Cheapest Way to Ship Board Games
Bulky but sturdy, board games ship best in snug boxes or USPS Flat Rate options.
Shipping Options for Board Games
Board games present a unique shipping challenge: they are often bulky and surprisingly heavy due to cardboard boards, wooden pieces, and printed materials inside. A standard board game weighs 2-5 lbs, which can push Ground Advantage pricing higher. USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes are often the most economical option since they charge a fixed rate regardless of weight. The key is finding a Flat Rate box that fits your game snugly to minimize movement and protect the retail box corners.
| Service | Carrier | Est. Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground AdvantageRecommended | USPS | $7-12 | 2-5 days | Lighter games under 2 lbs |
| Priority Mail | USPS | $8-15 | 1-3 days | Heavy games using Flat Rate boxes for fixed pricing |
| FedEx Ground | FedEx | $12-18 | 3-7 days | Oversized or collector's edition game boxes |
| UPS Ground | UPS | $12-18 | 3-7 days | Multiple game shipments to business addresses |
Packaging Tips for Board Games
Pro Tips
- USPS Flat Rate boxes ship at a fixed price regardless of weight, which often saves money for heavy board games.
- For collectible or sealed games, wrap the game in bubble wrap to protect the retail box, as condition matters for resale value.
- Secure all loose components inside the game box with rubber bands or small bags to prevent rattling and internal damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
For games under 2 lbs, USPS Ground Advantage is cheapest at around $7-8. For heavier games (3-5 lbs), a USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate box often saves money because you pay a fixed price regardless of weight. Compare both options using your game's actual weight to find the best deal.
Place the game inside a slightly larger outer shipping box with cushioning material filling the gaps. Wrap the game in bubble wrap if the retail box condition matters, such as for collectible or resale items. This double-box method prevents corner dents and shelf wear that commonly occur during transit.
Yes, always secure the game box lid to prevent it from opening during transit, which would scatter components everywhere. Use a rubber band or removable tape so the buyer can easily open it without damaging the box. Also bag or rubber-band any loose internal components like cards, dice, and tokens.
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