Materials guide for LEGO selling & shipping

Many members have asked for a centralized place where they can go for shipping box information. I'm going to pin this post and update it as new information is provided. I just want to take a few minutes and thank those who wrote the following articles. They are still very good reference materials for the LEGO storage and shipping process. I may develop this into a blog article eventually.

Fcbarcelona101's : Selling LEGO : Basic Materials Guide
Mos Eisley 's : LEGO Storage Wars

Incompetech's Catalog of Amazon.com Box Sizes - (thanks No More Monkeys)

Amazon Boxes Sorted list by length - courtesy of pstebbing

I've scoured the forums and here is a list of box sizes with basic set information:

Boxes:
24x20x8 : Super Star Destroyer; Death Star, Roller Coaster, UCS Sandcrawler, Assembly Square
24x20x6 : Thicker sets like Town Hall, Tower Bridge
24x16x6 - 60052 Cargo Train, R2-D2, Maersk Line Triple-E, 7939 Cargo Train
24x16x4 - Helm's Deep, Vampyre Castle, Black Pearl, Friends Riding Camp, Parisian Restaurant, High Speed Passenger Train, Jabba's Palace, Downtown Diner
24x20x4 : Grand Emporium, Pet Shop, Imperial Shuttle, Haunted House, Palace Cinema, Fire Brigade
24x14x4 : Dolphin Cruiser, Coast Guard Patrol
24x4x12 - Dolphin Cruiser, Coast Guard Patrol
20x16x4 - Volkswagen Camper Van, Olivia's House, Sonic Raider, Sopwith, Creator Bike Shop, Batcave, Quinjet, Moria & Ambush
20x16x6 : Thicker sets like the Republic Gunship; City Cargo Plane
20x14x4 : Attack on Weathertop, Hulk 's Helicarrier Breakout, X-Wing 9493, Black Gate
16x16x4 : Gungan Sub, Pre Viszla, Tie Fighter
16x10x4 : Council of Elrond, Desert Skiff, City Grand Prix Truck
16x10x6 : Thicker sets like Creator Family House, Hillside House
15x12x4 : Funhouse, Orc Forge, Tumbler Chase, Daily Bugle Showdown, Hulk Lab Smash
12x12x4 : Uruk Hai Army, City Cargo Truck, Creator Treehouse, City Fire Emergency
11-3/4x8-3/4x4-3/4 : Wolverine Chopper, Arctic Batman, Power Armor Lex, Droid Escape, Cloud Cuckoo Palace
12x8x3 - Battle Packs, CA Avenging Cycle, Catwoman, Gandalf Arrives, Holiday sets
10x8x4 : Battle Packs, CA Avenging Cycle, Catwoman, Gandalf Arrives, Holiday sets

Envelopes:
4x8 : Minifigs & small polybags
6x9 : Polybags small & larger
10.5 x 16 : Larger shipments of 3 x polybags or more

Packing Tape : buy in bulk or on sale : you can throw some in during a Staples coupon promotion to get up to free shipping
Walmart.com Duck Brand Packaging Tape
http://www.staples.com/Staples-Standard-Grade-Packaging-Tape-Clear-189-x-110-yds-6-Rolls/product_380107

Retailers:
Uline.com : holiday sale starts first part of November (usually 30% off)
Staples.com : use coupon promotions - $10 off $30, $20 off $75, free shipping over $60
Walmart.com
USPS Priority Mail (free boxes at USPS.com)

 

Michigan Box Company:

Flat Boxes 18"-23" L  (thanks pstebbing)

GBE Packaging (thanks pstebbing)
 

PackingSupplies.com

http://www.packaging...ated_boxes.html     (thanks pstebbing)

 

Bubble Wrap:
3/16" thick x 350' ft x 12" wide - eBay

 

Sams Club

3/16" - 12"x240' $12.98 (In store) ($.05/LF) (thanks pstebbing)

I like to use large and small retailer plastic bags to wrap items in, even after I bubble wrap it.

For battle packs and even small sets, I sometimes use Wal-Mart, Target, or plastic bags from any store. Additional packing isn 't really needed. Usually like 2 bags on bottom, one to wrap the item, and two bags on top. Make sure to cover the corners of the item real nice to provide extra padding.

Rule of thumb : ship & pack all of your items the same way you 'd like to receive items you've purchased.

Shipping Paper:
Collect it when you receive shipments.
http://www.amazon.com/Pratt-Multipurpose-Packaging-KPR30241200R-Length/dp/B00AI652CM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408061459&sr=8-1&keywords=pratt+kraft+paper+1200?

Shipping Labels & Printers:
Dymo 450 & Dymo 400
Brother QL-700

DoNotInsertIntoMouth's : How to setup your label printer for shipping on eBay


Feel free to post a follow-up or point out anything I missed. I 'll update it with what everyone wants added. I hope this is helpful.

Are staples boxes pretty reliable for shipping to end customers?  Comparable to ULine?  I've used neither.  I've been reusing boxes but my box supply for smaller sets is dwindling and I like the idea of shipping a more professional looking end product with no label or tape residue.

40% seems like a fantastic discount to prepare for the holiday season.  Do the deals usually get better or good idea to stock up now?  I've never purchased boxes before.

I have just started using Staples' boxes since a few weeks ago and I am happy with them. The ones I use have edge crust test (ECT) of 32 lbs/in which is the same as the typical corrugated boxes used by Amazon.

Edited August 10, 201510 yr by brickinfinite

+1 to what Exciter said.

I've placed two (separate) orders of small boxes from Staples. Had them shipped to store each time to get free shipping.

Boxes were usually shrink wrapped with an excessive amount of shrink wrap. I wouldn't hesitate to order from them again.

 

Edited August 10, 201510 yr by pstebbing

Are staples boxes pretty reliable for shipping to end customers?  Comparable to ULine?  I've used neither.  I've been reusing boxes but my box supply for smaller sets is dwindling and I like the idea of shipping a more professional looking end product with no label or tape residue.

40% seems like a fantastic discount to prepare for the holiday season.  Do the deals usually get better or good idea to stock up now?  I've never purchased boxes before.

ULine is top notch, but you are paying for the quality.  Staples boxes are of lower quality (still good, don't get me wrong) but they are also much much cheaper.  40% off $50 is pretty good discount (although typical) for Staples boxes

ALSO. I would recommend ordering a stash of different sized Priority mail boxes from USPS to have on hand. In many cases it's cheaper to upgrade a shipment to Priority mail AND you can cut down the boxes as needed.

Thanks guys.

By the way, the main post where Exciter lays out all the common sizes and sets is fantastic.  Well done.  Thank you!

Another question...is there a way to order under the minimum bundle size (25 for most) through Staples?  I couldn't find it when browsing.

Thanks guys.

By the way, the main post where Exciter lays out all the common sizes and sets is fantastic.  Well done.  Thank you!

Another question...is there a way to order under the minimum bundle size (25 for most) through Staples?  I couldn't find it when browsing.

That depends entirely on the box size. Larger box sizes will come in bundles of 10.

Thanks guys.

By the way, the main post where Exciter lays out all the common sizes and sets is fantastic.  Well done.  Thank you!

Another question...is there a way to order under the minimum bundle size (25 for most) through Staples?  I couldn't find it when browsing.

I don't believe there is a way to order under the minimum bundle quantity. You can purchase them individually in their retail locations but at a higher price point.

Edited August 10, 201510 yr by brickinfinite

@BrickLegacy What size box are you looking for?

ALSO. I would recommend ordering a stash of different sized Priority mail boxes from USPS to have on hand. In many cases it's cheaper to upgrade a shipment to Priority mail AND you can cut down the boxes as needed.

I pretty much always ship Priority and just use my own box.

I bought my first batch of boxes from Staples last winter (40% off), and have been very happy with them. I had trouble deciding what sizes I wanted (didn't want to have 6 different box sizes, and didn't really think I'd use that many ... I reuse a lot of boxes).  In the end, I chose 24x16x4 for most of my bigger sets, and 18x12x4 for medium sets. I was right not to buy anything smaller... free Priority Mail boxes do great for anything under 12x13 or so (I use a LOT of USPS Regional Rate Box A, Box 1092, etc). I also thought I wouldn't need many bigger boxes, because I store most of my big sets in the carton they came in.  But what I'm finding is that a lot of shipping cartons for the bigger sets are over-sized, and cost extra to ship... also need extra packing bubbles, etc.  And of course, many of my recycled boxes are a little beat-up.  When I sell a set for $200 or more, I just don't feel right shipping it in a piece-a-cr4p dirty used box.  So lately I've been using a lot of my 24x16x4's to ship out Dolphin Cruisers, JW I-Rex (fits perfect), Ninjago City of Stiix, etc.  And I don't think I've used any of the 18x12x4 boxes I bought - they're not long enough for the bigger sets, and too big for anything else.

So my next order, I'm going for more 24x16x4's and some 24x20x6's to handle my big exclusives. Of course, it all depends on what you're shipping, but for me, the only boxes I need to buy are for bigger sets.

@BrickLegacy What size box are you looking for?

Mostly smaller boxes for sets like Arctic, Lex, Spidey and medium sized for Jabba's Palace, LR train, Rancor, Republic Gunship, Black Gate...wish I could buy 5-10 of each instead of 25.

I bought my first batch of boxes from Staples last winter (40% off), and have been very happy with them. I had trouble deciding what sizes I wanted (didn't want to have 6 different box sizes, and didn't really think I'd use that many ... I reuse a lot of boxes).  In the end, I chose 24x16x4 for most of my bigger sets, and 18x12x4 for medium sets. I was right not to buy anything smaller... free Priority Mail boxes do great for anything under 12x13 or so (I use a LOT of USPS Regional Rate Box A, Box 1092, etc). I also thought I wouldn't need many bigger boxes, because I store most of my big sets in the carton they came in.  But what I'm finding is that a lot of shipping cartons for the bigger sets are over-sized, and cost extra to ship... also need extra packing bubbles, etc.  And of course, many of my recycled boxes are a little beat-up.  When I sell a set for $200 or more, I just don't feel right shipping it in a piece-a-cr4p dirty used box.  So lately I've been using a lot of my 24x16x4's to ship out Dolphin Cruisers, JW I-Rex (fits perfect), Ninjago City of Stiix, etc.  And I don't think I've used any of the 18x12x4 boxes I bought - they're not long enough for the bigger sets, and too big for anything else.

So my next order, I'm going for more 24x16x4's and some 24x20x6's to handle my big exclusives. Of course, it all depends on what you're shipping, but for me, the only boxes I need to buy are for bigger sets.

I'm with you on most of that, but I love the 8x6x4s for the smalls as the boxes are about 4oz or so and most sets that fit can ship First Class. If only there were free First Class boxes for the light sets. If there are, lemme know!

Hi folks!

I'm having a problem with usps.com whenever I try to set up a shipment through them, it only allows me to choose priority or priority express. I don't really want to double my shipping price (this is single minifig) I feel like I must be missing something, but can't find anything on the site...

Hi folks!

I'm having a problem with usps.com whenever I try to set up a shipment through them, it only allows me to choose priority or priority express. I don't really want to double my shipping price (this is single minifig) I feel like I must be missing something, but can't find anything on the site...

I ran into this recently too. Apparently they don't offer first class directly from their website. Try using paypal: https://www.paypal.com/shipping

Edited August 25, 201510 yr by HappyHawkeye

I ran into this recently too. Apparently they don't offer first class directly from their website. Try using paypal: https://www.paypal.com/shipping

Yes. Paypal shipping is your friend here. I don't think you can use USPS ClickN'Ship for FirstClass.

Yes. Paypal shipping is your friend here. I don't think you can use USPS ClickN'Ship for FirstClass.

You're correct. I haven't been able to ship via First Class directly from the USPS website for a while now. You have to print the label from Paypal if you want to use First Class

For those of you who need to replenish their packing/shipping supplies:

40% off a single regular-priced packing or shipping product; expires 09/05/15

40% off $50 purchase; expires 09/05/15

Edited September 1, 201510 yr by brickinfinite

I would like to start selling complete series of different themes.  Example, Monster Fighters 10228-9468-9467-9466-9465-9463-9462-9461 and halloween set...

My questions is this.  How do you ship them so the chance of pancaking something is minimal?  Is it better to sell each set individually?

I would like to do this for 70404 castle series as well.

 

Any suggestions is appreciated.

I would like to start selling complete series of different themes.  Example, Monster Fighters 10228-9468-9467-9466-9465-9463-9462-9461 and halloween set...

My questions is this.  How do you ship them so the chance of pancaking something is minimal?  Is it better to sell each set individually?

I would like to do this for 70404 castle series as well.

 

Any suggestions is appreciated.

You need boxes that allow you to pack the sets standing on their sides to truly avoid squishing the bottom ones. If you don't have that, put smaller sets that are stacked on the top so edges are touching (ie don't stack like a pyramid). If you can stand smaller ones up on the sides of the bigger ones that is good to reduce overall weight piled up.

And most important!!! Make sure your box is at least two inches taller than the pile of sets. If you use air pillows be light.. Only use enough to stop sets from bouncing around. You want the shipping box to carry the weight of anything stacked, NOT the set boxes!

If you're truly worried, get some better boxes. If I remember correctly, Lego uses 200lbs crush boxes and you can easily find 250/300lbs boxes that will stand up to tons of abuse.

Think of air space inside the box as your enemy when packing. The less movement laterally and more support you give the outer box the more resistant it will become to damage.

"Pancaked" boxes are always due to a lack of contents and support within the box. A tightly fit modular in the right size outer box will fair better than one in an over sized box swimming in air pillows. (I'm talking about YOU Target!)

Because you are dealing with several different sized LEGO boxes you might consider vertical packing of the items.

For flat packing I've used a piece of cardboard on top of a large set like 10228 to help span the load of smaller sets packed on top.

 

Think of air space inside the box as your enemy when packing. The less movement laterally and more support you give the outer box the more resistant it will become to damage.

"Pancaked" boxes are always due to a lack of contents and support within the box. A tightly fit modular in the right size outer box will fair better than one in an over sized box swimming in air pillows. (I'm talking about YOU Target!)

Because you are dealing with several different sized LEGO boxes you might consider vertical packing of the items.

For flat packing I've used a piece of cardboard on top of a large set like 10228 to help span the load of smaller sets packed on top.

 

Anyone ran into issues with insurance if you don't use required spacing?

http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/ship/packaging/guidelines/how_to.html

"Each item should be surrounded by at least two inches (5.08 cm) of cushioning and be placed at least two inches (5.08 cm) away from the walls of the box"

Think of air space inside the box as your enemy when packing. The less movement laterally and more support you give the outer box the more resistant it will become to damage.

"Pancaked" boxes are always due to a lack of contents and support within the box. A tightly fit modular in the right size outer box will fair better than one in an over sized box swimming in air pillows. (I'm talking about YOU Target!)

Because you are dealing with several different sized LEGO boxes you might consider vertical packing of the items.

For flat packing I've used a piece of cardboard on top of a large set like 10228 to help span the load of smaller sets packed on top.

 

No offense but when you are stacking more than one box on top of each other, a small air gap between the top of the box and your sets will prevent the top set from squishing the bottom set if a smaller box is stacked on top.

It becomes less relevant if all boxes are of identical size but still happens.

If you feel most comfortable, put a piece of cardboard that is folded on the sides and reaches the bottom (upside down U).

 

No offense but when you are stacking more than one box on top of each other, a small air gap between the top of the box and your sets will prevent the top set from squishing the bottom set if a smaller box is stacked on top.

Yes. Good point. It really differs from set to set, b/c as you can tell you and I pay more attention to the "structure" of the sets box.

It becomes less relevant if all boxes are of identical size but still happens.

 

If you feel most comfortable, put a piece of cardboard that is folded on the sides and reaches the bottom (upside down U).

This is exactly how I packaged up my 10664s for shipment. I laid them flat in LEGO Shop at Home boxes and made a "U" shapped piece of cardboard to snugly fit over the weak 10664 box. It created a really nice protective layer.

 

 

 

 

If you leave the air gap at the top, you can get away with doubling up just the sides. You're not quite doubling the crush strength but close. Also, people should not cheap out on the tape. On heavy boxes I'll wrap them 3 times to make sure the flaps don't move and often I'll wrap once or twice the opposite way... That helps to keep the box from "spreading" if a lot of weight is placed on the top in a box that is smaller.

Im starting to wonder if I've met my match in terms of packing analtivity.