What Can Be Shipped as a Flat?

When it comes to shipping products, choosing the right packaging can make a significant difference in your bottom line. At Conformer, we specialize in designing and manufacturing eco-friendly paperboard packaging that allows businesses to ship merchandise as USPS Automated Flats. 

USPS Automated Flats are a category of mail that meets specific size, thickness, and weight requirements, enabling them to be processed quickly and efficiently by the USPS’s sorting equipment. By utilizing our innovative solutions, your eCommerce store can save substantially on postage costs while ensuring your products arrive safely and efficiently at your customers’ doorsteps.

This comprehensive article explores what types of products can be shipped as flats and how our packaging solutions can help your business optimize its shipping process, reduce environmental impact, and ultimately improve your bottom line.

Why Buy Flats

On average, small merchandise shipped as a USPS Lightweight Parcel costs $2.80. By using Conformer packaging, which ships as a USPS Automated Flat, you can reduce that cost to just $1 per shipment, saving you $1.80 on each package.

What Qualifies as a Flat?

To be eligible for shipping as a USPS Automated Flat, your merchandise must meet specific size and weight requirements:

• Thickness: The merchandise must be under 5/8 inch thick.
• Weight: The packaged item must weigh less than 13 ounces.
• Size: The item should be smaller than 4 inches by 6 inches, or it must be flexible enough to bend without damage.

A wide variety of small consumer package goods fall into this category, making them perfect candidates for cost-effective flat shipping rates.

Clothing and Accessories

Small apparel items and accessories are often well-suited for shipping as flats. Consider the following examples:

• Lightweight t-shirts and tank tops
• Dress socks and athletic socks
• Neckties and bow ties
• Undergarments like bras and panties
• Shorts and swimwear
• Scarves and bandanas
• Gloves and mittens
• Hats and caps
• Swimwear

By utilizing our packaging solutions, clothing retailers can significantly reduce their shipping costs while ensuring their products arrive in perfect condition.

Technology and Electronics

Many small electronic devices, gadgets, and accessories can be shipped as flats when properly packaged. Some examples include:

• Smartphone cases and screen protectors
• Smartwatches and accessories
• Earbuds
• Batteries
• Cables
• Chargers
• Small computer peripherals

Our custom packaging options allow technology companies to create branded, protective packaging that showcases their products while keeping shipping costs low.

Health and Wellness Products

The health and wellness industry can benefit greatly from shipping products as flats. Items that qualify include:

• Vitamins
• Drink mix
• Nutritional supplements
• Energy bars
• Protein powders
• Herbal teas
• Essential oils

By partnering with Conformer, health and wellness brands can develop eco-friendly, cost-effective packaging solutions that align with their commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Personal Care

Personal care items are another category of products that can often be shipped as flats. These products are typically small, lightweight, and non-fragile, making them ideal for flat shipping rates. Examples include:

• Toothbrushes and floss
• Razors
• Makeup remover wipes

Beauty Supplies

The beauty industry can also take advantage of flat shipping rates for many of its products. Small, lightweight items like cosmetics and skincare products are well-suited for shipping as flats. Consider these examples:

• Eyeshadow palettes and eyeliners
• Lipsticks and lip glosses
• Mascara and brow gels
• Foundations and concealers
• Face powders and blushes
• Sheet masks and serums
• Travel-sized skincare sets

The Benefits of Conformer Mailers & Custom Packaging

Our patented suite of packaging solutions is the result of nearly two decades of collaboration with USPS engineers and mailpiece design authorities. This extensive research and development process has yielded packaging products that are optimized for the USPS’s high-efficiency Flats Sequencing System (FSS), enabling businesses to bypass more costly Parcel mail rates.

By choosing our mailers and custom packaging, your eCommerce store can:

• Ship small consumer goods quickly and efficiently
• Reduce costs associated with subscription-based eCommerce programs
• Deliver products safely and securely, often with free shipping
• Cut shipping costs and maintain a competitive edge in your market

Our commitment to eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices also allows your business to minimize its environmental footprint, a growing concern among today’s conscientious consumers.

Ship Flat Today!

By shipping your products as USPS Automated Flats using our eco-friendly packaging solutions, you can significantly reduce your postage costs, improve your shipping efficiency, and gain a competitive edge in your market. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you find the perfect packaging solution for your products, ensuring that your eCommerce store can continue to grow and thrive in today’s fast-paced e-commerce landscape.

Take the first step towards optimizing your shipping process and enhancing your customer experience by visiting Conformer.com today. With our innovative packaging solutions, you can confidently ship your products while saving money and reducing your environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of savings can I expect on postage by using Conformer packaging?

On average, small merchandise shipped as a USPS Lightweight Parcel costs $2.80. By using our packaging, which ships as a USPS Automated Flat, you can reduce that cost to just $1 per shipment, saving you $1.80 on each package.

Which businesses can benefit the most from Conformer’s packaging solutions?

Our packaging solutions are particularly advantageous for businesses that ship merchandise valued between $5 and $30. In this price range, the $1.80 savings per shipment can lead to substantial increases in lifetime value for your customers.

How eco-friendly are Conformer’s packaging solutions?

Our paperboard packaging is made from 100% paper.  It is 100% recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable, helping your business reduce its environmental impact.

Is it possible for Conformer to create custom packaging tailored to my products?

Absolutely! We specialize in creating custom packaging that not only protects your products during shipping but also creates a memorable unboxing experience for your customers. Our team of experts will work with you to design packaging that showcases your brand and delights your customers with every delivery.