Poly Mailers & Shipping Bags
What are poly mailers made of?
Poly mailers are made from high-grade polyethylene plastic, available in various thicknesses (typically 2-3 mil for standard mailers, 3.5-4 mil for heavy-duty). The material is water-resistant, tear-resistant, and lightweight, making it ideal for protecting soft goods during shipping while keeping costs low.
What size poly mailer do I need?
Choose a poly mailer size based on your product dimensions:
- 6x9 inches: Small items like jewelry, accessories, cosmetics
- 10x13 inches: T-shirts, folded apparel, small textiles
- 12x15.5 inches: Hoodies, sweatshirts, multiple garments
- 14.5x19 inches: Large clothing items, bedding, towels
Pro tip: Measure your product when folded/compressed, then add 1-2 inches for a snug fit. Oversized mailers cost more to ship and look unprofessional.
Can I ship fragile items in poly mailers?
Standard poly mailers are not recommended for fragile items like glass, ceramics, or electronics. For fragile products, use bubble-lined poly mailers (available in our catalog) or corrugated boxes with cushioning. Bubble mailers add a layer of air-cushioned protection while maintaining the lightweight cost-savings of poly packaging.
Are poly mailers waterproof?
Yes! Poly mailers are made from water-resistant polyethylene, protecting your products from rain, snow, and moisture during transit. This makes them ideal for shipping textiles, apparel, and paper goods that need protection from the elements.
How do I seal a poly mailer?
Most poly mailers feature a self-sealing adhesive strip (often called a "peel and seal" or "lip and tape" closure). Simply fold down the flap, peel off the protective liner, and press firmly to create a tamper-evident seal. No tape required!
Can poly mailers be customized with my logo?
Yes! We offer custom-printed poly mailers with your branding. Minimum order quantities apply. Custom mailers are a cost-effective way to enhance brand recognition and create a professional unboxing experience. Contact us for a custom quote.
Shipping & USPS Guidelines
Can I use poly mailers with USPS?
Absolutely! Poly mailers are fully USPS-approved and work with all USPS services (First Class, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express). They qualify for lower shipping rates than boxes because they weigh less and use less dimensional space.
How much does it cost to ship a poly mailer?
Shipping costs depend on weight and destination, but poly mailers typically ship cheaper than boxes because:
- Lighter weight: Poly bags add minimal weight (under 1 oz for most sizes)
- Smaller dimensions: Flat packaging avoids dimensional weight surcharges
- USPS First Class eligible: Items under 16 oz can ship First Class for as low as $4-$7
Example: A 10x13 poly mailer with an 8 oz t-shirt ships USPS First Class for ~$5, versus $9+ for the same item in a box.
Is a poly mailer considered an envelope or package?
USPS classifies poly mailers as "flats" or "packages" depending on thickness. Items under 3/4 inch thick qualify as flats (lower cost). Thicker items are classified as packages. Always measure your packed item to determine the correct postage.
Where do I place the shipping label on a poly mailer?
Place the shipping label on the largest flat surface of the sealed mailer, avoiding creases or edges. Ensure the barcode is completely flat and readable—wrinkled or folded labels can cause delivery delays.
Material & Durability
What is the strongest type of poly bag?
Our heavy-duty poly mailers (3.5-4 mil thickness) offer the highest puncture and tear resistance. For even more durability, consider co-extruded multi-layer bags or bags with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) blends, ideal for industrial applications or sharp-edged items.
Are your poly bags reusable?
Standard poly mailers are designed for single use. However, our heavy-duty bags and zipper-top poly bags can be reused multiple times if the seal remains intact. We also offer resealable poly mailers with adhesive strips designed for customer returns.
Are your packaging materials food-safe?
Yes! Many of our poly bags are FDA-approved for food contact. Look for products marked "FDA compliant" or "food-grade" in their descriptions. Perfect for dry goods, bakery items, and bulk food packaging. Browse food-safe options.
Wholesale & Ordering
Where can I buy poly mailers at wholesale prices?
You're already here! Prism Pak offers wholesale pricing on all packaging—no membership fees, no minimums on stock items. Bulk discounts available on case quantities. Create an account to see wholesale pricing.
How long does delivery take?
Most stock items ship within 1-2 business days. Standard ground shipping typically delivers in 3-5 business days. Expedited options available. Custom-printed items require 2-4 weeks for production.
Can you design a logo for custom bags?
We can assist with basic logo placement and sizing. For complex design work, we recommend providing print-ready artwork (vector files preferred: AI, EPS, PDF). Our team will review your artwork and provide a proof before production.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover), PayPal, and offer net payment terms for approved business accounts. Apply for credit terms during account setup.
Returns & Guarantees
What is your return policy?
We stand behind our products. If you receive damaged or defective items, contact us within 30 days for a replacement or refund. Stock items in original packaging can be returned within 30 days (restocking fee may apply). View full return policy.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Our packaging experts are here to help.
📞 Call: (570) 709-0366
📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 Live Chat: Available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST
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