A poly bubble mailer is a padded envelope: an outer layer of polyethylene film, lined with a layer of bubble cushioning, closed with a peel-and-seal strip. It weighs almost nothing, ships flat, and costs less to post than a box. For soft goods and small non-fragile items, it is the default e-commerce shipper.
What goes in one
Good fits are clothing, accessories, books, cables, cosmetics in tubes, and small boxed items. Poor fits are glass, ceramics, electronics with exposed screens, and anything with a sharp corner, because the film offers cushioning but not structure. A fragile item needs a box, and a mailer box is a better choice for those.
Choosing a size
Pick the mailer by the thickest point of the product. Leave a little extra room so you can slide the item in without forcing it, but not so much that the product floats. An oversized mailer wastes postage and lets the contents slide. The usable interior is slightly smaller than the stated size because of the seal flap and seam, so check the interior dimensions.
Printing
Poly mailers print well in one or two colors. A logo, a pattern, or a short line of copy is enough. Colored film, such as white, black, or metallic, changes the printed look, so ask for a sample before ordering. Because the mailer is the first thing the customer sees, even a plain logo on a clean color makes the delivery look like it came from a brand rather than a warehouse.
Tamper and returns
A self-seal strip holds well for most orders, and a second strip lets customers reuse the mailer for returns. Some customers prefer a tamper-evident closure, which shows if the package has been opened before it arrives.
Eco notes
Polyethylene film is recyclable in some store drop-off programs and not in curbside bins. Mailers made with recycled content exist, and so do paper alternatives. If sustainability is part of your pitch, confirm with your supplier exactly what the material is before making a claim.
Order with TBPB
There is no minimum order. Our team lays out print files for free, sends free samples, and ships free. See bubble mailers and bags and mailer boxes. If a competitor quotes less for the same spec, send it and we will beat it.
Questions buyers ask
What is a poly bubble mailer?
A padded envelope made of polyethylene film lined with bubble cushioning and closed with a peel-and-seal strip. It is light, ships flat, and costs less to post than a box.
What should not go in a bubble mailer?
Glass, ceramics, and electronics with exposed screens need the structure of a box. Bubble mailers cushion but do not protect against crushing.
How do I choose a bubble mailer size?
Size by the thickest point of the product and leave a little room to slide it in. The interior is slightly smaller than the stated size.
Can I print my logo on bubble mailers?
Yes. One or two colors print well, and film color changes the printed look, so request a sample.
Can I order a small run of custom mailers?
Yes. TBPB has no minimum order.
