Selling Posters Online? How to Ship Prints Safely - Flat or Rolled Up

Published 07 August 2023 by EJ Sinclair • Updated on 06 November 2025 • 4 min read

Selling Posters Online? How to Ship Prints Safely - Flat or Rolled Up

Selling posters online has surged in popularity, thanks to platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Not on the Highstreet. Knowing how to ship your posters or prints to your customers in perfect condition is almost an art form in itself.

The shipping choices you make reflect on your business's reputation. So, let's explore the classic dilemma of two popular shipping methods for prints — flat or rolled up. We’ll help you unravel the secrets behind each approach, exploring the perfect solution for shipping your posters securely and cost-efficiently.

Shipping Small Prints Flat – Unfolding the Beauty

Shipping prints in flat packages is best suited for mini posters A4 or smaller.

There is a definite attraction to shipping your smaller posters in flat packaging. The presentation of a flat print suggests a professionalism that entices buyers. But you do need to make sure that your prints arrive fresh and crisp to keep that quality product look.

To help your flat A4 prints arrive safely, heavy duty corrugated envelopes from The Packaging Club are a great choice. These solid paper board envelopes are strong and versatile, featuring a long end opening and quick peel-and-seal closure that makes them fast to pack — keeping your packaging process efficient too.

Cheaper alternative to column pack envelopes - heavy duty corrugated cardboard envelopes

Vinyl record wallets also have many uses and are ideal for shipping square prints. Our exceptional vinyl record packaging — also known as LP mailers — is one of the strongest vinyl record packaging formats available. Made with corrugated cardboard and rigid starched fluting, they protect not just records, but similarly sized prints too.

Vinyl Record Packaging - Corrugated Envelope style very strong

Shipping Large Prints Flat – Fortifying the Journey

If you want to ship larger prints flat, you’ll need to do a bit more careful planning to protect your product in transit.

The challenge lies in ensuring that these larger prints arrive in the best condition to your eagerly awaiting customers.

The best way to safely send larger prints flat is to employ a multi-layered defence strategy. By sandwiching the print between multiple cardboard inserts, you create a shield against transit damage. Reinforcing the edges with extra strips or protectors adds further security.

Whether small or large, these options help protect the prints and enhance the unboxing experience, leaving a lasting impression on your customers.

Shipping Rolled Posters – Postal Tubes are the Ultimate Solution

Shipping prints flat has its benefits, but another option has stood the test of time. Cardboard postal tubes are unyieldingly reliable and cost-effective. Beyond flat envelopes, cardboard postal tubes present the ultimate solution.

Whether you’re shipping large prints, artwork, drawings or posters, nothing beats tubes for eliminating the risk of folds or creases. They preserve the pristine quality of your product throughout its journey. Cardboard tubes keep your prints securely rolled and protected from handling and shipping hazards.

Cardboard Tubes with White End Caps

At The Packaging Club, we offer a large selection of cardboard postal tubes in various sizes — perfect for prints from A3 to A2, A1, A0 and beyond. If you need to ship unwieldy posters securely, tubes are your go-to solution.

Our cardboard postal tubes are made from sustainable recycled fibres and wound with a water-based adhesive. They’re considerably stronger and more crush-resistant than most alternatives. A cost-effective option that doesn’t compromise on safety, sustainability, or presentation.

Cardboard tubes are also great for reuse and upcycling. Once they’ve fulfilled their shipping role, they’re perfect for storing posters — ideal for long-term archive or presentation. Environmentally conscious customers appreciate this added value — and so does the planet.

To Wrap Up

In the dynamic world of online e-commerce, a great shipping experience can set your business apart. Whether you choose flat or rolled shipping depends on your products and workflow — but both can be elevated with the right packaging.

If you’re selling posters or prints online, from delicate A4 designs to oversized art, choosing good-quality packaging is a must. At The Packaging Club, we offer everything from 400GSM solid paper board envelopes and vinyl record wallets (not just for records!) to cardboard postal tubes. Whatever your needs, we’ve got your prints covered — securely and sustainably.

Tags

Leave a comment

Leave a comment


Elizabeth Sinclair, Senior Copywriter

EJ Sinclair | Freelance Copywriter at The Packaging Club

Elizabeth is a technical author, content strategist and researcher.

Last updated: 06 November 2025

Discover more...

  • 7 Types of E-commerce Packaging for Faster Dispatch

    7 Types of E-commerce Packaging for Faster Dispatch

  • Recycling The Core of Your Packaging Strategy

    Recycling: The Core of Your Packaging Strategy

  • large diameter postal tube, containing Architectural drawings or artwork

    The advantages of using large diameter cardboard postal tubes

Footer image

© 2026 The Packaging Club, Website by Exist Digital

    • American Express
    • Apple Pay
    • Diners Club
    • Discover
    • Google Pay
    • Maestro
    • Mastercard
    • PayPal
    • Shop Pay
    • Union Pay
    • Visa

    Login

    Forgot your password?

    Don't have an account yet?
    Create account