gravid
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posted on October 1, 2001 07:00:51 AM
Someone posted an URL at which you could use a USPS form to print out a delivery confirmation form and print a bar code label to ship Priority with no fee for the DC.
Going to the USPS site I see that they have a big convoluted process to go through to qualify to do this with requirements that you certify each printer you may use as making a compliant bar code - submitting samples and generally being run around the bush until you have wasted a few hundred hours and waited a month or two to use this service.
I should have known nothing from the postal service would be easy. And they say you have to have a password and so forth to use the system but that is a crock of crap because anyone can log on and use the form.
Watch out you don't use it and get billed later because you were not certified to use the system.
Can anyone from the post office comment on this?
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DMRick
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posted on October 1, 2001 07:10:52 AM
All I saw that they asked you have, is a laser printer. I do, but it was not what I wanted to use. Since they said no tape, I thought I was out of luck (inkjet ink runs if it gets wet). So I asked our postmistress. She said, as long as the tape over the label is perfectly flat (won't scan otherwise) and perfectly clear, I could tape it. I've not had to get my printer certified. I've seen nothing about a password, although I am registered with the site, since I order my boxes from them direct. But then, I'm registered at most sites I use.
I've been using this since they released it. It's wonderful, has worked every time, and I applaud the Post Office for saving me money, and helping me make great labels at the same time. By the way..this is only good on Priority.
If you missed it, here is the URL:http://www.usps.com/cgi-bin/api/shipping_label.cgi
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computerboy
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posted on October 1, 2001 08:00:15 AM
I've been using the service for several weeks with my ink jet printer without problem. The labels come out very clear and the bar code is easily readable. We've shipped hundreds of orders out in this manner so far, without one incidence of problem.
We use full sheet labels. Half of the sheet is used to print the label. The other half for a confirmation. The label goes on our outgoing packages and the confirmation gets attached to the printed auction sheet page. It works out quite well for record keeping.
My guess is that if a problem is ever encountered with the bar code because of an ink jet printer being used, the Post Office simply won't be able to scan the DC and the package will be delivered without this DC information. Not a very big deal.
Anyone else doing the same?
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gravid
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posted on October 1, 2001 08:03:46 AM
I see that you are supposed to be able to print a label for first class or media mail delivery confirmation for 12¢. Does anyone know how that is paid or the URAL for the form?
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rgrem
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posted on October 1, 2001 08:34:51 AM
I am like computerboy. Ink jet- if it smears, I expect they can enter the # by hand if they feel like it. In any case they probably won't smear and not a disaster if they do. Interesting about the tape over the scan. Trying to check it out. Dave
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petertdavis
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posted on October 1, 2001 08:55:18 AM
I had expected a lot of problems when I started using this. It's working fine so far. I didn't even get much of a hassle from the people at the post office, even from the guy who gives me a hard time about anything. I haven't checked all of the ones I sent, but the ones I did check have been scanned at least at the destination, and usually at a point in between as well. I'm using a laserjet 4p, old but steady.
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BJGrolle
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posted on October 1, 2001 09:04:07 AM
gravid,
I believe the process you're referring to is something different than what is generally being talked about on these boards. That's for people who want to set themselves up to do what Endicia charges their $9.95 a month for, except you only get the labels and the DC part, not the online postage. And I think, if I needed DC that often, I'd rather pay the $9.95 a month for a service that already went through all the forms, certification, hoop-jumping, etc.
Here is the link you want:
http://www.usps.com/cgi-bin/api/shipping_label.cgi
To get there from the main page though, just click on Shipping, Ship, 2-3 Day Priority Mail, and then you'll see the little box to the right which takes you to the shipping label input screen.
No hoops to jump through, but be prepared for a slow process, even with cable. Personally, I don't use it that much myself.
Edited cause my spelling and grammar stinks today! 
http://bjgrolle.freehomepage.com
[ edited by BJGrolle on Oct 1, 2001 09:05 AM ]
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gravid
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posted on October 1, 2001 09:37:43 AM
Thanks - Yes that is the one I tried. I never did find it off the main site thanks for explaining the route. It does take about 30 to 40 seconds to load for me off my DSL. The hold up for me is typing the address in as I am a slow typist. --- thanks
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soldat2
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posted on October 1, 2001 01:20:57 PM
I used the self print USPS label and free delivery confirmation for the first time today.
We have a regular HP inkjet set on best quality. I covered the label with clear tape and it scanned fine at the PO!
The 'problem' was that the computer would not accept it as free, so the clerk scanned it with one of the handheld units that the carriers use and it worked fine.
(this was the first E-DC that anyone had tried at my PO)
.40 saved!
Note.....you cannot use the phone to check the E-DC.
Thanks Rick for the address.
(your check is in the mail........
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deichen
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posted on October 1, 2001 01:26:18 PM
I have used this twice. I have used a laser printer. The only thing I do not like is the addresses, which are blurry...they are even blurry on my computer screen. The post office is not supposed to scan these. The process started when you printed it off.
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daedalus
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posted on October 21, 2001 11:51:21 AM
When did the Free DC service became available? What date?
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Zazzie
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posted on October 21, 2001 12:01:40 PM
Just recently it became available, and it is really hard to find from the USPS site. They don't advertise the service.
My local postal clerk said she heard it may be available for Media Mail soon.
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airloom
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posted on October 21, 2001 12:30:31 PM
I love this free service. Yes, you have to do some typing, big deal. It is a 40¢ savings. I never had to sign up, get a password, have my printer certified or any such nonsense. As for tape, I tape top, bottom and sides. Everything except URL as per directions. If you hit the 'create another label' icon when finished it goes right back to the original label with your name and address still on it, so you just need to type in the next new address. Also, don't bother with zip codes. They are put on automatically.
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andijo
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posted on October 21, 2001 07:19:12 PM
I have been using this without any problems at my regular PO. The other day I stopped by another much larger post office and the refused to take them! Practically accused me of trying to cheating them, then told me that they had to scan them there at the counter and charge me. I left (with my packages) went to my regular PO and shipped them without a problem. I did ask them if they saw many of them and they said I was the only one that they had seen with them. Another thing I observed at the first PO was a woman trying to mail a package priority mail was told she would have to buy a box to ship it in. The package she had would have very easily fit into one of the FREE proirity boxes, but they never offered that ot her, and she didn't know any better. I kept my mouth shut, but will never go into that branch again.
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DMRick
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posted on October 21, 2001 09:23:35 PM
Computerboy wrote:
<<My guess is that if a problem is ever encountered with the bar code because of an ink jet printer being used, the Post Office simply won't be able to scan the DC and the package will be delivered without this DC information. Not a very big deal. >>
My PO doesn't scan it..she said the first scan is considered the one when I made it..that starts the process (that's why you put in the day you want it for). If she scanned it, she said it would try to charge me, and she would have an extra step to delete the charge. The main reason they didn't want us to use an inkjet printer, is because if a drop of ink from most (I know HP's) inkjets, gets on the label it usually smears, and may make the address unreadable. If it makes just the scan unreadable..like you said, it just loses it's DC info..no biggie usually. They didn't want the tape, since some people don't put it on neatly, and if it has wrinkles, it won't scan during it's trip and just before delivery. So, as long as your tape is neat, there shouldn't be any problems. I love it..as it does automatic address corrections also..never knew so many people didn't know what actual city they live in!
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Eventer
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posted on October 22, 2001 06:20:37 AM
I kept my mouth shut, but will never go into that branch again.
Personally, I'd be on the phone with whoever was the managing supervisor of the branches in a heartbeat. They need to know that one of their branches is misleading customers.
I had one local branch who just couldn't seem to follow the guidelines. Even printing off the info from the website didn't impress them.
Put in a phone call to the regional manager & it took about 3 days before that branch got their act together in a big way. Now they are the most helpful branch around.
You don't have to take bad service like this. The regional manager told me they don't KNOW if anything is going wrong until someone brings it to their attention.
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littlenell
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posted on October 22, 2001 07:32:35 AM
Here's a tip to save typing on these labels. After you create one label, click on the link to "create another label." When you get back to that screen, your address info is still filled in. Bookmark that page and your address info will always be filled in for you.
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eSeller004
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posted on October 22, 2001 08:48:29 AM
This info is great! Thanks, didn't know anyone could use it free for Priority without jumping through hoops. Will have to try it.
Do I have this correct that it's only 12 cents for Media Mail? If it is, imagine the savings for Half.com and Amazon Marketplace shipments!
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Eventer
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posted on October 22, 2001 09:12:21 AM
This is a most interesting feature.
BUT
Where's the "free" in all this? I see most of you use full sheet labels. Doesn't the cost of the labels offset the "free" DC?
Has anyone compared their label cost against the 40 cent savings?
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vargas
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posted on October 22, 2001 09:55:23 AM
Full-sheet labels can be purchased for $62 (plus shipping) for 1,000 labels and
can be had for less if you buy larger quanities.
Figure $8 for shipping (these things are heavy) --- and you're looking at 7 cents per label.
I use plain paper, so my savings are greater.
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Eventer
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posted on October 22, 2001 09:58:20 AM
vargas,
Thanks. How the heck do you get away with using plain paper? Clear tape on everything but the bar code?
Would you mind sharing your source for labels? If not, I understand.
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Zazzie
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posted on October 22, 2001 10:08:29 AM
I just use plain paper too--and just tape the label to the package.
I tape over half of the bar-code and leave half un-taped/ the post office says that only a fraction of an inch of bar code is actually needed by the scanner
[ edited by Zazzie on Oct 22, 2001 10:10 AM ]
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Eventer
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posted on October 22, 2001 10:17:48 AM
Thanks for the info.
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computerboy
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posted on October 22, 2001 10:25:53 AM
Eventer:
The Avery full sheet labels cost .40 apiece. A fortune...
We found a supplier on Yahoo! that charges $14.95 for 100 sheets or 14.5 cents per sheet. We've ordered from them twice and have received lightening fast shipment. Here's a link to the website:
http://www.data-labels.com/fulsheetlab.html
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ragmop
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posted on October 22, 2001 02:11:54 PM
Just used it for the first time as result of this thread.
Works great with plain paper. The label is just a tad large for my taste.
The PO folks like it. One of them had asked me some time ago, why I didn't use the service and all I had seen is the page full of info on the application.
The link and suggestion to bookmark after you have entered your info is great.
Thanks to all.
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aluminumshrine
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posted on October 22, 2001 02:12:18 PM
I've been printing the USPS labels on plain paper with a Canon S400 inkjet printer, cutting them out and covering the whole thing with clear packing tape -- being *very* careful to make certain the par code area is prefectly smooth.
So far I've had no complaints, and the DC is always scanned when the package arrives.
There's a nice side benefit, too: I do my postage through Stamps.com at the same time, and I just copy-and-paste the perfectly formatted address.
I've developed a system of my own to make it easier. I use "save picture" to save the JPG of the shipping label, and have a simple HTML page built that will display two of them at once. I wish that the USPS didn't feel it necessary to include an ungodly amount of white space on the image, but it's more effort than it's worth to go in and resize them.
-J
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vargas
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posted on October 22, 2001 02:21:14 PM
Hi Eventer
I tape over everything but 1/2 the bar code on plain paper.
I buy labels at [url]http://www.gflabels.com[/b]
GF labels are great for programs like stamps.com and endicia however. They're heavy stock. The 10-up configuration was perfect for stamps.com
edited because it's been a very long day.
[ edited by vargas on Oct 22, 2001 02:36 PM ]
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airloom
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posted on October 22, 2001 03:22:47 PM
What's all this talk about labels? It IS a label. I just tape it to the box. If it doesn't show up enough I take a couple of free Priority labels to put underneath. I print on plain white paper with an ink jet printer and have no problems.
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airloom
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posted on October 22, 2001 03:22:54 PM
What's all this talk about labels? It IS a label. I just tape it to the box. If it doesn't show up enough I take a couple of free Priority labels to put underneath. I print on plain white paper with an ink jet printer and have no problems.
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firecracker
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posted on October 22, 2001 08:28:48 PM
http://www.usps.com/cgi-bin/api/shipping_label.cgi
There is no sign up or confusing instrudtions.
This is the free confermation service from the USPS that I use. Just fill in the to & from address and print. If you have Priority mail stamps slap one on and drop off at USPS box you dont even haveto stand in line.
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