Wholesale Poly Mailers and Courier Bags: Thickness, Prices and Bulk Orders

Poly mailers go by different names: poly mailers in the United States, courier bags or satchels in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and mailing bags in the United Kingdom. Searches for wholesale poly mailers and courier bag wholesale come from all of them. They are the cheapest way to ship soft goods, and the order only becomes expensive when the wrong thickness or size is chosen.

The product and its price

Our poly mailers are 2.5 mil coextruded polyethylene, which is 63 micron, with a self-seal strip and a tear-resistant body. The published price at the minimum order is $0.054 per mailer for 9,500 mailers, worth $513. Larger quantities are quoted. Because a single mailer costs so little, the minimum order is a large number of bags rather than a handful.

That is a big pile for a small brand. Our guide to choosing a poly mailer size and the packaging quantity calculator help you decide how many you need, and whether a mixed order of smaller sizes makes sense.

Thickness in plain terms

Thickness is quoted in mil in the US and in micron elsewhere. One mil is 25.4 micron, so 2.5 mil is about 63 micron. Thicker film resists puncture and tearing, and costs more per bag. Cheap bags often use thin film that tears at a corner. Our poly mailer thickness guide explains when 2.5 mil is enough and when to ask for heavier film.

Choosing a size

Sizes are quoted flat, and the usable length is a little shorter because of the seal flap. A garment folded to 30 cm × 20 cm needs a bag clearly larger than that in both directions. If you pack for several products, choose two sizes and no more, since each size is its own line with its own minimum.

A lower-plastic step

If you want less new plastic, recycled poly mailers use post-consumer recycled content in the same format, from $0.099 each at 5,500. For a fully different material, see the compostable comparison. We do not make an environmental claim for any of them beyond what the specification says, and we advise asking your supplier, us included, for evidence.

Buying for Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

Orders can ship from the United States, from Australia or from our manufacturing partners in China, depending on the product and quantity, and we confirm the origin before you pay. Mailers are light but bulky, so freight is calculated from volume. For South Africa and New Zealand we quote freight and tell you what paperwork to expect; duties, VAT or GST are for the recipient unless the quotation says otherwise, and a customs agent confirms what applies. See our Australia page and South Africa page.

Request a poly mailer quote

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum order for poly mailers?

9,500 mailers, worth $513 at $0.054 each.

Are courier bags and poly mailers the same thing?

Yes. Courier bag and satchel are the common names in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Can I get my logo on them?

Yes, custom printing is available. Send your quantity and artwork for a quotation and proof.

Do you ship to South Africa?

Yes, we supply businesses worldwide. Freight is quoted for your address and the goods.