The preprinted mailer will fit the average paperback, but how do people wrap larger books? Use an 8.5x11 bubble mailer if the book fits in it and glue pre-printed postage to it?

Wrap with a brown paper bag and glue PPP to it?

Use a small box?

I tend to use manilla envelopes for larger books, folded to fit the book and taped to secure.  I also use bubble wrappers and inside out wrapping paper.  Read this thread for some creative suggestions:

http://www.paperbackswap.com/forum/view_topic.php?t=87835

Hi thanks. I found another thread discussing this.

My dollar store sometimes has 8.5x11 bubble mailers so I can get them there. They also have packing tape, but I don't know if it's a better deal than in stores, because the tape length is not labeled in the dollar store (it surely MUST be, store packing tape is $4 per roll). The dollar store tape also comes in several shades of bright blue, which makes my packages interesting.

I have also seen people ship stuff to me by wrapping the item in a cardboard box, trimmed to fit. Basically the took a too-large box, and cut it smaller, making some different folds and taping it real well.

First I wrap my books plastic.  Then, if the larger books are  flexible, I cut a piece of cardboard the size of the book.  I use brown grocery bags & a lot of tape.

Chuck - Okay, about the dollar store tape.  I can tell you from many, many frustrating experiences that it may pay to buy tape that is a bit more expensive.  I am a real tightwad with my money, so I like to buy everything cheap, but I found that the cheapest packing tape is really thin so you have to use a lot of it, plus it wrinkles and folds onto itself (on the roll) really easily.  Because it is so thin, once it folds onto itself, it is really hard to unpeel and that has happened so many times that I have practically thrown the roll away.  I haven't done that yet, because like I said, I'm cheap!  I use what I have even if it annoys me.  But next time, I think I'd buy tape that costs a few bucks more to save myself a headache.

Just my two cents.

I wouldn't suggest using any sort of glue on the packaging.  Use mailing/packaging tape no scotch tape.  I mail a lot of large trade-size paperbacks.  I keep any small boxes I get, they don't really add to the MM postage.  Wrap them in some sort of sturdy paper.  I've been using some manila envelopes I've had hanging around for years.  I wrap the book in plastic wrap (don't use press n seal) put in the envelope then tape it up so it's secure and the book won't move around.  I've also used a roll of plain white wrapping paper. It's a craft type paper intended for kids to decorate their own wrapping paper.  I have a couple rolls of kids painting paper that works well.  Once I got books wrapped in an old outdated map

If it's a trade size PB, I generally tape a second sheet of paper (long sides together) with a slight overlap, to the info sheet.  This is now big enough to go around a trade PB and be taped up over the ends.  For the page with the address on it, I just fold one side back enough so it fits over the front of the book, and tape away.

I keep some small boxes on hand for multi book orders, and for when the books are different sizes.

I use bubble envelopes for anything that will not fit a PBS wrapper. Plenty of tape, and then tape the postage label on the front.

Anything too big for even a bubble mailer goes in a box.

Just a reminder--if you do go with just paper, be sure to tape all the edges, corners, and sides securely.  I've gotten larger books mailed in just paper that haven't been well-taped, and the wrapper's worn off so that the book's damaged by the time it arrives. :(

And if you go with an envelope, make sure it's folded and taped so it's snug against the book on all sides.  Otherwise the machines will chew holes in the loose part, and the book will get damaged. 

Can you tell I've recieved a lot of holey envelopes? LOL!

While your at the dollar store check for some nice thick wrapping paper. I get some that is like craft paper with a design stamped on it. Then you can wrap the book like a present (dont tape to the book though) and tape your label on. If its thinner paper you can just use two layers. Its always cool to get a book wrapped in pretty paper.

I was going to say something about $$$ store packng tape...namely, don't use it, it doesn't work!  Spend the big buck and go to Walmart, office supply store-anyplace but the dollar store.

One time my dollar store had a big shipment of brand-name packing tape, the very same stuff I pay mucho $$ for at other places.  Woo hoo!  So you can occasionally find good tape at the dollar store.

ETA:  Welcome to the club, Chuck!

Ok..once in a while you might get lucky with the tape. but I haven't got it yet.  Doesn't work for scotch tape either...or duct tape..or electrical tape...or masking tape.

I use Scotch 3M Tear-by-Hand tape and I purchase it from the CVS across the street.  It's $3.99.  I also reuse and recycle everything.  Everything but the tape.

I love it because you can tear it by hand, which means I don't have to fool around with a dispenser and I really can tear it by hand.  So I just gather up my packages and labels and tape and that's it.  And you can easily pick up the beginning bit each time you start a package, no need to fold the tape back on to itself.  CVS has sales and accepts any coupons.

I've also gotten it from office supply stores and on eBay. 

This is the CVS description...

Description No scissors needed! Tear by hand. No dispenser needed! 1.88 inch x 629 inch (17.4 yd). U.S. Postal Service recommended sealing method. Simply tear and apply. Made in USA.

I use old gift wrap or catalog envelopes for larger books. I agree that cheap tape is a case of you get what you pay for!!