BY
Michael Polkowski
IN
Book and merchandise shipments: Between letters and parcels
Book and merchandise shipments in the past and today
The book and merchandise shipment has evolved over time. In the past, there were certain restrictions on content and packaging, whereas today there is more flexibility and options for sending smaller goods.
The evolution and limitations of the consignment concept since 1964
The concept of consignment as a discounted form of shipping was established as early as 1964. Since then, it has been modified again and again. Until 2019, the consignment of goods served to ship smaller products within and outside Germany at a low-cost rate. However, there were a few things to bear in mind, because the special conditions did come at a price in the end.
Personal messages were not authorised for the dispatch type goods dispatch. For example, if you wanted to send a book you had read to a friend, you could not enclose a greeting card or other message. Permitted were, for example, instructions for use and operation, invoices and advertising. In fact, this was also controlled. At that time, shipments of goods were sent openly to allow customs and German Post employees to check them. The shipments were only sealed with sample clips (also called bag clips). As was to be expected, goods were lost from time to time.
As an alternative to the consignment of goods, the book consignment was available. At first, these were independent services, which were later combined.
Discover our printed folding boxes for corporate customers
The innovations of the merchandise consignment: BüWa 500 and BüWa 1000 since 2020
Since 2020, there have been some adjustments regarding the consignment of goods. This became the “Bücher- und Warensendung” (BüWa) so called book and merchandise shipments and continued to serve to send smaller goods more cheaply. The background to the adjustment was the internal process optimisation of Deutsche Post.
There are now two options for books and merchandise shipments:
- BüWa 500 or
- BüWa 1000.
The price is graduated according to the weight and size of the consignment. Both options are optimal for private shipping, for example via Ebay or Vinted. In this context, individual, smaller items are sent for the most part. Here is an exemplary list of some typical goods for book and merchandise shipping:
- Small electronic devices, for example chargers or earplugs
- Smartphone cases
- Spices
- Fabrics
- DVDs
- small picture frames
- cosmetics such as mascara and lipstick
- clothes and shoes
- Catalogues
- household goods etc.
Shipping books and goods: Rules and procedures
Learn the basic rules and best practices for shipping books and merchandise to ensure your shipments run smoothly and are protected. From correct franking to appropriate packaging, get practical information to send your book and merchandise shipments safely and efficiently.
Are consignments of goods allowed to be opened by the post office?
Dispatch has been closed since the 2020 adjustment. However, random checks of the items are still carried out by the postal employees. In this case, postal secrecy is lifted, as it must be checked whether the conditions for the lower postage have been met. This has the disadvantage that you as the seller can only influence to a limited extent the visual condition in which the consignment arrives at the customer. Especially in the case of an opening, the aesthetics can be lost. For this reason, it makes sense to choose the right packaging and closure.
Our folding boxes with adhesive strips are well suited, as they are available in a wide range of sizes. The matching adhesive devices make it easier to reseal in the event of a random inspection opening.
How are book and merchandise shipments franked?
Once you have prepared and packed your item, the question now arises as to how it should be franked. This can be done using letter or internet stamps. The postage costs vary depending on the maximum weight of the item:
Important to know: A note with "Bücher- und Warensendung" or "BüWa" must be made above the recipient's address to identify the item as such. You can determine the form yourself. Whether handwritten, stamped or printed is irrelevant, as long as legibility is guaranteed.
How should the books and goods consignment be packed?
When packing the consignment, it is particularly important that the correct dimensions and weight are observed. These are identical for BüWa 500 and BüWa 1000 at 35.3 cm x 25 cm x 5 cm.
The title of the two options already reveals the permissible weight of the shipping options. The BüWa 500 may weigh up to 500g and the BüWa 1000 may weigh up to 1000g.
If these two requirements are met, the appropriate shipping solution can be selected. It does not matter whether it is an envelope, a shipping or bubble envelope or a shipping box. It is practical if the printed packaging can be neatly resealed after an inspection by DHL staff. Some shipping bags or boxes have two self-adhesive strips or a tuck-in mechanism. Bubble envelopes usually also have holes integrated so that they can be closed easily with sample staples.
Another recommended packaging is the classic shipping box. In our shop you will find high-quality folding boxes that you can adapt exactly to your own products. This also saves space and filling material. By printing on shipping boxes, you can also add a small message or a call-to-action in a suitable place. Here you can get creative and get your book and goods consignment on its way attractively and safely.
To optimally adapt the carton to your product, inlays or filling material can also be helpful. For more sustainability, we recommend inlays made of corrugated cardboard or our cardboard inserts.
How are book and merchandise shipments insured?
Especially when buying items via Ebay or Vinted, please note that shipping through the books and goods delivery option is not insured. The option also cannot be combined with the additional services registered mail, prio or cash on delivery. It is also difficult to obtain proof of receipt. If, for example, the recipient of a BüWa claims that the goods have not been received, this can lead to discussions in case of doubt. If you want to insure the item, you have to use a normal parcel, a Maxi letter or a large letter.
To avoid misdirected items, Deutsche Post also offers the Premium Address Service. This allows you to benefit from the Post's extensive database and receive a separate deliverability check by the employee.
A comparison of book and merchandise mail: What added value does it really offer?
In the previous section, Deutsche Post's book and merchandise parcel service was explained. This is suitable for both private and business customers. Private individuals can only get a similar offer from PIN AG. The size and weight are the same as for Deutsche Post. A broader comparison of providers is worthwhile for classification purposes:
Deutsche Post | Hermes | dpd | GLS |
Books and merchandise consignment BüWa 500: 1,95 € BüWa 1000: 2,25 € | Clothes consignnments from 3,70 € | ParcelLetter with individual offer | Books and merchandise consignment BüWa Large: 1,98 € BüWa Maxi: 2,22 € |
You can find a comprehensive comparison of all services and prices of different providers here.
(Status April 2023)
A comparison is often made with the maxi letter. This may also have maximum dimensions of 35.3 cm x 25 cm x 5 cm and a maximum weight of one kilogram. In contrast to book and merchandise shipments, maxi letters are not marked separately. They are sent in the same way as ordinary letters, can be insured in the same way and remain sealed during dispatch.
In addition, personal messages can be enclosed. On the other hand, the so called “Maxibrief” is a little more expensive at €2.75. For more information on sending maxi letter, please read our article maxi letter in detail.
When buying goods via online marketplaces, it makes sense and is advisable to compare expectations in advance to avoid disputes in case of an emergency.
For Deutsche Post, offering book and merchandise mailings increases productivity, as the operating centres are thus more evenly utilised.
The advantages and disadvantages of books and merchandise shipments
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When sending books and goods, it therefore makes sense to weigh up whether the consignment has a high value and a high degree of urgency. If this is the case, it is advisable to use a safer and faster alternative. Otherwise, book and merchandise shipments are a frequently used and attractive form of shipping that makes it easy to send smaller items.
Equipped with all the information about book and merchandise mailings, you will find the right sizes in our Labelprint24 shop. Choose the right folding box and send your consignment safely on its way.
