CD Shipping Standards
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This page discusses only CD packaging. For general background information for bidders, see my eBay About Me page. When I sell audio Compact Discs (CDs) on eBay, I package them for the optimum blend of robustness and economy. As an early adopter of the format in the mid-1980s, I ordered many CDs via mail and experienced just how fragile the polystyrene jewel case is, unless carefully packaged.

I use an inexpensive but stout system that makes it practical to ship CDs in single quantities, using materials I happen to have on hand. This packaging is no-extra-charge on my auctions. You only pay the nominal rate for the postal class, and not for Delivery Confirmation, insurance, packaging or handling. If you win multiple auctions, I can combine shipments for further economy, and can generate custom quotes on request.

For 2 CDs, I used a double-stack of these forms. 2 CDs is usually still light enough for 1st Class Parcel. For 3 or more, I use custom-padded cartons.

The single-/double-unit form system not only helps protect the contents from the hazards of Media Mail, it is also very light-weight (2.7 oz.), and is compatible with the not widely-known USPS First Class Parcel (FCP) rate, which has these advantages: FCP supports Delivery Confirmation (which regular First Class does not),   FCP is usually as fast as Priority Mail,   FCP is sometimes as inexpensive as Media Mail ($1.59), is more typically $1.83 for a single CD, $3.03 for two CDs, and is well less than the minimum $4.05 for Priority,   FCP parcels normally travel with under-1-pound Priority items en route in the USPS system, whereas Media Mail sacks and trays can contain very heavy book cartons, and;   FCP is unlikely to be opened for inspection en-route, whereas Media Mail is at some risk of that, and may be improperly repacked;   FCP includes forwarding and/or if undeliverable, return, whereas Media Mail has neither.

The inner forms consist of two interlocking foam-laminated sheets of corrugated cardboard, with raised ridges of resilient polyethylene foam. Cardboard & Foam Forms w/CD (The CD depicted is from a previous auction.) The jewel case is taped shut at center (one end of tape folded) to prevent popping open in transit.

The forms are mated, then taped on each edge, so they act as a unit. Mated & Taped Forms The forms fit together snugly, but allow some play for the jewel case on all axes, so that any loads on the package are not immediately transmitted to the contents.

The taped form assembly, along with your packing list, are inserted in an 8.5x9 in. kraft paper envelope. Contents Enclosed in Envelope The packing list is included both for your records, and as back-up addressing in the event that the address label becomes unreadable in transit.

The package is addressed, including postage and Delivery Confirmation (DC), via an on-line printing service using a self-adhesive label and laser printer. Package With Label Any advertising banners are removed for security. Although Media Mail (with DC) is also available to you, First Class is shown here (what makes it First Class Parcel is that the package is at least ¾ in. thick), yet still 13 oz. or less.

The package is taped closed, and tape is applied along the label edges, and across the address (but not on the indicia or DC barcodes). Package Sealed & Ready To Mail The clasp is used, but taped over to prevent snagging in postal sorting machinery. The typical CD parcel, ready-to-mail, weighs between 6 and 8 oz., well less than the 13 oz. limit of First Class Mail. See a specific auction for the precise shipping weight of that title. >>>> Return to data-sheet auctions.