How to Mail 45 RPM Records

45s usually hold single releases.

Mailing 45 RPM records, or 45s, is not difficult. The most important thing is to ensure that the records will not crack, chip or break during shipment. A thick cardboard mailer ensures the records' safety. The cardboard must be sturdy enough that it wont bend under the heavy weight of other mail or packages. Mailing 45s can be inexpensive if you use the U.S. Postal Service's media mail postage rate.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Thick cardboard (at least 8-by-16 inches)
• Priority boxes or envelopes (if shipping via priority mail)
• Craft paper or tissue paper
• 45 sleeve
• Box knife or craft knife
• Metal ruler
• Packaging tape

Instructions

Priority Mail

1. Measure the record sleeve for the 45 using the tape measure. Write down the measurement. Fold the priority box as flat as possible. Using the ruler, draw a square on the flattened box that's at least 1/2 inch larger than the record sleeve.

2. Insert the 45 into its sleeve. Wrap the sleeve carefully in a double layer of tissue paper or craft paper. Insert the wrapped record into the flattened, cut box. Tape the open ends of the box closed using the packaging tape.

3. Address the package. Write "Fragile, do not bend" in a readily-noticeable location on the box. Send the package using priority mail.

Regular Mail

1. Place one piece of cardboard atop the other. Using the ruler, draw a square on the cardboard at least 1/2 inch larger than the record sleeve. Cut along the lines using the craft knife and the ruler. Cut the bottom piece of cardboard so it matches the top piece.

2. Place the record into the sleeve, then wrap the sleeve in a double layer of craft paper or tissue paper. Place the wrapped record between the layers of the cardboard "sandwich." Tape the open ends of the package securely with packaging tape.

3. Write "Fragile: do not bend" on the front of the package. Address the package and mail it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a large piece of cardboard, you can fold it in half instead of cutting out two separate pieces.

• Prevent scratches by packing 45s so they won't slide around during shipment.

• If you're mailing multiple records, put a layer of cardboard between every few records.

• You can also use specially-designed record mailers to package your 45 RPM records.

• Only packages that contain nothing but records qualify for the media mail rate.

References

• Angelfire: Roadhouse: How to Mail Records