How to Ship Books: A Step-by-Step Guide for Affordable Book Shipping

Shipping books may sound easy—but it’s easy to get wrong. Without the right packaging and carrier, books can arrive bent, torn, or soaked, leading to bad reviews and costly returns. Plus, with rising shipping costs, margins can shrink fast.

 Luckily, services like Easyship can help you save time and money by giving you access to discounted rates from over 550 courier services worldwide.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—how to pack books properly, choose the best shipping methods, and optimize your shipping game to cut costs and boost efficiency. Let’s dive in!

Why Shipping Books Properly Matters

Shipping books is more than just putting them in a box and sending them out. Poor packaging can lead to books arriving in poor condition, which damages your business’s reputation. Customers expect their orders to arrive in perfect shape, especially when purchasing collectibles, rare editions, or gift items.

Damaged shipments often lead to:

• Complaints and negative reviews
• Refund requests or product returns
• A drop in repeat purchases and customer trust

By investing time and effort into proper shipping practices, you reduce these risks. When customers receive well-packaged books on time, they're more likely to recommend your store and become loyal buyers. Plus, with Easyship’s discounted shipping rates and access to 550+ courier services, you can ship books affordably and reliably while maintaining excellent customer satisfaction.

Step 1: Gather the Right Packaging Materials

Selecting the right materials is critical to protecting your books during transit. Books can be damaged by moisture, rough handling, or pressure if not packaged correctly.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Sturdy cardboard boxes: These protect multiple or heavy books. Use boxes slightly larger than the books to allow for cushioning but not so large that books shift around.
2. Padded envelopes: For lightweight or single books, bubble-lined envelopes provide a cost-effective option without sacrificing protection.
3. Protective cushioning: Use materials like bubble wrap, air cushions, packing peanuts, or crumpled craft paper to fill empty spaces in the box and absorb impacts. You can also use a grocery store produce bag to wrap books and protect them from moisture.
4. Crumpled plastic bags: These can be used to fill empty spaces and provide cushioning to protect books from damage.
5. High-quality packing tape: Strong tape helps keep your boxes securely sealed during transit.

But gathering the right materials is only part of the equation—efficient packing also requires streamlined operations. This is where Easyship can make your life easier. With Easyship’s automation tools, you can create pre-filled shipping labels, access bulk shipping rates, and integrate directly with your store to manage orders seamlessly.

Step 2: Wrap and Secure Your Books

Books are prone to damage, especially at the edges and corners. Proper wrapping prevents scratches, tears, and exposure to moisture.

Follow these steps to wrap your books:

1. Wrap each book in plastic or bubble wrap: This layer shields books from water, dust, and scratches. Plastic bags or Ziploc bags work well for waterproofing, especially for valuable books. For additional protection, you can wrap books in brown paper before using plastic or bubble wrap.
2. Secure the wrapping with tape: Tape all open ends of the wrapping to ensure it doesn’t shift or come loose during shipping.
3. Layer multiple books: Place heavier books at the bottom of the box and lighter ones on top. Use cardboard dividers to separate layers and prevent crushing.
4. Use plastic and cardboard protectors: Place these between books to create individual layers and provide extra protection during shipping.
5. Add cushioning: Fill any gaps in the box with dunnage to stop books from shifting during transit. The goal is to ensure that nothing moves when you gently shake the box.

Step 3: Choose the Right Size Shipping Box or Envelope

Choosing the right packaging size helps prevent movement and damage during transit while keeping shipping costs down.

• For single books: Use padded mailers or USPS Flat Rate envelopes.
• For multiple books: Use a box with dimensions that fit the books snugly, leaving just enough room for padding. When you ship boxes, ensure they are sturdy enough to handle the weight.
• For bulk orders: Use standard shipping boxes (e.g., 17”x12”x12”) and consider ordering boxes in bulk to save on packaging costs. When shipping multiple books, arrange them carefully to prevent damage during transit. 

Oversized boxes can increase shipping fees and result in higher rates for dimensional weight. A well-fitted box minimizes both costs and risks. Additionally, you can set up shipping rules on the Easyship shipping dashboard that automates this process based on your specifications.

Step 4: Seal and Label Your Package Correctly

Proper sealing and labeling help ensure that your shipment arrives on time and undamaged.

1. Seal all seams
   Apply strong packing tape along the top, bottom, and edges of the box. Reinforce the seams to prevent the box from opening during handling.
2. Place the shipping label correctly
   Attach the label to a flat surface of the box, avoiding seams or edges. Make sure the recipient’s address and your return address are clear and easy to read.
3. Include special handling instructions
   If necessary, add labels such as “Fragile” to encourage careful handling. 

You can further automate the process of printing labels by generating labels in bulk using Easyship’s shipping software.

Step 5: Best and Cheapest Shipping Methods for Books

The shipping method you choose can have a big impact on your costs, delivery times, and customer satisfaction. Choosing the right shipping method can significantly impact your shipping cost, delivery times, and customer satisfaction. Here are the most popular options for shipping books:

• USPS Media Mail: This is often the cheapest way to ship books. When shipping USPS Media Mail, consider purchasing insurance to cover potential losses or damages.

USPS Media Mail

• Pros:Media Mail is one of the cheapest ways to ship books within the U.S. It’s specifically designed for books and educational materials. It is often considered the cheapest way to ship books within the U.S.
• Cons:Delivery times can be slow (up to 8 days), and tracking or insurance must be added for an extra fee.

USPS Priority Mail

• Pros:
  Faster delivery (1-3 business days) with free tracking and insurance up to $100. Flat Rate boxes are a great option for heavier books.
• Cons:
  Higher cost than Media Mail, especially for large shipments.

UPS and FedEx

• Pros:
  Reliable services with detailed tracking and faster delivery options. Best for bulk or time-sensitive shipments.

Cons:
More expensive than USPS, particularly for small, lightweight shipments.

Here, we can see that:

• UPS® Ground Saver – Cheapest
  3 working days | $6.67
  
  
• UPS® Next Day Air® Early – Fastest
  1 working day | $76.14
  
  
• USPS - Priority Mail – Best Value
  1–3 working days | $10.33

Use a shipping calculator to compare rates across different carriers. Tools like Easyship can help you find discounted rates for domestic and international shipping.

Step 6: Shipping Books Internationally

Shipping books to customers outside your country involves additional considerations, such as customs regulations and fees.

Choosing the right international carrier

• USPS Priority Mail International: Affordable for lightweight packages but slower than other carriers.
• DHL: Strong global presence with fast delivery and excellent tracking.
• UPS/FedEx: Reliable for large or high-value shipments with robust tracking capabilities.

Understanding customs requirements

• Fill out customs forms accurately with a clear description of the books and their value.
• Research destination-specific restrictions to avoid delays or fines.
• Use Easyship’s tax and duties calculator: Easyship makes customs compliance much easier by calculating the exact duties and taxes your shipment may incur before you send it. 

Estimating shipping costs

• Carriers often calculate costs based on dimensional weight, so measure and weigh your packages carefully.
• Include any duties, taxes, or fees in your shipping estimates to avoid surprises for your customers.

Step 7: Take Advantage of Bulk Shipping Discounts

If you frequently ship books in large quantities, consolidating orders can lead to significant cost savings.

• Negotiate volume discounts: Many carriers offer lower rates for businesses that ship in bulk.
• Optimize fulfillment: Partnering with a fulfillment service like those provided by Easyship can help streamline your shipping operations and access discounted rates.

Step 8: How Easyship and Fulfillment Services Can Help

Scaling your book business often requires managing more complex shipping operations. Fulfillment services like Easyship offer solutions to simplify logistics.

• Discounted rates: Easyship provides access to savings of up to 91% with over 250 couriers worldwide.
• Integrated tools: Features like a shipping rate calculator, branded tracking emails, and automatic alerts improve the customer experience.
• Global scalability: Easyship’s platform helps you manage both domestic and international shipments efficiently.

Step 9: Final Checklist Before Shipping

Before shipping your books, do a final check:

1. Ensure books are wrapped and padded securely.
2. Ensure each book is placed in a plastic bag to prevent water damage.
3. Verify that books are wrapped in protective wrapping paper to avoid scratches and tears.
4. Shake the box gently to confirm there’s no movement inside.
5. Verify the label and sealing to prevent delivery issues.

By following these steps, you’ll reduce the risk of damage and delays, keeping your customers satisfied and your business running smoothly.

Shipping books may seem straightforward, but small improvements to your packaging and shipping strategy can make a big difference. By choosing the right materials, carriers, and processes, you’ll save money, protect your inventory, and deliver an excellent experience for your customers.

Ready to simplify and save on shipping?
Easyship is here to help.

Easyship was built to simplify shipping for eCommerce sellers of every size. If you’re looking for ways to save on shipping costs, compare rates, automate fulfillment, or grow internationally—our free shipping tools and smart dashboard can save you hours daily.

Join our community of eCommerce sellers and get started with Easyship for free today.

FAQs on How to Ship Books

What is the cheapest way to ship books domestically?

The most affordable option for shipping books within the U.S. is USPS Media Mail. It’s specifically designed for shipping books and educational materials, offering low rates compared to other services. However, keep in mind that it may take longer (up to 8 days) and doesn’t include tracking or insurance by default.

Do I need to use special packaging to ship books?

No specific packaging is required, but it’s highly recommended to use sturdy cardboard boxes or padded envelopes, depending on the size and number of books. Adding protective materials like bubble wrap, plastic bags, or packing peanuts will help prevent damage during transit.

How do I find the best shipping rates for books?

Use a multi-carrier shipping tool like Easyship to compare real-time rates from 250+ couriers. You can filter by cheapest, fastest, or best value, and access exclusive discounts on domestic and international labels.

How do I ship books internationally without high customs fees?

To avoid unexpected duties and taxes, you can use Easyship’s tax and duties calculator. It calculates the estimated customs charges for each destination, allowing you to either prepay them or notify the customer of any fees at checkout. Accurate customs forms and descriptions will also help prevent delays.

Should I get insurance when shipping books?

If you’re shipping valuable, rare, or collectible books, purchasing shipping insurance is a good idea to protect against loss or damage. Many carriers, including USPS Priority Mail, UPS, and FedEx, offer insurance options. Easyship also provides affordable coverage for both domestic and international shipments.

How can I reduce shipping costs while maintaining fast delivery?

You can save money on shipping by comparing courier rates using tools like Easyship’s rate calculator. It helps you find the most cost-effective option based on delivery time, weight, and destination. Additionally, bulk shipping discounts and using Flat Rate boxes for heavier shipments can help lower costs while keeping delivery times competitive.

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