Shipping information
Shipping Your Books (Without the Drama)
At Sloppy Seconds Books, we make shipping simple — no guesswork, no “did they get it?” panic.
When you’re ready to send your books off to their next lucky reader, here’s how to do it right.
How Shipping Works at SSB
We handle the shipping for you.
When you list or trade a book, you’ll choose your preferred shipping speed at checkout — Media Mail, Ground Advantage, Priority, or Express — and we’ll automatically generate your USPS label.
You just print, pack, and drop it off. Easy as that.
All you need to know is how much your package weighs.
1. Find Out How Much Your Book Weighs
Look up your book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble and scroll to the “Product Details” section to find its shipping weight (e.g., 1.2 lbs).
Can’t find it? Use a small digital postal scale — they’re inexpensive and super accurate.
2. Add It All Up
If you’re sending more than one book, add their weights together.
Example:
- Book A: 1.2 lbs
- Book B: 0.8 lbs
- Total = 2.0 lbs
Add another 0.2 lbs for your box and packing materials.
3. Round Up (Always Up!)
If your total weight is 2.3 lbs, round up to 3 lbs.
USPS charges by full pounds, and rounding up means no returned packages or postage due notices.
4. Pick Your Shipping Option
Each USPS service has its own perks — whether you’re sending one cozy romance or a whole box of spicy trilogies.
Here are the updated 2025 USPS rates for shipping within the U.S. (rounded averages).
📚 Media Mail (Best for Single-Book Trades)
Delivery: 2–8 days
Insurance: None (optional add-on)
Tracking: Included
Weight | Cost |
1 lb | $4.33 |
2 lbs | $4.92 |
3 lbs | $5.52 |
4 lbs | $6.10 |
5 lbs | $6.68 |
🕮 Tip: Media Mail is perfect for most trades — just make sure the box only contains books. No bookmarks, cards, or extras, or USPS could upgrade (and upcharge) your package.
🚚 USPS Ground Advantage (Best All-Around Option)
Delivery: 2–5 days
Insurance: Optional (up to $5,000)
Tracking: Included
Weight | Cost |
1 lb | $5.35 |
2 lbs | $5.65 |
3 lbs | $5.95 |
4 lbs | $6.25 |
5 lbs | $6.55 |
⚡ Priority Mail (Fast and Reliable)
Delivery: 1–3 days
Insurance: $50 included
Tracking: Included
Weight | Cost |
1 lb | $9.95 |
2 lbs | $10.25 |
3 lbs | $10.70 |
4 lbs | $11.30 |
5 lbs | $11.95 |
🚀 Priority Mail Express (For Urgent Romance Emergencies)
Delivery: 1–2 days
Insurance: $100 included
Tracking: Included
Weight | Cost |
1 lb | $30.85 |
2 lbs | $35.20 |
3 lbs | $39.50 |
4 lbs | $43.85 |
5 lbs | $48.15 |
📬 Quick Reference: Which One Should You Use?
You’re Shipping… | Best Option | Average Delivery |
1–2 paperbacks | Media Mail | 4–8 days |
3–4 trades or heavier hardcovers | Ground Advantage | 3–5 days |
A mixed box of spicy reads | Priority Mail Flat Rate | 2–3 days |
A last-minute gift (or apology) | Priority Express | 1–2 days |
Final Tips
- Always weigh your box after packing.
- Round up to the next pound.
- Media Mail is cheapest, Ground Advantage is fastest for the price.
- Use Priority Mail for larger or collectible bundles.
- Add tracking if you’re shipping something rare (or your favorite smut).
💋 The Bottom Line
Shipping your books right means no lost packages, no surprises, and no sad endings.
