Shrink Wrap Your Books

[Trisha]

I just purchased some shrink wrap bags from Uline.com (about 500 bags for around $18 plus shipping) and my first attempts at shrinking the plastic (with my hairdryer) are rough but even rough the books look much better -- more professional and protected. I can't stand losing a saleable book at an event when someone looks through it roughly or bounces it off the table too much. I plan on having a review copy out, and the wrapped books on display. Also can get biodegradable shopping bags at Uline, and bag personalization is available but very spendy.

[Zishie]

I've also used Uline and found them to be a very good business.

[Dee]

Thanks so much for the link Trisha...you must have been reading my mind, I was curious if anyone had utilized shrink wrapping.

Dee Marie

[Nina]

This is a great resource, thanks. Several times when I've ordered used books on Amazon, the seller has shrink wrapped them, which protects them in the shipping bag. Those books are always in the best condition, so I've been thinking of doing that when I mail my books.

[Elizabeth]

Thankfully my publisher sends every book shrinked wrapped. I have had several authors, at book signings, ask me if I did this or the publisher. I think I'm fortunate they do this because the books really look new when I sign them and hand them over. People do appreciate that. I would give this place Uline a try if I were you. Also, has anyone tried places like Staples and Office Depot? They laminate so maybe they also shrink wrap.

My 2 cents.

Liz

[Lee]

You can buy shrink wrap and use a blow dryer to shrink it on! Word of caution, we had an entire print run of books shrink wrapped and the distributor hated it! They had to unwrap each one to put their bar codes/distribution sticker on. It ended up costing money. If you are at all involved/responsible for distribution, talk to the distributors first.

[Ray]

To shrinkwrap or not?

My hardcover versions are never shrinkwrapped. Waste of time, effort, money with a cover that will stand up to handling already. (One gift shop at a restored U.S. Life-Saving Service station with no AC did shrinkwrap them for obvious reasons. They've since added AC -- so much for authenticity -- and no longer do.)

Paperbacks are the real question. About a third of mine come shrinkwrapped. But I was recently told by a major seller that shrinkwrapping books for sale is a no-no. The reason: "That sends a subliminal message that this is not to be touched." That's even true, she says, if there's an unwrapped "display copy." In other words: Shrinkwrapping is great for shipping and storage. But take it off before the books go on the shelves for sale.