Help Center - How to Wrap a CD for Mailing

You are not required to use the SwapaCD Wrapper.  If you want, you can hand-write the address on your package.

• The SwapaCD wrapper has some advantages: zip+4, plus the PostNet code (under the address) both of which improve transit time and prevent misdelivery.

CDs can be sent using First-Class Letter OR Media Mail Rate.  The method of packaging determines the cost of sending a CD.

If you are using Printed Postage (no matter what rate or method of packaging you choose), your packaged CD must be rectangular in shape!  This is a USPS requirement.

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Mailing Supplies

• Tape
  • 3 rolls
  • 6 rolls tape

(commision may be earned)

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The various packaging methods and the postage required:

To use First-Class Letter Rate, your CD package must meet the following dimension/weight requirements:

• Requirements to use First Class Letter Rate:

  Required Dimensions of Package:

  • Not less than 5 inches long and 3-1/2 inches high.
  • Not more that 11-1/2 inches long, or more than 6-1/8 inches high, or more than 1/4-inch thick.
  • Not more than 3.5 ounces.
  • Rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides.

   

  Letter Rates: as of March 2024

  • 1 ounce: $0.68
  • 2 ounces: $0.92
  • 3 ounces: $1.16
  • 3.5 ounces: $1.40

   

   

CD packages not meeting the dimension/weight requirements for letter rate must be sent using Media Mail. (see below)

You can use our recommended method for sending Discs/Disc+insert.  This is recommended because it is inexpensive AND has proven to be a safe way to mail CDs.  This uses first-class letter rate, and the package MUST be rectangular in shape when you are finished wrapping to qualify for this inexpensive postage.

• Recommended method.   Cost: $1.36 (2-ounce letter rate plus 44-cent non-machinable surcharge):  

  • Wrap the CD and 1 to 2 pieces of non-corrugated (cereal box-type) cardboard with the SwapaCD Wrapper.
  • The stiffness of the CD and cardboard adds a $0.44 non-machinable surcharge to the $0.92 2-ounce letter rate.
  • The cardboard must be thin, to stay under the 1/4-inch thickness requirement
  • One sheet of poster board could also be cut to mail many CDs.

• Do not mail the case with the CD.
• To use Letter Rate, your packaged CD must be rectangular in shape!  This is true whether or not you use Printed Postage.

You can also use your own alternate packaging (examples given below).  All of these alternate methods use Media Mail Rate.  Remember your packaged CD must be rectangular in shape if you are using Printed Postage.

• CD packages not meeting the dimension/weight requirements for letter rate will fall in the Media Mail rate.
• Rates:

Up to 1 pound.......................................$4.13
More than 1 pound, less than 2 pounds....... 4.87
More than 2 pounds, less than 3 pounds.....5.61
More than 3 pounds, less than 4 pounds..... 6.35
More than 4 pounds, less than 5 pounds.....7.09
More than 5 pounds, less than 6 pounds.....7.83
More than 6 pounds, less than 7 pounds.....8.57

1. First alternate method: Bubble wrap  Cost: $4.13 (Media Mail rate)
   • Wrap the CD with a sheet of bubble wrap and then enclose it in the SwapaCD Wrapper.
     • The USPS has told us that using bubble wrap will cause the package to be irregularly shaped which means it cannot be mailed at the letter rate.
     • If you carefully wrap your package to make it flat and rectangular you can check with your local Post Office and they may charge you the less expensive letter rate.
2. Second alternate method: Bubble mailer Cost: $4.13 (Media Mail rate)  
   • Mail the entire jewel case in a small bubble wrap envelope. Lightly tape the jewel case shut to prevent the CD from coming loose while en route.
   • If you mail the jewel case you will always have to pay the more expensive rate.
3. Third alternate method: Jewel Case Cost: $4.13 if under 1 lb (Media Mail rate)
   • Mail the CD in a jewel or slim case, enclosed in the SwapaCD Wrapper. Please note that most jewel cases are broken when using this shipping method, but the CDs arrive safely.
   • If you mail the jewel case you will always have to pay the more expensive rate.

Again, if you are using Printed Postage, your packaged CD must be rectangular in shape!

We ask that if you are unsure about the postage rate for your mailing method that you take your package to your local Post Office. 

If your CD is in a Digipak (cardboard style case with plastic tray(s) attached to the inside to hold the disc(s), please DO NOT remove the plastic trays before sending out the CD. Either send it out all in one piece, or post it as 'Disc Only' and only send the disc by itself.

If you receive a CD that you think was inadequately wrapped

• We ask that you give gentle feedback to the sender, to help him or her improve wrapping technique.
• Doing this not only helps the sender, but also all the future members she or he swaps with, and is a service to the Club as a whole.
• There are many options for wrapping a CD. Everyone needs to experiment a little, to find the method that works best to transport CDs safely at a minimum of cost.

Related Links:

Can I include anything with my CD?
How to Print the SwapaCD Wrapper
Can I hand-write the address to send a CD?
How much does it cost to mail a CD?