If you’re an avid board game collector or seller, you may be wondering if you can ship board games using USPS Media Mail. Media Mail is a cost-effective shipping option for educational materials, books, films, and other media items. It’s understandable that you might think board games fall under the category of “media,” but the answer isn’t so simple.
What is Media Mail
Media Mail is a service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that allows customers to ship educational materials and media items at a discounted rate. The USPS defines media as “books, sound recordings, recorded video tapes, printed music, recorded computer-readable media (such as CDs and DVDs), and recorded radio broadcasts.”
The purpose of Media Mail is to make it more affordable for individuals and organizations to send educational materials and media items across the country. The service is available for both domestic and international shipments.
Do Board Games Qualify as Media Items
Unfortunately, board games do not qualify as media items under USPS regulations. The USPS specifies that board games are not included in the list of eligible items for Media Mail. According to their guidelines, only “educational reference charts” qualify as games under the category of “printed educational reference material.”
This means that if you want to ship a board game using USPS mail services, you’ll need to use another shipping option such as Priority Mail or First-Class Package Service. These options are generally more expensive than Media Mail but offer faster delivery times.
What Are Your Shipping Options
While it’s disappointing that board games don’t qualify for Media Mail rates, there are still several affordable shipping options available to you. Here are some examples:
- Priority Mail: This option offers fast delivery times (usually within 1-3 business days) and includes tracking and insurance. The cost is based on the weight and distance of your package.
- First-Class Package Service: This option is ideal for smaller packages (up to 15.99 ounces) and offers tracking and delivery confirmation.
The cost is based on the weight of your package.
- Parcel Select Ground: This option is a more affordable alternative to Priority Mail and offers delivery within 2-8 business days.
Tips for Shipping Board Games
When shipping board games, it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure that they arrive in good condition. Here are some tips:
Packaging:
Make sure to use sturdy packaging materials such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam inserts to protect the game from damage during transit.
Labeling:
Clearly label the package with the recipient’s address, your return address, and any special handling instructions.
Insurance:
Consider purchasing insurance for your package in case it gets lost or damaged during transit.
Tracking:
Always choose a shipping option that includes tracking so you can monitor the progress of your package.
In Conclusion
While board games do not qualify for Media Mail rates, there are still plenty of affordable shipping options available to you. Make sure to take proper precautions when packaging and labeling your shipment to ensure that it arrives in good condition. With these tips in mind, you can confidently ship board games across the country without breaking the bank.