Posting small objects through letter delivery

[sayf_mohtadi]

I'm very new to selling on eBay and I would love to get some help. The objects I intend to sell are very small (ie phone cases and protectors) and thin. I heard that such objects may be shipped using an envelope and through letter delivery, hence being very cheap. Can someone tell me the  risks associated with such a delivery method as well as how to avoid these risks. 

One more thing, do CD mailers count as envelopes (and hence cheap shipping)? 

Also, i noticed these CD mailers http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/100-152x132x16mm-CD-DVD-DISC-MAILER-Mailing-Box-Rigid-Envelope-Large-Lett... for a pretty cheap price. Ik this question may seem stupid, but I'm extremely new to all this... Would these envelopes need stamps before being shipped out? If so, how many stamps will they require? How do I know which envelopes need stamps and which don't?

I really need help and would really really really appreciate it if someone could help me solve my problems. Thanks 🙂

[antonios7529]

 you can find  cheap envelopes, padded bags from ebay, 3-4 times cheaper than from post office!

if your item, including envelope is thinner than 20mm then no problem but if thicker you will have big problems.

Australian Post Office is from the most expensive in the world.

I pay for a product from China $1.00 including postage,

If I try to resale this product in Australia, I have to pay more than $8.00 only for postage even if i post it close to my home.

[justcruising48]

You can pay for registered post for those envelope bags still. Costs around $3.50 each, but with postage only being $1.10 and with the ebay's 10% fee, still means you can send secured post with tracking for $5 without a big loss, if you can get bags cheap. 

[cherry*135]

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@cq_tech wrote:
Yes, that was a typo. Sorry. It obviously should have been 20mm. I got confused because I was also talking about prepaid C5 envelopes which can carry up to 500g for only $1.70.

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That's OK. I only mentioned it because I didn't want the OP to get conflicting info on maximum letter heights.

[oceanic_flyer]

I also use this seller, but go to the next size of bubble bags 230 x 160 can get more in them, also the flat envelope card tough bag, but have discovered the mailing box, they are a little darer but are only 16cms high, I got the 2 larger sizes, should have bought them years ago. Ask you PO for a postage gauge, this will tell you if your bag will go through the slot. I have been selling letter rate for years and no I do not offer free postage, maybe the odd thing, but all my envelopes must take at least 2 70c stamps. i normally buy by the 400, bubble bags 100 and 50 for the boxes.These are all cheaper here than AP. looking at their bubble wrap as well.
good luck.and also as attic-case said you need kitchens scales.

[i-love-my-sheep]

My local PO are pretty familiar with me because I'm a regular, but they refused to part with a letter gauge unfortunately. That's why I made mine from thick cardboard. Other PO's might be more obliging, so worth the OP asking at their local one. I know other sellers here have been fortunate enough to score one.

My digital kitchen scales were only about $19, but I was surprised that there was only 1g difference between them and the PO's scales. I was expecting anywhere from 10-50g difference. The digital are far better than the old type and are a must, I agree. I have smaller digital scales that I weigh my items on for listing.

I'm really luckly when it comes to packaging for parcels. I get some good boxes and packaging material with the mineral specimens I buy, plus I have access to a lifetime supply of packing peanuts and bubble wrap from work. They keep it all for some reason.....just in case I suppose and are more than happy for me to relieve them of some! They also save the small sturdy boxes for me too. I can also get soft wrapping stuff too if I need it. I've only had to buy the padded bags and tape, everything else is recycled.