Mailing prints: Tube or flat?

Which is best for mailing prints up to 11" x 14", a flat mailer or a round tube? Please note good and bad elements of each.

Flat. I use the same box that I get the prints done. I make sure they are printed right, sign them, and re-box and mail.

I've never seen a tube used for anything 16x20 or smaller. I think a tube would ruin the photos with a semi permanent paper curve.

Tube is best for a huge print (say larger than 24x36) or a large and long panorama.

I mailed a batch of prints in a 10" x 13" envelope yesterday for $1.82. First class.

And whether smaller in a flat, or larger in a tube, USPS over UPS or FedEx. Much lower cost and it allows you to make shipping and handling as an additional profit center.

I use a tube for 11x17 and larger. Everything else I put in an envelope. And I prefer USPS as the person above me states but there is nothing about UPS or FedEx that stops you from making a profit if you price shipping and handling appropriately.

Good comments...thanks to all.

I usually use heavy cardboard reinforced envelopes.

Flat. Tubes only for larger photos.

If you have never messed with rolled prints, I would mail them flat if its to a client. I always hate getting my panos rolled from printer..

I'm not finding any reinforced envelopes that are large enough for 12" X 18" photographs. Is the permanent curve and higher cost the only downfall to mailing in a tube? I wouldn't think the curve should matter since the photographs would be framed. There are 15" X 3" tubes on Amazon for about a dollar each.

Thanks for any help finding large reinforced envelopes.

Use 13x19 envelopes and put cardboard on either side. That's the way I get mine from the printer.

depends on the type of paper for me

i prefer rolled

I recently got some black and white prints done, 16"×12" with an approx 2" border in addition, printed on Ilford traditional silverhalide paper. These came rolled on the outside of a tube 5" diameter tube. This was then packed inside another very sturdy rectangular cardboard box. This was shipped from Germany to the UK, and all for only £9.99 postage, delivered by DHL. The UK lab I use for my normal 16"×12" prints sends them out packed flat. Once unpacked I noticed no difference in flatness between either method.

Alan

Randy Digby wrote in post #17013759
Which is best for mailing prints up to 11" x 14", a flat mailer or a round tube? Please note good and bad elements of each.

Flat, of course.
11" by 14" is so small, there is no reason to roll them.