Sending clothes - how to measure thickness?

[cakedup]

I am selling some clothes on ebay and obviously want to try and keep postage costs as low as possible.

Sometimes, the clothes are hard to work out because the thickness will depend on whether you squeeze the parcel so it's at it's flattest.

So for example, I'll pack an item of clothing and left like that, it measures just over 2.5cm (so not able to send as large letter). However, if I squeeze all the air out of the bag and make the parcel as flat as possible, it will be well under 2.5cm. But ultimately, it'll fit through the letter box.

Anyone have any experience of sending as large letter and then the buyer incurring extra postage costs (which you then obviously have to cough up!)

[19lottie82]

Just squeeze the air out of them at the counter before you hand them over at the PO.

[Woodhill]

I would charge the higher price then refund if it works out cheaper. I wish RM would reinstate a middle tier between the large letter then £2.85.

[cakedup]

I don't live near a post office so buy the postage online.

Me too Woodhill!

[avocadosweet]

I read a tip on here to cut a slot out of a piece of cardboard so you can test it at home. I squeeze the air out then seal completely so the air can't get back in. The PO assistant told me they can give it a bit of a shake to help it through the gap but can't pull it through.

[cakedup]

avocadosweet the mailing bags I use must have tiny holes in them because although I squeeze the air out of them, after some time, air gets back into them again. I do have a letter cardboard cutout that the Royal Mail gave out when these postage charges where introduced! But again, it depends on how flat you make the parcel.

[avocadosweet]

I only reuse bags that have been sent to me! I use the wide sellotape, maybe that makes a difference? Also saw a tip to lay the item on a piece of cards to make it flat.

[cakedup]

avocadosweet that's a good idea, as sometimes clothing will move about and get scrunched up.

[CointreauVersial]

Buy one of those measuring guides then you can check at home if they will pack flat enough to go as Large Letter.

I often use A4 paper envelopes if I'm trying to squeeze into LL format - keeps the folded item flat. Polythene envelopes are too floppy.

[EagleRay]

I've got quite good at sending clothes by large letter:

1. Get a gauge from the post office which includes a large letter 'hole' to test parcels at home

1. I use mailbags bought in bulk off eBay but first put clothes in a closable freezer bag (I get mine in different sizes from IKEA

1. Squeeze out all of the air by sandwiching between two cushions ( I kneel on top) then close bag quickly. You'd be surprised how flat things can be squashed! Even better than cushions is the IKEA folding gym mat - stick bag between sections then sit/kneel on it.

But yes, a more sensible pricing tier would be great

[cakedup]

CointreauVersial yes I think paper envelopes would be a good idea. I just have a stack of mailing bags that I want to use up.

EagleRay why do you use a freezer bag?

[EagleRay]

When I say freezer bag I mean the sealable food storage bags - I get the IKEA ones as they come in 6 different sizes and I use them everywhere in the house. Once the air's been removed and the item squashed, as long as you seal the bag completely, there's no chance of the object expanding en route to the post office!

I nearly squashed a pair of childrens' fleece jackets into a single large letter parcel once by removing the air - it failed the test at the post office but only by a small margin!