Courier mailer bags are outer packaging for non-fragile products such as clothing, textiles, accessories and documents. They are lighter and take up less space than cartons. Choosing the right size can reduce both packaging costs and shipping charges; the wrong size may either compress the product or leave excess empty space inside the bag.
Work out the size from the inner package
The bag usually holds the product in its inner packaging, folded and ready to send, rather than the product on its own. Measure the inner package in its final form, including the invoice, label and any gift note.
- Bag width ≈ package width + package height + fitting allowance
- Bag length ≈ package length + package height + fitting allowance
- Flap is added on top; the adhesive flap folds over to close the bag.
Worked example: The figures are for illustration only.
| Step | Example: folded sweatshirt |
|---|---|
| Inner package (width × length × height) | 30 × 35 × 6 cm |
| Bag width | 30 + 6 + 3 = 39 → 40 cm |
| Bag length | 35 + 6 + 3 = 44 → 45 cm |
| Flap allowance | + 5 cm |
| Size to state in the quote | 40 × 45 cm + 5 cm flap |
How does volumetric weight affect size selection?
In Türkiye, most freight carriers calculate a shipment’s volume in desi, a Turkish volumetric weight unit: desi = width × length × height (cm) ÷ 3000. The charge is based on whichever is greater: actual weight or desi. In the example above, if the filled bag is approximately 40 × 45 × 6 cm, its volume is 40 × 45 × 6 ÷ 3000 = 3,6 desi.
A bag that is larger than necessary for the product can make the shipment appear bulky and increase its measured dimensions, even if it is not full. Check the calculation method and rounding rule in your own shipping agreement; these may vary between carriers.
How should you choose the thickness?
We produce die-cut handle bags and courier mailer bags in the 100–200 micron range, with thickness made to order. The lower end of the range is generally preferred for textiles and lightweight products, and the upper end for heavy or angular products. During shipping, bags are stacked, dragged along conveyor belts and compressed. If you are sending a box with sharp corners or a hard accessory in a bag, test the puncture risk with an actual shipment.
Confirm in the quote whether the thickness is specified for a single layer. For bag weight and the number of bags per kilogram, see our guide to bag size and thickness.
Opacity and closure
Courier mailer bags generally use light-blocking film with a coloured outer surface and a dark inner surface, so the contents cannot be seen. Once sealed, the permanent adhesive strip prevents the bag from being opened without damaging it, making it clear whether the shipment has been opened in transit.
If you want your customers to return products in the same bag, mention this separately when requesting a quote; the closure arrangement can then be considered to suit this need.
Cover all products with a small range of sizes
Keeping a separate bag size for every product adds to stock and warehouse demands. Measure products in their folded form and group them by size; many e-commerce businesses can cover most of their shipments with two or three sizes. Estimate the monthly shipment volume for each size; quotes and production plans are based on these figures.
| Product type | What to check when measuring |
|---|---|
| T-shirts, shirts | Folded dimensions and inner bag |
| Sweatshirts, coats | Package height; compressed and uncompressed form |
| Home textiles | Combined volume and weight as a set |
| Accessories, small boxes | Box corners; puncture and impact risk |
| Documents, catalogues | Envelope dimensions and risk of bending |
Courier mailer bags do not provide impact protection. Send fragile products in cartons with cushioning material.
Printed courier mailer bags
A printed courier mailer bag displays your brand when a shipment reaches the customer’s door. The steps for logo files, number of colours and print layout are covered in our guide to ordering printed logo bags.
Checklist before requesting a quote
- The folded and packed dimensions of the products you send.
- The number of sizes you need and monthly shipments for each size.
- Your thickness requirements and whether the product has sharp corners.
- Whether you need handles and your preferred outer colour.
- Whether you require a logo and printing.
- Whether the bag needs to be reusable for returns.
Mertan Packaging produces courier mailer bags to order in Denizli; there is no minimum order quantity. The total time from order approval to delivery is 2–7 days. Send your dimensions using the quote form.