How to Ship Vinyl Records Safely (Global Guide for Collectors, Sellers and DJs)

Vinyl records are back in a big way — which means more people than ever are buying, selling and trading LPs across borders. But vinyl is fragile. It warps with heat, cracks under pressure, and can split its sleeve if packaged poorly.

So if you’re posting your favourite LP to a friend, sending a rare first pressing overseas, or running a record shop with online customers, you need to know how to ship vinyl records safely.

This guide explains how to package vinyl, which record mailers to use, how much postage costs around the world, and how to ship vinyl internationally without damage.

Can You Ship Vinyl Records?

Yes — vinyl records can be shipped through postal services and couriers worldwide, including USPS, Royal Mail, DHL, DPD, Australia Post, Canada Post, Japan Post, and others.

The key is proper packaging. A badly packed record is almost guaranteed to arrive bent, warped, cracked or seam-split.

The Best Way to Ship Vinyl Records Safely

Every vinyl collector agrees: records are only as safe as their packaging.

1. Always use a proper vinyl shipping mailer

This is essential. Don’t use a standard cardboard box.
A good vinyl record mailer should:

• Be rigid and double-walled
• Fit 1–3 LPs snugly
• Resist corner impact and bending

These mailers exist worldwide:

• Europe: Cruciform mailers
• USA: LP mailers (Whiplash-style)
• UK: MusicMax, Defendapac
• Australia/NZ: LP record mailers from AusPost or U-Mail

Avoid thin Amazon-style book mailers — they offer almost no protection.

2. Take the record out of the sleeve

This prevents seam splits — one of the most common forms of damage during shipping.

Step-by-step:

• Remove the vinyl from the outer sleeve
• Place it in a new antistatic inner sleeve (or the original one)
• Slide it next to the sleeve inside a poly outer bag

This stops the record from cutting through the cover during transit.

3. Use cardboard stiffeners

Place one stiffener in front and one behind the LP.
For rare or valuable records, use 2–4 stiffeners.

4. Add corner protection

Vinyl corners bend easily.
Use cardboard corner protectors, or fold cardboard strips around each corner.

5. Fill empty spaces

The LP should not slide around.
Use:

• Bubble wrap
• Kraft paper
• Air cushions (lightly)

Just don’t overfill — pressure can warp vinyl.

6. Seal the mailer securely

Use strong packing tape in an H-pattern.
Do not rely on weak peel-and-stick tabs for international shipping.

Can You Ship Vinyl in Its Original Sleeve Alone?

No — never.
Shipping a vinyl record in its original sleeve without protection will almost guarantee:

• seam splits
• bent corners
• warped vinyl
• cracked edges

Always use a proper vinyl shipping box.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship Vinyl? (Global Averages)

United States

• USPS Media Mail: cheapest (domestic), around $4–$8
• USPS Priority: $9–$15
• UPS/FedEx: $10–$18

United Kingdom

• Royal Mail Tracked 24/48: £4–£7
• Royal Mail International: £9–£15
• DPD / Evri: £5–£9

Europe (EU)

• National post: €6–€12 domestic
• EU cross-border: €10–€18
• DHL/UPS: €12–€20+

Australia / New Zealand

• Australia Post: A$8–A$14 domestic
• International: A$18–A$35
• NZ Post: NZ$7–NZ$15 domestic

Asia

• Japan Post: ¥500–¥1200 domestic
• International: ¥1200–¥2500
• Hong Kong Post / SingPost: competitive rates

Prices depend on weight, tracking, insurance and destination.

How to Ship Vinyl Records Internationally

Collectors frequently ask how to ship vinyl overseas (EU→US, Japan→EU, Australia→UK, etc.). It’s safe as long as you:

• Use a rigid record mailer
• Add multiple stiffeners
• Double-box rare records
• Avoid heat exposure
• Add tracking and insurance
• Declare “Used Vinyl Record” or “Media” on customs
• Avoid shipping during extreme weather

For extremely valuable items (first pressings, audiophile editions, limited releases), double-boxing is recommended.

Protecting Vinyl From Heat & Warping

Vinyl warps at around 60°C (140°F), meaning:

• Don’t leave packages in a parked car
• Avoid shipping just before heatwaves
• Choose faster services in hot climates (Australia, southern US, Asia-Pacific)

Heat is one of the biggest risks.

Shipping Multiple Vinyl Records

If you are shipping several LPs:

• Never stack more than 3–4 in a single mailer
• Use a box instead of a flat mailer
• Place cardboard dividers between records
• Keep weight evenly distributed

Heavy records (180g) need extra reinforcement.

Summary: The Best Way to Ship Vinyl Records

• Use a specialised vinyl shipping box
• Remove the vinyl from the sleeve
• Use cardboard stiffeners
• Protect all corners
• Fill any spaces gently
• Seal with strong tape
• Choose a tracked, insured service
• Avoid extreme heat

Follow these steps and you can ship a record from Tokyo to London, New York to Paris, Melbourne to Berlin or Seoul to Los Angeles without damage.