Can original comic book art be shipped by USPS Media Mail?

LadyM

I know that comic books aren't eligible for Media Mail because they contain advertisements, but what about the original comic book pages?

I have three I need to ship out, and because they're so large I have been forced to put them diagonally into a large box (between pieces of cardboard so they don't bend, of course). Even though the box is light (3 lbs, mostly from the padding inside), the shipping is CRAZY HIGH for Priority Mail because of the dimensions of the box. And even Standard Post is pretty high . . . But Media Mail would only be $3.58.

Anyone know if this is doable?

Darkewolfe

No, art is not a category for media mail. Media mail covers books, CD, DVD, VHS etc., and printed music.

Brainleech

I have some of the comic art I have sent via the USPS the last one I got was in two cut up express mail letters made into one so it laid flat
Most of the time it's stuck between to large sheets of cardboard inside a box so it hopefully arrived flat and intact

But for some reason the times it's been sent to me via FEd Ex has been a nightmare

Lindsay Lohan

I hate to say this, but even if you could send them via media mail do you really want original comic book art shipped in the absolute cheapest method possible? Seems like if it's irreplaceable using something insurable and traceable like priority mail would be something you would want to spring for...

What about UPS? I believe they allow larger boxes before calling something oversized.

Delzhand

Darkewolfe wrote: »

No, art is not a category for media mail. Media mail covers books, CD, DVD, VHS etc., and printed music.

It's not even that - they recently revised is so that it only covers educational materials.

EggyToast

I'd suggest pricing it out on FedEx or UPS, and ignore the post office. For packages, the USPS is rarely cheaper, and always slower.

Jasconius

the usps is hella aggressive about enforcing media mail

even if you COULD ship it that way, you could expect them to open (read: rip open) the package in transit to make sure it was legit

I've seen many media mail packages ripped/torn/dismantled in my day

if you value it at all, you send it UPS

LadyM

Jasconius wrote: »

the usps is hella aggressive about enforcing media mail

even if you COULD ship it that way, you could expect them to open (read: rip open) the package in transit to make sure it was legit

I've seen many media mail packages ripped/torn/dismantled in my day

if you value it at all, you send it UPS

That's a good point! I emailed the buyer and they were okay with USPS Standard shipping prices, so that's what I'm going to go with (plus delivery confirmation and insurance).

I will never ship by UPS unless there's no other option. I've had more broken and crushed packages arrive from them than from any other carrier. I would never trust them with anything one-of-a-kind. Personally I think the whole "if you aren't there to sign for your package, we won't leave it" thing is a big pain in the ass. Useful if you get mail stolen a lot, I guess.

Edit: This thread can be closed now, if the mods so choose, since I got the answer I sought. Thanks, all.