I can't thank you enough for this video. As a newbie to eBay, I have really been struggling with shipping. I bought a bunch of 24x24 poly mailers, but Pirate ship said the dimensions needed to be changed to a box and I was so lost! This will save so much money!
This is what pirate ship states about box in a bag: "You can put a box into the envelope, as long as it's still shaped like an envelope! USPS only cares about your outer packaging, so if there is a box inside your poly mailer or envelope, that's no problem. But you can't "shrink wrap" or tightly tape a bag or envelope around a box and call it an envelope. If it clearly has 3 dimensions, it is a box and you need to enter all 3 dimensions when purchasing postage." I would put padding, such as packing peanuts in first put my box in and put more packing peanuts (or paper, or air pockets, etc) before sealing. I think this way it will look more like a bag. I would still cut it down a bit. Thanks for the great video! It did help me to understand, to measure the bag before putting my item in. Which is the opposite of what I usually do.
Prime Time Treasure Hunter Sorry, I didn’t have time to read all the comments. This box in a bag is confusing. But I will try using Pirateship, if it saves me money. Thank you for your video!
I have used the box in a bag often since watching this video a while back. This has saved a great deal of money in shipping cost. Thank you so much for your video.
Thanks, Dominic! Although I've been using Pirate Ship for quite some time and kept hearing about the box in a bag method, I didn't know the details. Hunted around yesterday for a video to address this & found yours. I really appreciate your EXCELLENT detailed instructions & I'm quite certain I'll be using this going forward.
Gold mine! I was stoked when I found out about pirate ship cubic last month. Heard about the box in bag option but didn’t look into it and didn’t think my items would qualify. Boy was I wrong! Everything I sell will work with this method! Thanks for making this video and explaining the method so thoroughly!
Jesse Marcee I don’t see anywhere where it says it can’t look like it’s gift wrapped. Just put in the correct dimensions of the box and the bag then you’re all set.
Ok so people have talked about pirate ship box in a bag and everytime I go into pirate ship, I could never figure out what they were talking about. I've tried various times looking for this or cubic rate. I couldn't figure it out. I even tried their customer service and got, "If it doesn't show it must not be eligible" This is what I've been looking for. Can't wait to try it out.
Wow thank you for this! I wish I had Watched this a day earlier. I just spent $30 on shipping for an item that was 17 inches long and 4 pounds and I couldn’t find a cheaper way to ship it priority mail. Actually my ground shipping was almost exact same cost
Awesome, awesome, awesome!! Just did my first cubic shipping on a pair of hiking boots. Would have been $12.40 via priority mail. With cubic rate it was $8.33 via box in a bag. Amazing! It's like cheating legally! Love it!!! Thanks Dominic.
I actually found this out today. So stoked. I am shipping 24 packs of soda and shakes weighing 15-20lbs across the country to the west coast. Normal price 15.68. Poly bag box in a bag 9.00 even. 👍
Domenic thank you for this video. I had no idea what Pirate Ship was about. I would hear people talking about it in the FB group but just wasn't sure what they were talking about, I thought it was a Poshmark Etsy thing...
Thanks, I will definitely be trying this. However, I'm very curious... Why does putting a box in a bag make it cheaper? And if you tape it up, isn't it technically just a wrapped box? Just curious.
Great questions. I actually think that it makes no sense either but that’s the system that they set up so I don’t argue with it. I put the box in the bag and there’s no rules that say you can’t tape it up so yes it does look like a wrapped box.
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter On Pirate Ship under the questions section about softpack or padded envelopes it says, "You can put a box into the envelope, as long as it's still shaped like an envelope! USPS only cares about your outer packaging, so if there is a box inside your poly mailer or envelope, that's no problem. But you can't "shrink wrap" or tightly tape a bag or envelope around a box and call it an envelope. If it clearly has 3 dimensions, it is a box and you need to enter all 3 dimensions when purchasing postage." So I feel like you can't tape a polybag tightly around a box. It sounds like it has to have some slack.
From what I see anywhere else, Pirate Ship is only a shipping calculator for USPS. Just like on the USPS site, only with a different format. It produces the exact same prices. Where is the giant discount you are coming up with? I can't see them allowing a cubed 12x6x6 to go as a flat envelope no matter how you wrap it.
Maybe this would be great for shipping mugs. What do you think? usually mugs have to go in a padded flat rate but this sounds like it might be cheaper.??
You may be in for trouble at some point - for a 6"x6"x12" box you need a bag that covers a minimum 6"+12"+6"+12" to wrap lengthwise and 6"+6"+6"+6" to wrap around the width - divide these by two and you get a minimum 12" x 18" bag which puts you in the .3 cubic foot category not .1 cubic foot rate
You said you entered 10" x 12" which is far too small, 12" x 18" is closer to a correct polymailer/bag dimension. For those who watch this video here are the correct polymailer/bag cubic rate categories --- 0.1 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 0" up to 21" --- 0.2 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 21" up to 27" --- 0.3 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 27" up to 31" --- 0.4 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 31" up to 34" --- 0.5 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 34" up to 36"
I did not say that I entered 10 x 12. I just gave that number as an example of a dimension someone could enter in a given situation. Thanks for the info though.
You're right, the $7.82 shipping cost you show has to be a quote for the minimum .1 cubic foot rate which means the max size length + width bag dimension you plugged in was 21" or less which would be even smaller than a 10" x 12" mailer
If you use the 24x24 poly bags that you mentioned, and trim the excess off the top, making it say 18 inches.... the width of your poly bag is still 24 inches. When you try to enter 18x24 for box in a bag option, Pirate Ship gives this error message:For envelopes larger than 18″ in either direction, you must use the box package type and enter all 3 dimensions of your final package. So how were you able to ship in that size poly bag without also decreasing the width too? Do you have to cut the seams? I'm a Pirate Ship newbie and trying to figure this out and figure out which supplies to purchase for shipping this way :)
Hate to burst your bubble, but Pirateship specifically says you can't do this. When describing cubic rate poly bags, "But you can't "shrink wrap" or tightly tape a bag or envelope around a box and call it an envelope. If it clearly has 3 dimensions, it is a box and you need to enter all 3 dimensions when purchasing postage."
No worries. Bubble intact. They also say on their site that “Technically USPS wants the original dimensions of the empty envelope, even if you’re folding it over/taping it so that it’s smaller.” So they are acknowledging right there that you can tape it down. Not only that, but the service is literally called box in a bag and it is scientifically impossible to have a box that is not 3 dimensions. Lastly, every package I’ve sent this wY has always been delivered.
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter Sorry to write in again, but I asked the Pirate Ship people about it and this is what they said. "It's important to make sure the bag isn't tightly taped around the box. Naturally, the dimensions will change from what the envelope starts out with but as long as the package is still distinguishable as a bag, with a box inside, instead of a box with a bag wrapped around it, you'll be good to go! " I will admit your way looks a whole lot cheaper. :(
I found this on Pirate Ship's help pages. I'd love to see if this still saves you money if you don't tape it down to the box, but leave it shaped like a poly bag. "You can put a box into the envelope, as long as it's still shaped like an envelope! USPS only cares about your outer packaging, so if there is a box inside your poly mailer or envelope, that's no problem. But you can't "shrink wrap" or tightly tape a bag or envelope around a box and call it an envelope. If it clearly has 3 dimensions, it is a box and you need to enter all 3 dimensions when purchasing postage."
Please bare with me as I’m confused. If the box is over 18” it’s not Eligible for pirate shipping, correct? Secondly, do we always measure the poly bag and not the box? Example, if my box is 10x 10 and cut the bag to 12x 12 this is the dimension we enter, correct? So the excess few inches isn’t rolled up to be considered a bag, correct? Sry just starting a business where I ship a lot of things !! Thanks :)
@@shannonquigley8140 We would need to know the third dimension of the box. Based on your 10x10 box, I think the largest third dimension technically would be 8" which would give you 18" in either direction. Unfortunately at that point it would no longer retain a "bag shape" and would be more of a wrap which would not qualify for Box in a Bag. It can't be wrapped and taped like a present. Here are the rules from the Pirate Ship site - Priority Mail Cubic is the best kept secret in the shipping industry, but it's not just for boxes... you can get dimension-based rates with poly or padded envelopes as well, as long as they're not more than 18" in either direction. USPS calls these “Soft Pack Cubic Rates.” Just like regular Priority Mail Cubic, the rates are only based on dimensions and your package can weigh up to 20 lbs. This can save you up to 89% off what you'd pay with the weight-based rate. The only difference for envelopes is the way the cubic pricing tier is calculated: Measure the length and width of the empty envelope or softpack mailer before you put anything into it (in inches); If either of the measurements exceed the nearest quarter inch, round down to the nearest 1/4 inch (for example, 8.6" inches turns into 8.5" inches); Add the two measurements together for the total and use the chart below to determine which pricing tier your softpack envelope is in (note that the total cannot exceed 36").
Priority Mail Cubic Softpack Commercial Plus Pricing Tiers: 0.1 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 0" up to 21" 0.2 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 21" up to 27" 0.3 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 27" up to 31" 0.4 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 31" up to 34" 0.5 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 34" up to 36" Use the original dimensions of the envelope, not the folded / taped dimensions Technically USPS wants the original dimensions of the empty envelope, even if you're folding it over / taping it so that it's smaller. If your envelope is too large for the items, we recommend cutting it down to size before using it, so that your envelope qualifies for a smaller Cubic pricing tier. You can't use expandable (pleated) envelopes Note that if your envelope is expandable (pleated), technically you have a 3rd dimension just like if it were a box, so you'll need to use the standard method of determining your Cubic pricing tier.
Dominic, when I know I'm going to use this method to ship the item, what do I put on my listing as the shipping method? Like I sold a heavy Costway Ice Maker still in the box, and I had put USPS Parcel Select Ground as the option and it sold. The buyer hasn't paid yet but I can't change the shipping now can I?
This really only works for smaller packages. Anything around 50 lbs with dimensions of 15"x15"x15" are astronomical with priority rates. We found that breaking it down to five 10lbs boxes in Large Flate rate box is cheapest. But still paying around $2 per pound. We are trying to find ways to get shipping cost down to $1 per pound.
Great Video!!! Thank you but i have one question. On pirate ship do i enter the size of the bag or the dimensions of the box? Bag is 15x18 and the box is 8x7, if i enter 8x7 it shows a little cheaper but since its a bag i should enter the size of the bag right??? Thanks in advance!
EDITED Disregard - I researched and figured out my own answer. I wasn't sure at first if it would be listed in the ebay listing as Priority or Ground. Thanks for the video. Pirate says Priority I located an item that I can't even give away because of the shipping, but would be a textbook candidate for this method. My question is this. How do I list the shipping method in the ebay listing? Also, do you offer it as free shipping and bake in the cost? Thanks PTTH
So I did this and realized I gave the measurements of the box vs the bag but usps still seems to accept it and it is in transit and has an arrival date. Could it get rejected?
I put a bag over a 7x7x6 priority mail box the other day just out of curiosity but then, wasn't certain I could ship it that way. Now YOU and this video. However, I have a question so how can I actually communicate with you. I have a learning problem so am confused about listing the shipping weight vs selling the product and redoing the shipping as well as through PirateShip (I just signed up with them). I need someone to walk me through the process from a, b, c, d, etc so I can write it down then read it a few times to really "get it". CAN YOU DO THAT FOR ME?
If it's first class or media mail you will know that based on the weight or type of item. For non-media mail items over 1 pound, that leaves priority mail, Parcel post, and Fed Ex as your main options. Just pick economy shipping 110 days when listing which means you don't commit to a specific carrier and then you can chose how to ship it when it sells. If you do free shipping like I do, then you do not have to put in a shipping price. You just have to factor that in to what you item price will be.
Hey gentlemen, I need advice about 19×25 | 17x22 | 14× 19 Painting frame shipping Ideas. It's weight about 2-5 LB per frame. What method and service shall I use for USA . THANK YOU
I have something that is bulky and weighs lets say 2lbs = $9 priority mail. it fits in an ebay poly bag easily . But how do you measure it for pirate ship because its so bulky / odd shape?
New sub here! I buy the 24X24 big Polly bags too and always try and save with pirate ship box with box in a bag .. This has saved lots of money … Do you use usps priority mail boxes inside the poly bags or no ?
What do I put in length x width for a poly bag? How does usps consider which is length, width or height? What if the box size is 12x14x6? Or 6x14x12? Do I just put in the largest of the two for poly in a bag at 12x14? Do I have to use a box? Or as long as it's in a poly bag?
i believe you use the measurements of the empty bag. if it's empty it's going to be flat on the third dimension. so just length x width of the bag (which you can trim down to use a smaller length x width)
I put the max dimensions which is 18"x18" (I cut the polymailer to those exact measurements) but the cubic rate option isn't showing up? is there a certain reason why?
If you enter 18 x 18 under box in a bag on Pirate Ship it will show up. It does not literally say cubic rate but that is what the Priority rate you see is.
Hello. Thank you for the great shipping information. I just wanted to ask how you come up with the measurements for the bag. Do you cut it down and then measure it or do you cut it down and then measure the box and estimate the size of the bag. I am just a little confused on how you come up with the measurement of 12x10 bag size. Thank you for sharing this great information. I love watching your videos.
I have a polymailer that is *technically* 19 inches laying flat, but measures 18 inches with my items inside. Could I get away with pretending it's 18 inches when inputting the info into Pirate Ship?!
It depends who's working. I got my package sent back to me. "This is clearly in violation, blah blah and it is considered fraud " They told me if this happens again, they will pursue all legal actions against me.
You are supposed to use the dimensions of the bag prior to putting anything in it So the biggest bag you can use is 18x18. Even if you tape the bag so it's 18x6 it would still by rules of box in a bag b18x18
It would be over 18” bag size required to fit 17x14x8. Limit is 18” bag when flat. So many people being advised to steal and either don’t know it or don’t care.
Hi there!!! I just found you!!! Awesome 2 videos I watched tonight!!! Thanks!! Just started learning more about vintage eBay ... I am really really liking this rather than clothing!!! Do you have a video just on shipping on eBay? Where do i invoke this method you just taught us? I believe that i have been paying way too much on my shipping 😬 i need to learn more!!! Please help! 😊😊
Sweet. Going to have to check this out. I ordered bags through your link. If you use the box in a bag is it still shipped with priority 2-Day ship timing? Also I'm assuming you wouldn't put the priority mail stickers on the outside of the bag or do you?
Shipping through pirate ship does not cost a lot. There are no adjustments made after the item sells. I use a free shipping model and just estimate the cost Ahead of time and work that into the price
Prime Time Treasure Hunter I ship hundreds of packages per week and a majority I ship cubic. I use Shopify to ship and I just slap the label directly on the box?
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter Thank you for the reply. I understand the flat rate box is a flat rate with priority shipping, but if I have an item that would fit into a flat rate box and I use the box in the bag method can I not put the flat rate box that fits my item perfectly into a bag and use the box in the bag method on pirate ship? Once the flat rate box is covered by the bag does it not just become a regular box? Thank you for your help.
Thx. But u jumped and didn’t show us while u put the box or envelope dimensions...when I tried the same i got double price....the price that u showed choosing envelope...didn’t show for which dimensions or weight it is....and seems it is not true!!!
It’s just a video to introduce you to the box in a bag, not a step by step video. Just enter the dimensions for your own items on the Pirate Ship site and take it from there. It’s true.
I don't understand your example. It says if it isn't still a bag, you taped down the corners, it says on pirate ship that is your do that ❓ makes ita box again.. But you say your doing that???
Because what they are saying makes no sense. They literally call the service box in a box and there is no such thing in existence as a box that is not three dimensional.
So the question is...Since the largest poly bag to qualify for the soft pack box in a bag is 18 x 18 , What is the largest box that could be stuffed into a bag that size?
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter Just wondering cause if you could get say a 14x14x6 box in there it would be larger than a tier 5 cubic box for the same rate
I'm going to try this with Husky Trash Bags from Home Depot. Rather than waiting 1 to 2 weeks for amazon to ship the poly bags, the Husky bags will be readily available in case of emergencies. Does anyone know if the color of the bag (black) would be an issue with USPS? I've searched google but can not find an answer to this specific question.
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter According to PirateShip "USPS only cares about your outer packaging, so if there is a box inside your poly mailer or envelope, that's no problem. But you can't "shrink wrap" or tightly tape a bag or envelope around a box and call it an envelope. If it clearly has 3 dimensions, it is a box and you need to enter all 3 dimensions when purchasing postage." All this made sense to me so I make sure it has some envelope dimensions.
I can't thank you enough for this video. As a newbie to eBay, I have really been struggling with shipping. I bought a bunch of 24x24 poly mailers, but Pirate ship said the dimensions needed to be changed to a box and I was so lost! This will save so much money!
It sure will! Be sure to subscribe 😀
This is what pirate ship states about box in a bag: "You can put a box into the envelope, as long as it's still shaped like an envelope!
USPS only cares about your outer packaging, so if there is a box inside your poly mailer or envelope, that's no problem. But you can't "shrink wrap" or tightly tape a bag or envelope around a box and call it an envelope. If it clearly has 3 dimensions, it is a box and you need to enter all 3 dimensions when purchasing postage." I would put padding, such as packing peanuts in first put my box in and put more packing peanuts (or paper, or air pockets, etc) before sealing. I think this way it will look more like a bag. I would still cut it down a bit. Thanks for the great video! It did help me to understand, to measure the bag before putting my item in. Which is the opposite of what I usually do.
Thanks. I’ve addressed this before in the comments but there is no such thing as a box that does not clearly have 3 dimensions.
Prime Time Treasure Hunter Sorry, I didn’t have time to read all the comments. This box in a bag is confusing. But I will try using Pirateship, if it saves me money. Thank you for your video!
Kat Katisattic1 thanks!
I just saved $2 on shipping using this method. Thank You! (this is Melanie Sinski from the Reselling Resource Center BTW)
Thanks Melanie! Love the Evil Lynn icon!
I have used the box in a bag often since watching this video a while back. This has saved a great deal of money in shipping cost. Thank you so much for your video.
Thanks Bryan. Please subscribe
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter I have subscribed
@@BryanRobinsonSr Thanks!
Thanks, Dominic! Although I've been using Pirate Ship for quite some time and kept hearing about the box in a bag method, I didn't know the details. Hunted around yesterday for a video to address this & found yours. I really appreciate your EXCELLENT detailed instructions & I'm quite certain I'll be using this going forward.
Glad it helps!
Gold mine! I was stoked when I found out about pirate ship cubic last month. Heard about the box in bag option but didn’t look into it and didn’t think my items would qualify. Boy was I wrong! Everything I sell will work with this method! Thanks for making this video and explaining the method so thoroughly!
My pleasure, Jessie. Please let others know about the video. Thanks!
Jesse Marcee I don’t see anywhere where it says it can’t look like it’s gift wrapped. Just put in the correct dimensions of the box and the bag then you’re all set.
this is the most helpful video. i’ve watched maybe 2 hours worth of shipping videos but this one ACTUALLY helped. thank you
THIS IS AMAZING! Using my dimensions compared to the original boxes I was going to use and it's INSANE how much you can save from this. THANK YOU!
Thanks! Please subscribe. Thanks
Ok so people have talked about pirate ship box in a bag and everytime I
go into pirate ship, I could never figure out what they were talking about. I've tried various times looking for this or cubic rate. I couldn't figure it out. I even tried their customer service and got, "If it doesn't show it must not be eligible" This is what I've been looking for. Can't wait to try it out.
It’s a great savings many times. Enjoy!!!
Thanks so much! I used your link in another video earlier today to buy 100 of the 24x24! Awesome lessons learned today! Thanks!
Great to hear! Thank you!
Wow thank you for this! I wish I had Watched this a day earlier. I just spent $30 on shipping for an item that was 17 inches long and 4 pounds and I couldn’t find a cheaper way to ship it priority mail. Actually my ground shipping was almost exact same cost
You are very welcome. Please subscribe if you enjoy the content. Thank you
Awesome, awesome, awesome!! Just did my first cubic shipping on a pair of hiking boots. Would have been $12.40 via priority mail. With cubic rate it was $8.33 via box in a bag. Amazing! It's like cheating legally! Love it!!! Thanks Dominic.
How do you bring to the screen the cubic shipping method?😬this sounds awesome!!!!!
What do you know...I used this method last week! Great stuff as always! 💪🏻
Thank you!
How do you seal well a poly mailer as well.as the original self sealer? Thanx❤
Thank you so much for this video! Wow that sold so fast! I'm addicted to your channel! I have been learning so much!
Thanks Melissa! That makes me so happy to hear!
why is using more resources allowing a price break? It's boggling my mind.. can anyone explain to me why this happens?
Thank you Dominic! I sent a DVD player across country from CA to VA for $11.43, box in bag method!
🙌
Thank you so much!!! I can finally send shoes that have big boxes
That’s great!
I actually found this out today. So stoked. I am shipping 24 packs of soda and shakes weighing 15-20lbs across the country to the west coast.
Normal price 15.68. Poly bag box in a bag 9.00 even. 👍
What are the largest dimension boxes you can ship this way?
Domenic thank you for this video. I had no idea what Pirate Ship was about. I would hear people talking about it in the FB group but just wasn't sure what they were talking about, I thought it was a Poshmark Etsy thing...
Definitely sign up! It’s super easy and you will save a ton of money!
Thank you for the tips! So looking forward to tonight's interview with Kristina and Martin, super up and coming power couple!!
Totally!
Thank you for this video came right on time I just signed up for pirate ship last night
Perfect!
some company should make 18 x18 poly bags! how helpful would that be!? box fits then bag it! haha
Thank you! Made it super easy to understand and you saved me money! Thank you!!
Great!
Thanks, I will definitely be trying this. However, I'm very curious... Why does putting a box in a bag make it cheaper? And if you tape it up, isn't it technically just a wrapped box? Just curious.
Great questions. I actually think that it makes no sense either but that’s the system that they set up so I don’t argue with it. I put the box in the bag and there’s no rules that say you can’t tape it up so yes it does look like a wrapped box.
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter On Pirate Ship under the questions section about softpack or padded envelopes it says, "You can put a box into the envelope, as long as it's still shaped like an envelope!
USPS only cares about your outer packaging, so if there is a box inside your poly mailer or envelope, that's no problem. But you can't "shrink wrap" or tightly tape a bag or envelope around a box and call it an envelope. If it clearly has 3 dimensions, it is a box and you need to enter all 3 dimensions when purchasing postage." So I feel like you can't tape a polybag tightly around a box. It sounds like it has to have some slack.
Beentheredonethat 903 I’ve addressed this issue elsewhere in the comments. Thanks
From what I see anywhere else, Pirate Ship is only a shipping calculator for USPS. Just like on the USPS site, only with a different format. It produces the exact same prices. Where is the giant discount you are coming up with? I can't see them allowing a cubed 12x6x6 to go as a flat envelope no matter how you wrap it.
You get the big discounts for small heavy items. Otherwise the price is the same.
Thanks for sharing, I’m gonna have to try this
You’ll love it!
Thanks for this. I've been needing to learn about this.
My pleasure
You are simply AMAZING!!!! Yet ANOTHER Invaluable Video!!! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Maybe this would be great for shipping mugs. What do you think? usually mugs have to go in a padded flat rate but this sounds like it might be cheaper.??
It might be. It would entirely depend on the dimensions. Just cross check the rates of flat rate vs Pirate ship in each instance.
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter thank you for actually replying :)
Teresa Pedraza sure thing!
You may be in for trouble at some point - for a 6"x6"x12" box you need a bag that covers a minimum 6"+12"+6"+12" to wrap lengthwise and 6"+6"+6"+6" to wrap around the width - divide these by two and you get a minimum 12" x 18" bag which puts you in the .3 cubic foot category not .1 cubic foot rate
I plugged in the bag dimensions and it works fine on Pirate Ship.
You said you entered 10" x 12" which is far too small, 12" x 18" is closer to a correct polymailer/bag dimension. For those who watch this video here are the correct polymailer/bag cubic rate categories --- 0.1 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 0" up to 21" --- 0.2 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 21" up to 27" --- 0.3 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 27" up to 31" --- 0.4 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 31" up to 34" --- 0.5 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 34" up to 36"
I did not say that I entered 10 x 12. I just gave that number as an example of a dimension someone could enter in a given situation. Thanks for the info though.
You're right, the $7.82 shipping cost you show has to be a quote for the minimum .1 cubic foot rate which means the max size length + width bag dimension you plugged in was 21" or less which would be even smaller than a 10" x 12" mailer
Paul Ney Interesting. I’ll look into it some more. If I need to broaden the dimensions next time, I’ll do that. Thanks.
If you use the 24x24 poly bags that you mentioned, and trim the excess off the top, making it say 18 inches.... the width of your poly bag is still 24 inches. When you try to enter 18x24 for box in a bag option, Pirate Ship gives this error message:For envelopes larger than 18″ in either direction, you must use the box package type and enter all 3 dimensions of your final package. So how were you able to ship in that size poly bag without also decreasing the width too? Do you have to cut the seams? I'm a Pirate Ship newbie and trying to figure this out and figure out which supplies to purchase for shipping this way :)
You only trim to the acceptable dimensions
Hate to burst your bubble, but Pirateship specifically says you can't do this. When describing cubic rate poly bags, "But you can't "shrink wrap" or tightly tape a bag or envelope around a box and call it an envelope. If it clearly has 3 dimensions, it is a box and you need to enter all 3 dimensions when purchasing postage."
No worries. Bubble intact. They also say on their site that “Technically USPS wants the original dimensions of the empty envelope, even if you’re folding it over/taping it so that it’s smaller.” So they are acknowledging right there that you can tape it down. Not only that, but the service is literally called box in a bag and it is scientifically impossible to have a box that is not 3 dimensions. Lastly, every package I’ve sent this wY has always been delivered.
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter Sorry to write in again, but I asked the Pirate Ship people about it and this is what they said. "It's important to make sure the bag isn't tightly taped around the box. Naturally, the dimensions will change from what the envelope starts out with but as long as the package is still distinguishable as a bag, with a box inside, instead of a box with a bag wrapped around it, you'll be good to go! " I will admit your way looks a whole lot cheaper. :(
Beentheredonethat 903 simple solution then: don’t tape down the ends tightly. :)
@@aammdj lol
I literally JUST SAVED $9 watching this video. Wow. Wow. Wow!!! DO you have any tips on shipping internationally and bypassing ebay global shipping?
I found this on Pirate Ship's help pages. I'd love to see if this still saves you money if you don't tape it down to the box, but leave it shaped like a poly bag.
"You can put a box into the envelope, as long as it's still shaped like an envelope!
USPS only cares about your outer packaging, so if there is a box inside your poly mailer or envelope, that's no problem. But you can't "shrink wrap" or tightly tape a bag or envelope around a box and call it an envelope. If it clearly has 3 dimensions, it is a box and you need to enter all 3 dimensions when purchasing postage."
It gets tricky though because envelopes can still have three dimensions.
Agreed. Have you done this often and have you ever had usps reject the package?
Sheena Rock yes and never rejected.
Please bare with me as I’m confused. If the box is over 18” it’s not Eligible for pirate shipping, correct? Secondly, do we always measure the poly bag and not the box? Example, if my box is 10x 10 and cut the bag to 12x 12 this is the dimension we enter, correct? So the excess few inches isn’t rolled up to be considered a bag, correct? Sry just starting a business where I ship a lot of things !! Thanks :)
@@shannonquigley8140 We would need to know the third dimension of the box. Based on your 10x10 box, I think the largest third dimension technically would be 8" which would give you 18" in either direction. Unfortunately at that point it would no longer retain a "bag shape" and would be more of a wrap which would not qualify for Box in a Bag. It can't be wrapped and taped like a present. Here are the rules from the Pirate Ship site - Priority Mail Cubic is the best kept secret in the shipping industry, but it's not just for boxes... you can get dimension-based rates with poly or padded envelopes as well, as long as they're not more than 18" in either direction.
USPS calls these “Soft Pack Cubic Rates.” Just like regular Priority Mail Cubic, the rates are only based on dimensions and your package can weigh up to 20 lbs. This can save you up to 89% off what you'd pay with the weight-based rate. The only difference for envelopes is the way the cubic pricing tier is calculated:
Measure the length and width of the empty envelope or softpack mailer before you put anything into it (in inches);
If either of the measurements exceed the nearest quarter inch, round down to the nearest 1/4 inch (for example, 8.6" inches turns into 8.5" inches);
Add the two measurements together for the total and use the chart below to determine which pricing tier your softpack envelope is in (note that the total cannot exceed 36").
Priority Mail Cubic Softpack Commercial Plus Pricing Tiers:
0.1 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 0" up to 21"
0.2 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 21" up to 27"
0.3 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 27" up to 31"
0.4 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 31" up to 34"
0.5 - Envelopes with a Length plus Width measuring more than 34" up to 36"
Use the original dimensions of the envelope, not the folded / taped dimensions
Technically USPS wants the original dimensions of the empty envelope, even if you're folding it over / taping it so that it's smaller. If your envelope is too large for the items, we recommend cutting it down to size before using it, so that your envelope qualifies for a smaller Cubic pricing tier.
You can't use expandable (pleated) envelopes
Note that if your envelope is expandable (pleated), technically you have a 3rd dimension just like if it were a box, so you'll need to use the standard method of determining your Cubic pricing tier.
Just starting my business. Thanks for the info
Sure thing!
Just the info I was searching for.
Great!
Thank u the post office been killing me bad thank u for this 🙏
Sure thing. Please subscribe
Sometimes those poly bags get small tears in them, I would think a cardboard box corner could definitely rip a hole inside. That's mostly my concern
Yes, it’s possible but they bc are pretty strong. Tape down the corners for extra piece of mind
Bout time Dom! I pretty much only use Pirate ship anymore ☠👩🌾
What do you mean about time? LOL. I did a video about pirate ship along time ago.
Dominic, when I know I'm going to use this method to ship the item, what do I put on my listing as the shipping method? Like I sold a heavy Costway Ice Maker still in the box, and I had put USPS Parcel Select Ground as the option and it sold. The buyer hasn't paid yet but I can't change the shipping now can I?
Hi Nikki. You can always upgrade the shipping service after it sells. You just can’t downgrade it
Can I use contractor bags as poly bags. It would be cheaper
Sure
I got a deliver of bubble wrap shipped in a huge contractor trash back tied off in a knot. I thought it was trash until I saw the shipping labels.
This really only works for smaller packages. Anything around 50 lbs with dimensions of 15"x15"x15" are astronomical with priority rates. We found that breaking it down to five 10lbs boxes in Large Flate rate box is cheapest. But still paying around $2 per pound. We are trying to find ways to get shipping cost down to $1 per pound.
Yes it’s for small heavy packages. For large packages, check fed ex home delivery and smart post
Great Video!!! Thank you but i have one question. On pirate ship do i enter the size of the bag or the dimensions of the box? Bag is 15x18 and the box is 8x7, if i enter 8x7 it shows a little cheaper but since its a bag i should enter the size of the bag right??? Thanks in advance!
EDITED
Disregard - I researched and figured out my own answer. I wasn't sure at first if it would be listed in the ebay listing as Priority or Ground. Thanks for the video. Pirate says Priority
I located an item that I can't even give away because of the shipping, but would be a textbook candidate for this method. My question is this. How do I list the shipping method in the ebay listing? Also, do you offer it as free shipping and bake in the cost? Thanks PTTH
So I did this and realized I gave the measurements of the box vs the bag but usps still seems to accept it and it is in transit and has an arrival date. Could it get rejected?
No
Great info Dominic, see ya tonight at the show
What show?
My bad Dominic, I was watching a show from exactly 1 year ago May 1st. I thought it was from today, lol.
@@stonycreekpicker1385 lol. I was like, I need an agent to keep better track of these shows
I put a bag over a 7x7x6 priority mail box the other day just out of curiosity but then, wasn't certain I could ship it that way. Now YOU and this video. However, I have a question so how can I actually communicate with you. I have a learning problem so am confused about listing the shipping weight vs selling the product and redoing the shipping as well as through PirateShip (I just signed up with them). I need someone to walk me through the process from a, b, c, d, etc so I can write it down then read it a few times to really "get it". CAN YOU DO THAT FOR ME?
No I’m sorry. Just not enough time in the day
Thank you for sharing this info!
How do you know what type of shipping to choose on ebay if you don't know where it'll end up? Ebay always asks how much shipping will be.
If it's first class or media mail you will know that based on the weight or type of item. For non-media mail items over 1 pound, that leaves priority mail, Parcel post, and Fed Ex as your main options. Just pick economy shipping 110 days when listing which means you don't commit to a specific carrier and then you can chose how to ship it when it sells. If you do free shipping like I do, then you do not have to put in a shipping price. You just have to factor that in to what you item price will be.
Hey gentlemen, I need advice about 19×25 | 17x22 | 14× 19 Painting frame shipping Ideas. It's weight about 2-5 LB per frame. What method and service shall I use for USA . THANK YOU
I have something that is bulky and weighs lets say 2lbs = $9 priority mail. it fits in an ebay poly bag easily . But how do you measure it for pirate ship because its so bulky / odd shape?
Just measure the bag dimensions
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter Thanks
Can you use a thick trash bag?
Yes
New sub here! I buy the 24X24 big Polly bags too and always try and save with pirate ship box with box in a bag ..
This has saved lots of money …
Do you use usps priority mail boxes inside the poly bags or no ?
Can I put a NON Flat rate USPS box inside the Polly mailer ? Thank you :)
Yes as long as you ship it priority
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter Appreciate it. Liked and Subscribed
@@BrentPeluso thank you and welcome to the Prime Time Family!
What do I put in length x width for a poly bag? How does usps consider which is length, width or height? What if the box size is 12x14x6? Or 6x14x12? Do I just put in the largest of the two for poly in a bag at 12x14? Do I have to use a box? Or as long as it's in a poly bag?
i believe you use the measurements of the empty bag. if it's empty it's going to be flat on the third dimension. so just length x width of the bag (which you can trim down to use a smaller length x width)
Very helpful! Thanks so much! 😎
My pleasure!
so do you put in the size of the bag after you cut it down or the size of the box? :)
Bag
I put the max dimensions which is 18"x18" (I cut the polymailer to those exact measurements) but the cubic rate option isn't showing up? is there a certain reason why?
If you enter 18 x 18 under box in a bag on Pirate Ship it will show up. It does not literally say cubic rate but that is what the Priority rate you see is.
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter thank you!
Hello. Thank you for the great shipping information. I just wanted to ask how you come up with the measurements for the bag. Do you cut it down and then measure it or do you cut it down and then measure the box and estimate the size of the bag. I am just a little confused on how you come up with the measurement of 12x10 bag size. Thank you for sharing this great information. I love watching your videos.
Cut down to the size you need, measure, and pack.
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter Thank you.
or a legal flat rate envelope? thx
Yes and yes to media mail
Would this be better to ship out funkos? or not much difference? i usually ship out with 6x6x6 boxes first class
No. First class is cheaper
I have a polymailer that is *technically* 19 inches laying flat, but measures 18 inches with my items inside. Could I get away with pretending it's 18 inches when inputting the info into Pirate Ship?!
There’s no pretending because it’s what it is when the item is inside. So it’s 18”
Can you use other size poly mailers besides the two listed above ?
Yes
Thanks
It depends who's working. I got my package sent back to me. "This is clearly in violation, blah blah and it is considered fraud " They told me if this happens again, they will pursue all legal actions against me.
Amazing nobody asked any questions on here!
where can i get the cubic boxes or padded bags
Did box in a bag rates go away? Just getting started and went into Pirate Ship and no rates given for box in a bag.
It’s there. Just click the envelope icon.
You mentioned that pirateship won't allow you to enter 24x24 as it's too big. What's the largest bag size you can enter?
18"
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter Thank you!
You are supposed to use the dimensions of the bag prior to putting anything in it So the biggest bag you can use is 18x18. Even if you tape the bag so it's 18x6 it would still by rules of box in a bag b18x18
@@earlgendron4893 Cut the bag down.
I tried a mock shipping but the price was the same with box and box in bag. Am I doing something wrong?
No. It depends on where it’s going
Awesome info thanks!
My pleasure!
Great video and super helpful! Will this method also work on a 4 x 4 x 6” and
8 x 8 x 6” corrugated box? I’m new to the shopping business. Thank you.
Yes
I need to check this out. Haven't tried Pirate Ship yet. Can you print their labels on a label printer or does it have to be a regular printer.?
Works great on my Rollo
Use it with my Zebra printer
Galaxy 5000 great!
Any printer.
After prepaid for the label. Do we drop it off in the blue bin or front desk?
Yes.
will they reject mine if i use a 18 x 18 box? its definitely going to look like a box haha. Am I okay as long as i dont go over 20 x 20?
You can’t go over 18 inches in any dimension. It’s technically not supposed to look like a box but as I always say, any parcel has three dimensions
Thank u so much I learnt a lot did u guy that eBay box or free from eBay plss let me know thank u god bless
I don’t remember, sorry
Can I put a 17x14x8 in a 24x24 poly bag?
Yes
It would be over 18” bag size required to fit 17x14x8. Limit is 18” bag when flat. So many people being advised to steal and either don’t know it or don’t care.
Hi there!!! I just found you!!! Awesome 2 videos I watched tonight!!! Thanks!! Just started learning more about vintage eBay ... I am really really liking this rather than clothing!!! Do you have a video just on shipping on eBay? Where do i invoke this method you just taught us? I believe that i have been paying way too much on my shipping 😬 i need to learn more!!! Please help! 😊😊
Welcome! Go to my playlists area. I gave an entire section of shipping videos.
Box on the bag is one of the best kept secret, everyone hears about , but everyone is afraid to try..
Can I-ship my item its original Box And just Bag it or Do I have to rebox it the original box and then bag it ?
As a general rule, no matter how you ship, I try and put the original box in another box. Some ppl want the original box for collecting purposes.
Ok is because I want to ship construction tools that are ready in their boxes do I put them in a other box or dont have to .? Thanks
JC totally depends on whether that box is collectible in anyway or valued by the buyer. If so, box it. If not, then use it as it’s own box.
Sweet. Going to have to check this out. I ordered bags through your link. If you use the box in a bag is it still shipped with priority 2-Day ship timing? Also I'm assuming you wouldn't put the priority mail stickers on the outside of the bag or do you?
2 or 3 days. I never use the stickers but no reason why you can’t with this. It’s done with approval of USPS. Thanks for ordering through the link!
Hey there do you adjust the shipping cost before or after the customer pays like how does the price stay on eBay if you adjusted it on pirate ship?
Shipping through pirate ship does not cost a lot. There are no adjustments made after the item sells. I use a free shipping model and just estimate the cost Ahead of time and work that into the price
Prime Time Treasure Hunter thank you that’s awesome. Does pirate ship work on Poshmark?
AJ Morgan no bc posh charges a flat rate
Prime Time Treasure Hunter thank you so much for answering my question you are great. I really appreciate it.
AJ Morgan sure thing!
I'm confused, is Pirate Ship a shipping option when you create your listing?
It’s a separate website that works in conjunction with USPS. See my other video that I link to at the end of this video for more information on it.
No.
What’s the biggest size allowed to send?
Can’t go over 18 inches
Prime Time Treasure Hunter 😭, I sell wedge pillows customized covers, 22x24x8. The cheapest yo te is 51.00. Not even 5 pounds.
Leunamarie Andujar That’s not going to work for cubic rate shipping
Understand 🤷🏻♀️
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter Would I be able to put a 16x8x8 box into a poly bag? If so would you know whatbsize I would need?
Are there dimension limits for a package to qualify for box in a bag shipping?
no more than 18 inches in any dimension
So I am curious would a 16x12x6 box in a bag work or would the bag dimensions be over the limit? I ask because often boots take up a lot of space
It may work. There is a page on Pirate Ship where you can just type in the dimensions to see
Wait so am I measuring the box length and width after putting it in the poly bag or am I measuring the bag I use before I cover the box?
Measure the bag length and width needed to fit the package
Prime Time Treasure Hunter excellent. Thank you! Going to be doing this for now on!
Merlin Parache It’s not always the cheapest though. You’ll need to compare
Why does the box need to go in a bag at all? Can’t you get cubic on the box?
You can but in the bag it goes cheaper.
Prime Time Treasure Hunter I ship hundreds of packages per week and a majority I ship cubic. I use Shopify to ship and I just slap the label directly on the box?
headhbk469 yep
@@headhbk469 hey, I want to use shopify. Do you find using cubic or a cubic box in a box (as the video shows) is cheaper? Thank you.
@@A.O280 yes, if you are mailing an item that needs protection that you cannot simply put in the poly directly
Can I use the free USPS priority box and put it inside a bag? Or do I need my own box
Yes!,Just not s flat rate box
Why can you not use a flat rate box?
Sharon Mayer because there is a flat rate charge for that and cubic shipping is not flat rate
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter Thank you for the reply. I understand the flat rate box is a flat rate with priority shipping, but if I have an item that would fit into a flat rate box and I use the box in the bag method can I not put the flat rate box that fits my item perfectly into a bag and use the box in the bag method on pirate ship? Once the flat rate box is covered by the bag does it not just become a regular box? Thank you for your help.
Sharon Mayer No, because the cubic rate is likely going to be less than what the flat rate was.
Thx. But u jumped and didn’t show us while u put the box or envelope dimensions...when I tried the same i got double price....the price that u showed choosing envelope...didn’t show for which dimensions or weight it is....and seems it is not true!!!
It’s just a video to introduce you to the box in a bag, not a step by step video. Just enter the dimensions for your own items on the Pirate Ship site and take it from there. It’s true.
I don't understand your example. It says if it isn't still a bag, you taped down the corners, it says on pirate ship that is your do that ❓ makes ita box again.. But you say your doing that???
Because what they are saying makes no sense. They literally call the service box in a box and there is no such thing in existence as a box that is not three dimensional.
Everybody using 24x24 bags when it’s over the limit of 36 for L+W for bag when flat before putting anything in it. You’re giving out bad info.
No I’m not. I said trim the bag.
So the question is...Since the largest poly bag to qualify for the soft pack box in a bag is 18 x 18 , What is the largest box that could be stuffed into a bag that size?
Good question. I don’t know. You just have to take it on a case-by-case basis.
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter Just wondering cause if you could get say a 14x14x6 box in there it would be larger than a tier 5 cubic box for the same rate
Eric Wright don’t know. You’d have to try it and then go on Pirate Ship and enter the numbers to see if it works.
I'm going to try this with Husky Trash Bags from Home Depot. Rather than waiting 1 to 2 weeks for amazon to ship the poly bags, the Husky bags will be readily available in case of emergencies.
Does anyone know if the color of the bag (black) would be an issue with USPS? I've searched google but can not find an answer to this specific question.
Not an issue
I ship everything cubic. You throw a 12x12x8 in a 24x24 poly, the savings is ridiculous
Large_flips_that! 24x24 is over the limit of bag size. 18x18 is largest square bag. L+W has to be under 36”
Matt Bennett well lets just say that bag becomes 12x12 and I cheat the PO out of a lot of money!
Matt Bennett nothing like shipping a 12x12x1 box that weighs 13 pounds cubic. Never had one returned yet! In reality it’s 12x12x8
Large_flips_that! Well at least you’re admitting you steal by lying about the size.
Matt Bennett it’s only stealing if you get caught
Not a big saving is sending a far distance
You cant do this, if it has 3 dimensions it doesn't count
Yes you can. All boxes have 3 dimensions and it is called box in a bag.
Would contractors’ bags work to wrap the box? TIA this mariasvintageandmore 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Sure but best to use the 24x24 bags in my link and trim them
Be careful! box in a bag must have at least 3 inches of loose bag all the way around or it's considered a regular box.
Where does it say that?
@@PrimeTimeTreasureHunter According to PirateShip "USPS only cares about your outer packaging, so if there is a box inside your poly mailer or envelope, that's no problem. But you can't "shrink wrap" or tightly tape a bag or envelope around a box and call it an envelope. If it clearly has 3 dimensions, it is a box and you need to enter all 3 dimensions when purchasing postage." All this made sense to me so I make sure it has some envelope dimensions.
Richard Gonzalez I’ve addressed this before in the comments so I won’t rehash it here. I just don’t know where you are getting the 3 inch tile from