Mailers Guide
Mailers
Choose the right mailer by item, weight, and protection level
Mailers are usually cheaper to ship than boxes because they reduce dimensional weight and pack denser per pallet. The right format depends on whether the item is flat or three-dimensional, soft or fragile, and how much protection it needs in transit.
Use this guide to route between poly mailers, bubble mailers, rigid mailers, and mailer boxes by use case.
Poly Mailers
Lightest option. Best for soft, non-fragile goods like apparel, textiles, accessories, and printed material. Tear-resistant, water-resistant, and dense to pack.
Bubble Mailers
Mid-protection option for items needing light cushioning: jewelry, small electronics, books, accessories, beauty samples, replacement parts.
Rigid & Mailer Boxes
For items that must stay flat (documents, photos) or need full six-sided protection (subscription boxes, branded ecommerce, fragile small goods).
Mailer FAQ
Poly mailer or bubble mailer?
Choose poly if the item is soft and unbreakable: apparel, fabric, soft accessories. Choose bubble if there is any risk of crushing, denting, or surface scratching.
Bubble mailer or small box?
Use a bubble mailer when the item is under about a pound, fits in a flat envelope shape, and only needs light cushioning. Use a small box when the item is rigid, fragile, or needs void fill.
Will mailers save me on shipping?
Usually yes. Mailers reduce dimensional weight and pack tighter, which lowers cost on services priced by DIM weight. Use the DIM Weight Calculator to compare.
Sizing tools & selectors
Pick the right format and size before you order.
Compare mailer types
Side-by-side guides on the most common mailer trade-offs.