I just started using a new envelope for book wrapping. I'd like to know how they hold up in the mail before I go out and get more of them. Is it against the rules to ask with the "information for Receiver" slip to rate/comment on the wrapping when they mark it received? (I already handwrite the address on there in case it ever does come out of the envelope)

If you tell us what kind of envelope, it may be that some of us have used the same kind before.  We'd be happy to share our experiences on mailing envelopes!

Yes Kristina, what are you considering?  We've seen all kinds of wrappers, some work well and others do not.

Why not just send a PM to the member?

I would just send a PM. after they mark it received. When I receive books with the PS invoice slips in them, I usually discard them without even looking at them.

If the insert had handwriting on it I would notice and read it but otherwise I don't read them. I would pm them but if you want to write on the insert use a colored ink and write it noticably, even if they normally toss it the color will be noticeable.

I have to agree though that between us we have likely seen every kind of wrapping that could possibly be used. What ya got?

Whatever type of envelope you are using make sure it is tight around the book.  Books sliding around loose in any envelope will almost always make it tear! 

hmm let me see if I can describe it as I have never come across one in the states. (I'm at an APO in the UK) the front/top is paper similiar to our minilla evelopes but a little heavier stock which is then adhered to a cardboard back. It makes for a rigid pack. Of course if a book is shorter/small I score the cardboard and fold it over, securing the flap with packing tape. The book itself is in a Old Navy plastic (from ordering online) bag with the address displayed *just in case* the packaging gets riped off. I know my books have a distance to go, so I try and make them a brick with out potential for folding or mummifying!

I changed my style because at the moment I have alot of childrens "reader" books listed. I was sandwiching them between cardboard  but then they would rip a regular mailer. wrapping them in brown paper required mummy books & lots of tape!

My only complaint with stiffer packaging (other than a box or cardboard mailer like you get from Amazon or B&N) is that it sometimes isn't flexible, so if something lands on the edge of the package it will break/tear the package rather than bend.

Your packaging should be fine Kristina.  I frequently receive books in Manilla envelopes, and they travel well so long as the envelope is folded down snug to the book and firmly taped.  A more rigid variation should hold up well also, especially since it sounds like you are modifiying the packaging to eliminate excess wrapper that could be torn open by sorting equipment. 

But do pm your receiver if you like, and ask how the wrapper survived enroute.  Most members probably wouldn't mind answering a simple, "Hey, I used an unfamiliar wrapper on your package and was wondering how it traveled, any observations you'd like to share?"

(I'm at an APO in the UK) the front/top is paper similiar to our minilla evelopes but a little heavier stock which is then adhered to a cardboard back. It makes for a rigid pack. Of course if a book is shorter/small I score the cardboard and fold it over, securing the flap with packing tape. The book itself is in a Old Navy plastic (from ordering online) bag with the address displayed *just in case* the packaging gets riped off. I know my books have a distance to go, so I try and make them a brick with out potential for folding or mummifying!

Is this what you are describing? 

http://www.viking-direct.co.uk/a/pb/Office-Depot-Peel-and-Seal-Board-Back-Envelopes-190-x-140mm-115gsm-Box-125-Manilla/id=2108222/

(I've lived in the UK and I like stationery!)

Should work just fine Kristina.  For smaller books, I'd fold it in half (with the cardboard side on the outside) and secure firmly with packing tape.  As always make sure there are no loose edges for sorting equipment to grab and destroy.

Happy swapping!

Also, use packaging tape as reinforcement on the places where the corners of the book will try to poke through the envelope.

Whatever packing material I am using, I run tape completely around the package in both directions.  That way, unless the tape tears, the book can NOT fall out of the package.  Just a precaution I take.