This review is to help eBayers know the safe & proper way for mailing patches, pins, and other items that are near a 1/4 inch or thicker via the United States Postal Service (USPS).

The Postal Service uses two basic types of automated equipment to process letter-size mail: Optical Character Readers (OCR) and Barcode Sorters. These both sort mail at a rate of approx 36,000 pieces per hour or about 10 pieces per second.

The plain letter-size envelopes should not be used for anything that is even close to 1/4 inch thick (Postal regulations state 1/4" or more) because it can jam up the automated, high-speed, computerized mail sorting and processing equipment and cause the item being mailed to be lost as well as damaging some of the envelopes that are following. You should never mail patches or pins in letter-size envelopes because of this. You can also check this out with your local Postmaster who should refuse any item that is a quarter inch or thicker in a regular envelope.

The proper way for mailing items via USPS that are even close to a 1/4 inch thick is to use a PADDED ENVELOPE, BUBBLE MAILER, or CARDBOARD BOXbecause they are processed by hand. Not only will this keep you and your buyers happy because the merchandise arrives in great condition, but the new bubble mailers look so much better than a damaged envelope that has a mangled mess in it or is torn open at one end and is missing it's contents!

I have been buying and selling HOG (Harley-Davidson Owner Group) patches and pins for years and have noticed that some are still not aware of the problems that can happen when using regular envelopes for mailing them. I have received envelopes with patches in them that have arrived safe and sound. However, some envelopes have been noticeably damaged, partially mangled, smeared ink from possible sorter damage, tears, rips, and even ends of envelopes torn off with no contents inside.

I hope this guide has helped some and if you want to puchase some HOG patches or pins, rest assure they will arrive safely in a bubble mailer :)