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How to Properly Package and Ship Vinyl Records and CDs

If you are a collector of recorded music, you likely understand that the value and desirability of an item almost exclusively depends on its rarity and condition. If you are a seller, you likely understand that condition and rarity dictate an item's value or selling price, but you may not be aware of the proper materials and techniques used in safely shipping recorded music. To safeguard against damage, and maintain the existing condition of a piece of recorded music, there are certain protocols that should be followed when shipping vinyl records and compact discs. As a seller, you can increase buyer satisfaction, develop repeat customers and reduce returns and refunds by obtaining correct packaging materials and utilizing correct packing methods.

Things You'll Need

Cardboard record/CD mailers and inserts
Bubble wrap (optional)
Packing tape

Instructions

- 1
  12-inch LPs and maxi-singles should always be shipped in a sturdy, cardboard mailer (with cardboard inserts) specifically designed for shipping 12-inch records. The length and width of the mailer should both be between 12 ½ to 13 inches. The height or thickness will depend on the number of discs being shipped.
- 2
  Place at least one 12-inch by 12-inch cardboard insert into the bottom of the mailer box.
- 3
  Remove the disc (keeping it in its inner sleeve) from the LP jacket and place it next to the jacket in the box. If you have a plastic LP outer cover, place the jacket in the cover with the disc beside it. This step is very important as it will prevent potential seam splits to the album jacket that may occur from the disc sliding back and forth during transit. With a sealed LP, you obviously will not remove the disc from the jacket, but you will want to ensure that enough cardboard inserts are placed around the album to prevent the disc from sliding back and forth inside its sealed jacket.
- 4
  Place at least one cardboard insert on top of the LP jacket.
- 5
  Close the box and test for snugness. If there is any sliding around of the box contents, insert additional cardboard inserts until all is snug and tight. For the record to arrive safe and sound, it is imperative that the box contents be securely cushioned with no movement.
- 6
  Once a snug fit is achieved, close the box and tape the back and sides with packing tape.

Record Collecting