Originally Posted by
lindalou3 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Quote: Originally Posted by
sheba21 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Hi,
I have a subscription to Birchbox and every month there are a few items I don't like.
I am new to this forum and had question on how the trading works. Do you send the items via USPS? I was wondering if trading is useful if you consider the cost of shipping into factor.
Thanks.
I did learn the hard way that you aren't allowed to send any perfume through the USPS though...federal low prohibits it. So if you trade perfume you may have to ship it using UPS etc.
... Actually, you CAN ship perfume through USPS.
Here is post #60 of 64 from an ebay thread:
http://forums.ebay.com/db2/topic/Health-Beauty/How-Do-You/1000348812?&start=40
If you pack up the perfume sample carefully and mark a sturdy box, you can ship it. In fact, when I did this today, the woman behind the counter said it was totally okay to ship in that box since the two samples I sent were a negligible amount, she crossed off the ORM-D marking on my box and charged me the regular price (which was $2 less). Even if I paid the correct price, it saved me a bit of time, not having to go to the UPS store. So now you know. The info is below:
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Re: How do you ship your perfume?
Aug 20, 2011 03:13 PM
Hello, all! I just spent several hours researching this topic on the USPS site to make sure I had all the current facts about shipping perfume, since I have a bit to sell and am afraid to break the rules. LOL! Made notes for myself, so thought I'd share them with you in case you're still searching for answers.
At the very bottom of this post is a simple 4-step way to pack and ship perfumes that follows the USPS/DOT regs. Hope this helps.
RESEARCH RESULTS:
Sources: USPS "DMM 601 Mailability" June 2011 and USPS "Publication 52" June 2011; perfumery websites
DEFINITIONS
"Perfumery products with flammable solvents" are DOT Class 3 Flammable and Combustible Liquids. They can be shipped Domestic Surface only (Parcel Post). Air is prohibited, so this eliminates all but the contiguous 48 states. USPS packaging requirements must be followed.---Sources: USPS "DMM 601 Mailability" June 2011 and USPS "Publication 52" June 2011 [i believe these regulations apply to any liquid perfumery product, regardless of whether it is bottled, spritz, or aerosol.]
"Hazardous material" is any article or substance designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as being capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property during transportation. In international commerce, hazardous materials are known as “dangerous goods.â€
"ORM-D (Other Regulated Material) material" is a limited quantity of a hazardous material that presents a limited hazard during transportation due to its form, quantity, and packaging. The proper shipping name for an ORM-D material is "consumer commodity." ORM-D materials cannot be sent in international mail.
"Consumer commodity" is a hazardous material that is packaged and distributed in a quantity and form intended or suitable for retail sale and designed for consumption by individuals for their personal care or household use purposes.
The "flashpoint" of perfumery products can range from 100°F (38°C) to 200°F (93°C). Since I don't know the exact flashpoints, I'm going to follow the quantity limitations and packaging requirements for the lower flashpoint range of 100°F to 141°F. Just to be safe.
USPS Packaging Requirements for surface transportation, if the flashpoint is 100°F (38°C) but no more than 141°F (60.5°C): The liquid must be in a primary receptacle not exceeding 1 quart. Limit one primary receptacle per mailpiece. Enough absorbent and cushioning material must surround the primary receptacle to prevent breakage and absorb all potential leakage. The cushioning and primary receptacle must be packed in a securely sealed secondary container. The secondary container must be placed within a strong outer packaging that is capable of firmly and securely holding the primary receptacle, cushioning material, and secondary packaging. The outer packaging must be plainly and durably marked on the address side with “Surface Only†or “Surface Mail Only†and “Consumer Commodity ORM-D." A complete return address and delivery address must be used.
HOW TO PACK AND SHIP PERFUME:
STEP 1: Wrap the bottle in paper towels, enough to absorb all the liquid inside in case it should break. Seal the wrapped bottle inside a plastic zip lock bag. Tape a "to-from" address label to the bag, just in case it gets separated from the rest.
STEP 2: Put the bagged perfume into a sturdy, close-fitting box. Fill all empty spaces so there's no movement when you shake it. Tape the box shut. Tape a "to-from" address label to the box, just in case.
STEP 3: Put the box into another sturdy box, big enough that the smaller one can be surrounded by at least two inches of packing peanuts on all sides. Fill all empty spaces so there's no movement when you shake it. Tape it up.
STEP 4: Create your Parcel Post mailing label and affix it to one side of the outer box. Print (using an indelible marker) "Consumer Commodity ORM-D" and "Surface Only" beside it. Place clear tape over the "to-from" addresses on the label to prevent rain smears. Send it!
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