thanks all for the replies, but to keep it at USPS Letter Rate instead of USPS First Class Package rate you have to keep it under 1/4" thick.. mailing out 500 and it could eat you up for postage.. I find this following expert says never mail that heavy and thick jewel case..use inserts and cereal box paper..
SOURCE:
http://www.swapacd.com/help/help_item.php?id=8There are several ways to package your CD for mailing, and the cost varies by packaging method (postal rates depend on package dimension and weight). The two potential mailing rates are First Class Letter and First Class Parcel--which one you use depends on your package dimensions.
Our goal is to recommend safe, inexpensive and convenient methods of mailing. For this reason, we do not recommend mailing the jewel case with the CD, due to the increased postage costs. We recommend keeping your old jewel cases and reusing them to hold the CDs you receive.
Note: The postage does not print out on the wrapper--unless you choose SwapaCD Printed Postage with Delivery Confirmation.
Our Two Recommended Methods of Packaging both use First Class Letter Rate:
Note Regulations for First Class Letter Rate:
Required Dimensions:
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.
CD packages not meeting the dimension/weight requirements for letter rate will fall in the parcel rate.
Letter Rates: as of Jan 17, 2016
1 ounce: $0.49
2 ounces: $0.71
3 ounces: $0.93
3.5 ounces: $1.15
Recommended Methods of Packaging and Mailing using Letter Rate:
Cost: $0.71 (2-ounce letter rate):
Place the disc with or without inserts (no jewel case) in a small bubble wrap envelope (6x9) and tape the SwapaCD wrapper on the front.
Using a 8.5x11 envelope is not allowed for the letter rate.
Cost: $0.93 (2-ounce letter rate plus 22-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 $0.22 non-machinable surcharge to the $0.71 2-ounce letter rate.
The cardboard must be thin, to stay under the 1/4-inch thickness requirement
One sheet of poster board (for example) could be cut to mail many CDs.
We recommend these two methods due to the low cost of mailing and their proven record of safely transporting CDs.
When using either of the above methods, do not mail the case with the CD.
Three Alternate Methods Used By Some Members (all use First Class Parcel Rate):
Note First Class Mail Parcel Rates: as of Jan 17, 2016
CD packages not meeting the dimension/weight requirements for letter rate will fall in the parcel rate
Between 3 and 4 ounces..............................2.74...$2.60 with Printable Postage
-----at this weight it becomes less expensive to use Media Mail rate if you are NOT printing with SwapaCD Postage-----
Between 4 and 5 ounces..............................2.94.. $2.60 with Printable Postage
Between 5 and 6 ounces............................3.14 .. $2.60 with Printable Postage
Between 6 and 7 ounces.............................3.34....$2.60 with Printable Postage
Between 7 and 8 ounces............................3.54...$2.60 with Printable Postage
------------at this weight it becomes less expensive to use Media Mail rate------
Between 8 and 9 ounces...........................3.74...$3.30 with Printable Postage
Between 9 and 10 ounces...........................3.92...$3.35 with Printable Postage
Between 10 and 11 ounces.........................4.14...$3.40 with Printable Postage
Between 11 and 12 ounces..........................4.34...$3.45 with Printable Postage
Between 12 and 13 ounces..........................4.54...$3.50 with Printable Postage
Cost: $2.54 (2-ounce parcel 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 will make it parcel 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 $0.71 for the letter rate.
Cost: $2.60 (5-ounce parcel 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 parcel rate.
Cost: $3.14 (5-ounce parcel rate)
Mail the CD in a jewel or slim case, enclosed in the SwapaCD Wrapper. Please note, 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 parcel rate.
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. Please share with us your individual experiences with mailing CDs.
