All wrapping should be tight on packages. If it is loose, it will get caught in postal machinery.

And please do not use scotch tape!

Several that I have received in the last few weeks were loose inside manila, plastic, and bubble envelopes,

I have even received hardbacks in nothing but the PBS wrapper.

Many arrived on the verge of coming out of wrapper, and with some damage to the corners.

Most are not even wrapped in plastic, but thank goodness, no damage from weather yet.

I would much rather have to work a little harder to open a well wrapped book, than have the disappointment

of a lost or badly damaged copy of something I really wanted.

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95% of what I mail out are hardback books.

So when I mail out any book it is wrapped in plastic. I use 1 or 2 shopping bags from Wal-mart or wherever.

And, I turn the book on it edge and tape all around it.

Then I put it into a salvaged wrapper that some of my books came in, I form fit it and tape it down tight, all

around the edges.

Sometimes at local stores like Dollar Tree, I buy a 3pk of small white gift boxes, (and still wrap the book in

plastic) and use the shopping bags as filler, inside the ends and sides, before taping all around the perimeter

of package.

I have had several compliments from receivers about the great conditon of the hardbacks when they got them.

This is not expensive, even with the extra padding, the usual hardback postage is $2.58. (at least until the next rate increase).

And my shipping supplies are minimal. I reuse what I have and buy what I need from $ type stores.

Just think of books you have received and any problems that you saw. If you do that, you can think of

inexpensive ways to prevent damage in what you send out.

Also everyone needs to remember that the postage printed on the label sheet is just the suggested amount,

IT MAY NOT BE CORRECT, for various reasons.

Please check out the discussion forums, there is so much valuable information to be picked up from other members!