Last Updated on April 16, 2022 by Taylor
I was an online bookseller for years, so I wanted to share the best way to ship books for cheap: with USPS Media Mail! And, how to save time with PayPal (but I’ll get to that part later).
Before we get into it, I want to mention this is only for those who live in the United States and who are shipping to states within the U.S. (Sorry in advance to everyone else!). And yes, Media Mail rates allow shipping to Hawaii and Alaska.
Now, let’s get into the deets!
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Why Ship Books with USPS Media Mail?
USPS Media Mail is by far the cheapest way to ship books within the United States. The rates are a fraction of the cost compared to other mail services like First Class, Retail Ground, or even Flat Rate boxes.
It’s a mail service created specifically for shipping books and other media (like video/sound recordings, reference charts, etc.) It was built to keep costs down for shipping books, so it makes sense that it’s the cheapest option!
How to Print a USPS Media Mail Label at Home
I’m going to let you in on a little secret I stumbled across when I was an online bookseller: you don’t need to pay for a Stamps.com membership to print shipping labels for Media Mail packages at home! You definitely can, but it isn’t necessary. All you need is a PayPal account (and no, it doesn’t need to be a business account).
When you’re signed in to your PayPal account, navigate to this link to print your shipping label. 2022 Update: This link will now direct you to create a free ShipStation account and connect it to PayPal. Once that’s done, you’ll be able to print labels using the steps below.
Next, there are a few things you’ll need to select/enter.
- Click ‘Create New Quick Label’
- Enter your return address (‘Ship From’)
- Enter the ‘Ship To’ address
- Select your Ship Date (next to ‘Package and Weight’). (This is the date you plan to drop the package off at USPS.)
- Select ‘Custom Package’ from the Package Type dropdown (you’ll be able to select Media Mail later on)
- Enter the estimated dimensions of your package (even if it’s a bubble mailer/thick envelope)
- Enter the weight of your package (You can use a food scale or postal/shipping scale for this. This is the one I have from Amazon.)
- Click ‘Calculate Rates’ and select ‘Media Mail’ from the options on the right. (Tracking is free with Media Mail and will automatically be applied.)
- Click ‘Purchase Label’.
Then, it’s time to print your label! I print mine on normal paper, then affix it to my packages with shipping tape. Make sure to cover the shipping address area with tape, so it won’t get damaged in the rain.
How to Wrap a Book Package for Shipping
For 1-2 books, a bubble mailer (with plastic lining inside) or small box can be used. Larger boxes will be needed for shipping multiple books at once.
If you use a box, I recommend wrapping the books in bubble wrap and/or a plastic bag to prevent them from getting wet in the rain. Here are all my best tips for how to package books for shipping!
Lastly, don’t forget to seal the box with shipping tape before you drop it off at USPS! Most USPS locations have a package drop-off bin, so you won’t have to wait in line or go up to the counter.
How long does Media Mail shipping take?
While Media Mail is the cheapest option for shipping books, it’s definitely not the fastest. It can take anywhere from 2-10 days. I’ve found it typically takes around 5-6 days, depending on how far away you’re shipping. Shipping to states like Hawaii and Alaska can take longer (sometimes 2-3 weeks).
Can I ship other items with the books?
It’s important to note that you can’t add any additional items in the package if they don’t qualify for Media Mail.
For example, you can’t send a candle with a book if you’re using Media Mail. Your package is subject to be searched at any time, and extra charges would be added if not all items qualify for Media Mail shipping.
I hope this helps you save some money (and time) while shipping books!
Hello Taylor,
I’ve written a novel and am ready to offer it for sale. I’ve chosen to “self-publish” and initially, my novel will only be available through my website. I’ll be using USPS Media Mail for the bulk of the transactions but I’d like to offer customers an option for faster shipping. Also, I’m still looking for the best mailer for a fairly large (6″ x 9″, 460 pg.) paperback novel weighing right at a pound. If you can, do so, please steer me in the right direction for “faster” shipping options and, can you recommend a solid source for a shipping envelope? Thanks for your time!
Congrats on writing a novel! I’ve found good deals on shipping envelopes from Amazon and from office supply stores (like Office Depot) when they have coupons available. Just make sure to get a size that’s large enough to accommodate for the book’s width, and buy in bulk if possible to save money. As for a faster shipping option, I recommend looking into either First Class Mail or Priority Mail, depending on the exact weight of the package. You can also ask the USPS clerk at the counter what your best option is. I hope that helps!
Can the book be gift wrapped?
Yes – but keep in mind, there’s always a slight chance your package may be searched (to check if it contains only what it’s supposed to), and if that happens, the gift wrap may be removed. But, when I owned an online book shop, I used to wrap all the books I sent in brown paper and twine, and I rarely had an issue with it being removed. I hope that helps!
This is very helpful as I have 60 family cookbooks to ship to various cousins!
I’m so glad you found it helpful, Sharon!
Is it better to use several smaller boxes weigh less and are smaller in size. Or to try for larger (still liftable) boxes some are more cumbersome
trying to get my husbands library of books to his son. Lots of books. Cannot find good info on size of boxes to use.
Hi Helen! In my experience, using a larger box is better for saving money! This is because with Media Mail, there’s an initial cost for the first pound, but the cost of each additional pound after that increases in much smaller increments. So essentially, by combining more books in one box, you’re getting a sort of “bulk” price. Just as long as the box is strong enough to hold all the books without breaking. I hope that makes sense!
Thank you. This will be an ongoing project.
Thanks😊this was very helpful. Have a blessed day
You’re very welcome!
Thanks for writing this.
Of course! I hope you found it helpful. 🙂
Thank you. This was helpful.
I’m so happy to hear that!
Awesome help- saved over $10 on a package from FL to NY. Enjoy the sunshine & the tacos!! 🙂
So great to hear! I’m glad you found it helpful and were able to save some money. 🙂 And thanks, I’ve definitely been enjoying both!
Can I re-use Amazon boxes to send books to my son in Texas via USPS?