didn’t put a thank you card in it because I wasn’t sure. Rather not take the chance
How did the process go? Best of luck with your mailings!
I’ve shipped media mail on Sunday for over 175 books. None of the tracking has been updated and still says label created...is that normal?
Hmm I've noticed that USPS hasn't been updating the tracking on non-priority packages in the past month. Their logistical issues could be impacting their ability to post those updates. I always look at the estimated arrival date on the receipt and check that day that it says "delivered." Especially with 175 pieces of mail, I can't imagine checking all those tracking numbers every day.
M.K. Williams I did the shipping through stamps.com and the dropped them at the post office. It said the estimate delivery was 7-10 days. Have you noticed the tracking updating once they receive their item? It’s my first time shipping media mail
@@veganhippiesol Okay, I've never gone through stamps.com for Media mail, I've always gone directly to the post office. I have always been able to confirm that the package was delivered when I sent items media mail but that was getting my tracking directly from USPS, I just don't have any experience with stamps.com
M.K. Williams the tracking finally updated. Thank you so much for your help and knowledge!!
@@veganhippiesol Excellent! That is so great to hear :)
Didn’t know, great indo
You're welcome!
So does media mail have to be in a padded envelope or does it matter?
Hi John, No, Media Mail does not have to be in a padded envelope. I prefer to ship my books in this type of envelope to protect them further, but it is not a requirement.
Can you put a book or comic book in media mail ? Or does it have to be in that big box ? Thanks
Hello, Books can go media mail in a box or a bubble mailer. Comic books cannot be sent using the media mail rate. If you have any questions about whether your book will qualify ask your postal carrier.
I deal with several known comic websites that send me my comics regularly media mail. Are you sure they are forbidden?
The website for USPS says no comics. Someone else on this video posted that if the comic book has no ads in it that it is okay to send via media mail. Not sure if that is true, the USPS website didn't go into specifics.
@@1MKWilliams
Trade Paperbacks that collect several comic-books into one volume would most likely be OK since they tend to have no advertisements. Graphic Novels would probably be fine as well.
I notice, in recent years, Marvel comics have no advertisements, unless half pages announcing (not actual): “Doc Ock returns to the pages of Amazing Spider-Man in October” would be considered problematic advertisements.
hi! where do you get the shipping bubble mailers?
I get mine from Walmart.com I find they always have the plain manilla ones that I like, but Amazon has a lot of different ones as well.
@@1MKWilliams thank you so much!!
Has anyone used ups for media?
If so what was the cost?
Hi Jay, I have not used UPS or FedEx for book shipments. Best of luck!
You are allowed to send signed copies of your book correct?
Yes :)
Can you add a piece of candy as a gesture to the book or it is a problem?
Hi, You could do this, however it would violate the rules of Media Mail and you risk the package being sent back to you. If the postal worker who is processing the package can feel that there is perhaps more than just media in the package that may trigger them to inspect it. Just keep that in mind.
@@1MKWilliams even though it is clear when it is opened up that the person is shipping a book and only adding a 5 cent candy as a gesture? You don't have to be a rocket science to figure out that the seller is shipping a book and not the small half inch twizzler, no?
@@tzadikel Correct. The USPS is very clear in their guidelines that the only elements allowed in the media mail package are just the defined media. Thank you notes, bookmarks, stickers, etc are all considered outside of the scope. The USPS offers a steep discount on these packages and therefore has to make sure it is not being taken advantage of.
Any one here know if a pantone binder color book could be shipped via media mail
You can always ask your postal carrier
I have used media mail when selling vinyl records and it’s wonderful on cost savings. Was disappointed when I tried to mail a friend her sketchbook she left at my house. Apparently blank books don’t meet the criteria 🤔🤦♂️
Yay! Glad you saved on the vinyls! Hmm I wonder is a blank notebook is considered a product instead of a book. Very interesting and good to know.
It has to have 8 or more pages of printing to be considered a book!
What about first class mail for cd and dvds? Thanks.
First class mail has its own pricing and rates separate from media mail.
What about a coloring book? Is that considered Media mail?
I would assume it could but best to check with your postal carrier
Audio cd is media mail?
Yes
Can you send more than 1 book?
Yes!
Can you ship Media to UK?
I don't believe so.
so is there a specific package or envelop you have to put your media mail into?
Nope, no requirement on the type of mailer to use. I prefer to use the basic manilla bubble mailer (bubble mailer to protect the book in case of rain/snow and basic to save on packaging)
@@1MKWilliams thank you so much. follow up question I order boxes through usps and they say priority mail on them so am I able to use those boxes instead of a blank box?
@@rutholawumi6971 no, if you use a priority mail box then you have to pay the priority mail rare on it. Depending on the size of the box and how many books you can fit, you may come out ahead on the priority mail flat rate.
@@1MKWilliams ok thank you so much your a big help
Hello! I wish to state, firstly... thank you for posting this video and giving these tips. Secondly, I wish to just make a general statement... as a comic creator, (and please know I am not blaming you, the video maker, AT ALL!!!!!!) I got so, so, so upset when I'd heard that the USPS doesn't consider comics to count as narrative media, as I am getting ready to mail my own recently self-published comics to people. I was this close to posting a diatribe where I just vent (again, without blaming you, I know this is NOT your fault whatsoever)... but I realized that I could likely make a more powerful statement by writing this in a newsletter and sharing with people who want to hear and learn more... in a positive way, in order to educate people who may not know this, and just share my thoughts about it all. And, haha, not ranting my anger out on a youtube video where you're graciously sharing tips with those who can use this. So... thank you for inspiring me to continue to use my own writing for good. I know this probably isn't an effect you intended with your video, but please know that you've helped give in this way too, as well as informing.
Plus, considering the USPS IS on the verge of bankruptcy themselves via their own societal imbalances they have to deal with, God knows this world ain't perfect at all. I think, we HAVE to do the best we can to share more... and try to improve, to change it for everyone all the way around. Because really... I think we're all suffering some unfairness to some extent.
Yes, when I saw that stipulation on the USPS website my first thought was, "but why?" It seems like such an arbitrary rule and hopefully your advocacy can lead to a meaningful change! I know comics and graphic novels have experienced such a renaissance over the past few years and can be just as educational as any other type of book. Best of luck with your newsletter and using for platform to change this rule and congratulations on getting your comic book out there!!
@@1MKWilliams many many many many MANY thanks :)
Wow, I wanted to send a Bookmark thank you gift with my husband's book. I guess I better not.
Better safe than sorry but it's really the luck for the draw if the post office decides to inspect or not
I drop my swag (stickers and bookmarks) in a thank you card and mail them separately with a little note telling them the book is on the way.
Does media mail have to be measured and weighed?
Yes. When I go to the post office they weigh each envelope.
the lady at the post office said multiple times that media mail was for text books only and not literature. Bye bye $200. Hope they go bankrupt.
Wow! That's the first I've ever heard of that. I've never had my local postal worker say that. I wish they would be more consistent across the organization
Do they ship by a courier? Is it door to door?
USPS will deliver to a doorstep or mailbox
Not helpful - was looking for step by step instructions and none were given
Very helpful thank you
You're welcome!