Vacuum Packaging. Anyone using it?

[clarry100]

Our items are inexpensive and soft and "squishy" so we have been thinking that this might be an easy way to make sure they will always fit inside the thickness requirements for AP. Sometimes if not compressed they kind of push the 20mm thickness limits for large letter packages. So far we have been pinged on a couple and have had to wear the fee.

Anyone have any experience using these cheaper (under $100) kitchen food sealers?

Are the bags very expensive?

Any thoughts or advice on these machines?

[thecatspjs]

insert a drinking straw and suck the air out .......

[zigzagdot]

Yeah thecatspjs, I was tempted to say "Now that really sucks"!!!!   

[zigzagdot]

Try the rigid card mailers - there's a seller on eBay who sells them specifically to keep under the letter dimensions, and they won't be susceptible to expanding like envelopes etc are. 

I use them for more delicate items of jewellery, but I think they would be quite good for your softer items that can be folded or packaged nicely, but may bunch up etc in a padded bag or envelope.

I use rigid card mailers but more out of sheer desperation than practicality.   They work well up to a point, garments that have dome shaped buttons present a problem though!   AP applaudes.....another one bites the dust.... 

[*crikey*mate*]

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@phorum_junkie* wrote:

I too use ziplock bags without any problems to date, if you are having trouble getting enough air out just close it up all but a small bit at the end and insert a drinking straw and suck the air out then seal quickly.

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WARNING: Only do this when the ambient temperature is cool. Otherwise you will be full of hot air LOLOLOL

Spoiler

OMG PJ, That's GOLD!

[digital*ghost]

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@zigzagdot wrote:

I use rigid card mailers but more out of sheer desperation than practicality.   They work well up to a point, garments that have dome shaped buttons present a problem though! 

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Ah yes, the accursed and infernal garments with awkwardly shaped buttons, oddly placed thick and rigid tags, frilly things that didn't want to fold neatly and sometimes even the little buckles on adjustable shoulder straps - constantly threatening to thwart my intentions to post them as letters. 

I had to devise some pretty creative folding techniques, so eventually became a pretty dab hand with clothing-origami. 

[zigzagdot]

LOL!!!!!!!!  It gives a whole new meaning to eBay Sellers being a bunch of suckers!   

[zigzagdot]

clothing-origami.

I know exactly what you mean, packing for AP is a fine art.... LOL!!!

[extra-keen]

I pack my ribbon in good quality food grade plastic bags and use a plastic bag sealer (around $60 on ebay).

Providing there isn't any damage to the bag, pressing the air out by hand and then sealing the tops works very well and looks good too. Although I don't know whether it would strictly help keep items that aren't thinner than 2cm, less than 2cm thick. But you could try it - It certainly helps with presentation of larger orders (I only use it for larger orders).

I also  use laminated envelopes for orders over $5.00 and that definitely helps keep the ribbon in tip top condition along its journey.

[beautbots01]

Heeeeyyyy that's my line.  MORE SUCK FOR YOUR BUCK!!!!!!    Haa Haa Haa

[zigzagdot]

OK OK I plead guilty, I will SUCK UP for a BUCK.......