When sending an item via mail courier service, there are two methods that come to mind. If the item is bulky or fragile, a shipping box may be more suitable.

Or, if you're sending paper documents, a simple envelope will do.

But what if the item you're mailing isn't big enough to warrant a roomier and more expensive shipping box?

What if you still want to protect fragile items that ordinary envelopes can't?

In this case, you'll be happy to know that a third option between shipping boxes and envelopes is available, bubble mailer.

What are bubble envelopes?

A bubble envelope is a padded envelope made of paper or plastic with a protective layer of bubble wrap lined inside.

Since they are smaller and more compact than shipping boxes, they are a more cost-effective option!

It's worth noting, though, that a bubble envelope is a type of padded envelope, but not all padded envelopes are bubble envelopes.

While padded envelopes and bubble mailers are often used interchangeably, padded envelopes can also have a foam or paper lining, while bubble mailers only have a bubble wrap lining.

 Let's take the example of e-commerce giant Amazon.

Have you ever ordered something from them?

If YES, you're probably familiar with their brown shipping boxes, which can be identified by the upward-curving arrow logo that resembles a smile.

But Amazon has another way to ship your goods.

You may also be familiar with the smaller white padded envelopes with the blue Amazon Prime logo on the outside and bubble wrap inside.

These are bubble mailers!

Shipping Box with Shipping Postman

When deciding how to ship your valuables, there are some important factors to consider.

The shipping boxes are versatile, easily stackable, recyclable and durable.

However, they are expensive and often require a lot of padding to keep the contents inside from shifting during shipping.

Boxes are best if you're shipping heavy, large, or fragile items, but there are better options for smaller items.

Bubble mailers are a perfect and inexpensive way to ship flat items like books and CDs, or small valuables like jewelry and clothing.

While you can mail some of these items in regular envelopes, research has found that packages can experience as many as 27 drops or tosses in a single trip.

This is a very rough way to handle an item that you expect to arrive at its destination piece by piece!

With extra protection and a lower price, bubble envelopes are the perfect medium between shipping boxes and unprotected envelopes.

where to find your ideal mailer

Bubble envelopes are available at office supply stores and local post offices. You can even order online.

Most mailing envelopes can be purchased in bulk for less than ten dollars and come in a variety of sizes and colors.

The carrier even offers custom bubble mailers.

Taking Amazon as an example again, Amazon’s bubble mailer has a custom blue Prime logo all over it.

However, keep this in mind when determining the size of the mailing bag you're going to buy: the outside dimensions are larger than the inside dimensions.

Make sure your items fit the interior space!

What is the exact cost?

Regarding the shipping of the item, there is no clear answer as to how much the package will cost.

Variables such as weight, destination, carrier, and desired delivery speed can affect the price of posting mail as much as the price of the box.

However, simply using bubble mailers instead of boxes will save you money as they usually cost much less.

Bubble mailers are more attractive as a safe and cost-effective option because they are smaller and lighter than shipping boxes.

This factor alone can help keep shipping prices down by reducing the weight and space your package takes up in transit while remaining well protected.

While boxes are still a solid option for shipping valuables, don't underestimate bubble mail.

They offer more protection than standard envelopes, are less expensive than shipping boxes, and reduce shipping costs due to their smaller size and weight.

Bubble mailers offer the best of both worlds in terms of protection and cost-effectiveness, making them a great option for your eCommerce business.