How to mail a record

The art of mailing a record! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you send your vinyl safely and efficiently:

Materials needed:

• Record sleeve or cover
• Record (of course!)
• Sturdy cardboard or paper mailer (e.g., a record mailer or a cardboard box)
• Packing materials (e.g., bubble wrap, paper fill, or packing peanuts)
• Tape (e.g., packing tape or clear tape)
• Address label and postage

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Wrap the record: Place the record in its sleeve or cover. If you're using a plain sleeve, consider wrapping the record in bubble wrap or paper to prevent scratches and damage.
2. Choose a mailer: Select a sturdy cardboard or paper mailer that's specifically designed for shipping records. You can also use a cardboard box, but make sure it's not too large or too small for the record.
3. Add packing materials: Fill any empty spaces in the mailer with packing materials (e.g., bubble wrap, paper fill, or packing peanuts) to prevent the record from moving around during transit.
4. Secure the record: Use tape to hold the record in place within the mailer. You can also use a paper insert or a record separator to keep the record from touching the sides of the mailer.
5. Seal the mailer: Close the mailer and seal it with packing tape or clear tape. Make sure the tape is applied securely to prevent the mailer from opening during transit.
6. Add address label and postage: Attach an address label to the mailer and affix the correct postage. You can use a postage stamp or a postage meter.
7. Double-check: Before sending, double-check that the record is properly wrapped, the mailer is securely sealed, and the address label is correct.

Tips and Variations:

• Use a record mailer with a built-in sleeve or cover to protect the record from scratches and damage.
• Consider using a reinforced mailer or a box with extra padding for added protection.
• If you're shipping a rare or valuable record, consider using a trackable shipping method (e.g., USPS Priority Mail or UPS) and purchasing insurance to cover the value of the record.
• If you're shipping multiple records, use a larger mailer or box and separate each record with paper or bubble wrap to prevent scratching.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to mail your record safely and efficiently, ensuring it arrives at its destination in perfect condition. Happy shipping!