No brown paper wrapping or sending cash. Local vendor offers top holiday shipping tips

The owner of a Washington state shipping business says paying attention to seemingly innocuous details on the front end can save you money on your holiday shipments.

Brandon Beauchesne is owner of The Mail Room Gift & Ship Co., 6824 19th St. W. in University Place. The site bills itself as “the last independent pack and ship store in the greater Tacoma area.”

His store is currently gearing up for the holiday season, complete with a “Letters to Santa” mailbox and a Christmas tree hanging upside down from the ceiling.

“Our goal is to provide a shipping experience unlike anywhere else,” he told The News Tribune.

Beauchesne is entering his sixth peak holiday season as an owner/operator. He and his wife, Brit, purchased the business in October 2017, and Brandon was trained by the previous owner’s son Chris McPherson.

The store’s full-range gift shop includes items from local artists such as Anne de Mille Flood, who will be part of a pop-up event at the store from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6.

Ahead of the 2022 holiday shipping season, The News Tribune asked Beauchesne for his top tips:

▪ Shop and ship early. “Christmas is on a Sunday this year, so try to have your packages out no later than December 17 to avoid paying for expedited shipping.”

▪ Don’t send cash. “None of the carriers allow cash to be sent so if anything happens to it you’re out of luck. Gift cards, checks and money orders are all allowed.”

▪ Don’t skip insuring your packages. “Package theft is happening everywhere. The cost of insurance easily outweighs having to replace expensive gifts. All carriers provide up to $100 of coverage on most items, and you can add extra if needed.”

▪ Don’t wrap boxes in brown paper. “Most package sorting is done by machines. If the machine tears the paper off, the shipping label goes with it, making it nearly impossible to figure out where it needs to go.”

▪ Don’t wrap gifts being sent internationally. “Customs will open your gifts before your loved ones do, so you can skip wrapping.”

“I know this one’s a bummer,” he added.

▪ Use the right sized box. “Every inch counts, and is always cheaper than paying for dead space.”