posted on October 1, 2001 08:57:38 AM
Many of you might already know this, but I did not. A customer of mine pointed this out and I didn't believe it until I called my Post Office.
They have a flat rate large Priority envelope that goes for the 2 pound $3.95 rate regardless of weight. It differs from the normal Priority envelope slightly, so you have to ask for the special envelope. It says "2 LB. Postage Rate Regardless Of Weight Domestic Use Only" in the upper RH corner.
I wish I would have known this a long time ago.
Got a book that would normally go for $5.20 or $6.40 Priority? If it will physically fit into that large Priority envelope it will go for $3.95.
I could have saved some of my customers some money on books I've been selling recently if only I had known this, and might have gotten a few more bids (due to cheaper shipping) in the process.
[ edited by loosecannon on Oct 1, 2001 09:00 AM ]
posted on October 1, 2001 09:05:56 AM
Sorry you didn't realize that Loose. I've been using that envy for a couple of years now. I can fit 500 biz card magnets in it, which weigh about 10# (although I reinforce with clear packing tape). Interesting thing though..they will not allow me ot insure it..said the packing is too unsure for that. I'm assuming you know that under one pound Priority goes for $3.50. Add the cheaper prices to the free on line Delivery confirmation (you print it out yourself), and it's a bargain!
posted on October 1, 2001 09:15:47 AM
If you are using those OLD flat-rate 2lb envelopes, you just need to cover up the part that says that if you are shipping something that weighs 1lb or less because some postal people seem to not be aware of the fact that there is a 1lb rate. If you just put priority stickers or something like that over the part that says that you'll be ok with your 1lb pkgs for $3.50.
posted on October 1, 2001 09:37:26 AM
This was news to me! To be honest, when I have a book that will weigh over 3 lbs, I don't even discuss how much it will be Priority, I list it for $3 media mail. I'm not sure I would feel safe mailing a heavy coffee-table book in an envelope, even if it still fit with sufficient insulation, but I should get a supply to have on hand for the occasional heavy, but small-size book.
posted on October 1, 2001 10:28:22 AM
The Large Global Priority Flat Rate envelope is a great deal too for books weighing up to 4 lbs.
eg: $9.00 to France for a 4 lb book in a Global Priority Envelope with 3-5 day delivery compared to $20.25 for Airmail Parcel Post 4-7 day delivery or $18.25 for Surface Parcel Post 4-6 weeks delivery.
As long as it fits they will take it--though I make sure I tape it up to make sure it stays closed.
Most paperbacks fit into the Small Global Priority envelope ($5.00)--but cardboard on the envelope is fairly thin (on both envelopes) so you need to use the normal protection that you would pack with.
posted on October 1, 2001 05:10:25 PM
"As long as it fits they will take it--though I make sure I tape it up to make sure it stays closed. "
The POs in ALL my surrounding towns say tape is not permitted.
If it won't stay closed without tape I gotta use a priority box or ship in a heavy envelope by media.
posted on October 1, 2001 05:21:00 PM
"As long as it fits they will take it--though I make sure I tape it up to make sure it stays closed. "
The POs in ALL my surrounding towns say tape is not permitted.
If it won't stay closed without tape I gotta use a priority box or ship in a heavy envelope by media.
*********************
I think you misread what I wrote. You are right, it has to fit in the envy..I wasn't suggesting it didn't have to..however, I have always used tape, to be sure the lousy ends on the PO packages/envy's STAY closed. After several years of doing this, it has never been a problem. In fact, I usually tape the entire envy with clear tape, and make a "taped" outside skin. I leave just a tad where the postage goes.
posted on October 1, 2001 05:22:21 PM
hEY ME TOO I have gone around & around with my postmaster..he has a letter NO "tape allowed" on these or i pay more..!!
i like using them for pamphlets etc...so quick..but especially my latest shipment of supplies..they are so cheaply made..& the tape on the flap does not go all the way to the end...so i checked the usps site..it specifically states...any flaps on packages in general must be taped to avoid problems with their machinery..
i wrote them two times & no reply...it really is unfair some people can tape some can't..i mean they give us the tape right..?
wish some official would come here & answer this one..thanks & good luck everyone
posted on October 1, 2001 05:28:05 PM
tape can be used to reinforce the seal, but you can't shove something too big for the envelope and tape it up (yes, I've seen people do this). I think our window clerks go by that rule - if it will close and seal it's ok to put a line of tape across the seal
-
Like everything else in the PO each office interprets it a different way, so some may not allow any tape
I sell a lot of books and never had one that would fit in the flat rate priority envelope and still be less than media mail ( my standard method of shipping)
posted on October 1, 2001 08:01:06 PM
Yeah, I have used these, and I did tape it too. The clerk said that they usually do not accept them with tape. I mentioned that by saying they usually do not accept them, then that means that sometimes they do accept them. She accepted it, and it went through. Must have weighed several pounds! I love winning an argument using logic.
posted on October 1, 2001 08:17:39 PM
If you have trouble with the P.O. - use a clear narrow tape to seal the top edge. This is far less noticeable than the brown tape.
If they still complain, cover up tape with stamps. You can use those large self-adhesive 34 cent stamps. The almost square looking ones. If you are doing delivery confirm, you should be able to cover up the whole tape with no problem.
posted on October 1, 2001 08:26:46 PM
Has anyone tried using the priority tape? For those who don't know, you can get free Priority Mail supplies http://supplies.usps.gov/, including priority tape. Thanks for the information regarding the envelopes, they may come in handy in the future.
posted on October 1, 2001 10:19:55 PM
I even tried just doing the edges that flare out as the underneath sealer strip(way too thin & not wide enough to seal the ends) a small piece of "PRIORITY MAIL tape "on either edge of flap so it won't be open there on edges & i still get charged extra.even plain tape..i live in a tiny town with one postmaster..he looks for it..i pay extra to seal those edges..Did you notice.
the new supplies are really cheaply made?
I don't abuse it at all,,i mean a mini pamphlet with some plastic around it..i all ready got told if it won't fit flat forget it..but this seems so unfair, i have heard of people stuffing a big plastic raincoat in one..hehe & no hassle..
they should answer us...i asked them to come here & reply twice at the USPS website..no word..
In fact last time i ordered the free tape..i was told by the operator"IT is not for sealing box edges at all only for marking a plain box to show it's priority.."i thought that is what the labels were for..
by the way...funny...my tape smells like coffee...everyone has a different idea on this..there was a funny thread on this awhile back..
yes it seems many people don't know this stuff is free...the thing i do like is the free labels that they will actually print your name & address on for free..that is great..
posted on October 1, 2001 10:24:02 PM
Timetravelers
File a complaint with your postal service regional office and see what they say. I have never read where one is not allow to use tape on the priority mail envelope.
Since you already do not have a good working relationship with the P.O., you might as well alert them to the fact that you will file complaints. Sooner or later, it will have an effect.
posted on October 2, 2001 12:04:56 AM
I have used the flat rate Domestic Priority envelopes from time to time. They feel pretty sturdy to me but to beef them up for a heavy book I have ripped off strips of tape and stuck to edge of wrapping table. Sieze envelope. Place it on one side so opening is facing you and with light downward pressure hold envelope open. (imagine it saying "a-h-h-h-h-h-h!" Quickly place tape INSIDE along left & right side, and along bottom edge. No need to be too neat. Then neatly run a strip of tape INSIDE the top flap being sure to catch both perforated lines but not the gluestrip covering. Inspect closely and snip with scissors to remove any tape that may show on outside. Voila. Stronger envelope.
Our postoffices allow ONE strip of tape, clear OR priority tape, along the seal, tha't it. They keep warning me there is a 1" thick limit on the flat rate envelopes and my item MIGHT get returned. But I haven't gotten a Priority back yet.
Some time ago I got back a media mail to Mexico (whatever we were calling it before Jan) It only made it across town to our mail handling center. Returned with stamp "not suitable at Book Rate". I opened it right in front of the clerk and asked "what's not suitable? It's a cookbook. No advertizing. And by the way there were two cookbooks in here, you can see from the weight that something is missing."
However, it was uninsured and although they did not charge me for the 'return' as they tried to, nor the re-mailing of it, I never got any compensation for the missing book (which was a small gift to a good customer so I never mentioned it to her).
Oh, you can also take a large Priority envelope and open it out flat, wrap & tape snugly around your book/item for extra protection , and then place into another Priority envelope.
posted on October 2, 2001 12:39:42 AM
Thanks everyone, gee i don't have a criminal mind LOL...i only thought of the inside tape about a month ago on a really lite item...& it worked.!! good one,,.but i still am bugged by the scimpy strip of adhesive THAT DOES NOT GO ALL THE WAY..to the edge...grrr who designs these anyway?
Oh gosh,sorry my postmaster is usually really super,plus,,we only have 135 people in our town...over 20 miles to another post office..
but the thing is he told me...his boss absolutely flat out will not bend on this,...he showed me the letter too...the post office about 35 miles from here..TOLD ME "TO" TAPE EM...to make it more secure...but i rarely ship from there..
so i think we should all call them on this..as their site specifically says no open edges..
do you all hate wrapping as much as i do??LOL
i like everything about auctions,,love taking pics,,making friends.but wrapping...i wish i could hire someone..but then i do such a good job..i would have to supervise..
never had a thing break in 3 years..but i really over do it..& include address inside too...takes time but worth the peace of mind..
people don't realize how much time auctions take..take care & thanks for the ideas
posted on October 2, 2001 05:39:50 AM
"The POs in ALL my surrounding towns say tape is not permitted.
If it won't stay closed without tape I gotta use a priority box or ship in a heavy envelope by media. "
I mis-spoke. I meant, if you don't THINK it will STAY closed even though you have closed it ... or in other words, they told me NO TAPE. Period.
So essentially I would not trust that skimpy flat rate envelope with any decent hardcover book. The flat rate deal is a scam with that sh!tty weak poorly designed envelope.
posted on October 2, 2001 05:54:08 AM
1 of my local post offices says "no tape allowed", the others recommmend using tape. I checked with USPS online enquiry system and got vague responses such that it appears we're stuck whatever the local busybody says.
posted on October 2, 2001 06:52:11 AM
The easyy way to take care of the problem, if your PO won't allow tape, is to submit a package to the postmaster at your main area PO. They look it over, and give you a formal answer (and give you the scripted answers (site and location), so you know if you can or can't use it. And you'll have an official note to show your postal workers. Since I sell magnets, and they are small but heavy, I would be really upset if I was told I couldn't use tape. Sometimes the postal workers will even add tape. I stick to whatever they tell me, however, I don't let them tell me something they can't back-up. I never would turn a box inside out, would never abuse the system, but, if they have a flat rate that I am entitled to, I don't let some postal worker on an ego trip tell me I can't use it. I am lucky, we have a main Post Office in Albany, and a sep office whre you can get your mailing checked to be sure you are doing it write, and they give you a form saying it is.
posted on October 2, 2001 09:12:04 AM
Well--I always make a point of taping the little tabs on the priority packages--even if they don't need them. I figure they are just too easy for some quick fingered person to pull and empty the contents of the packages and then send it on to it's destination empty.
No one at the tiny little Post Office I use has ever told me not to.
My criteria for the flat -rate envelope is if I can not use the sticky flap to close the envelope (can't stretch it far enough) then I can't use the envelope.
posted on October 2, 2001 10:53:50 AM
I've been taping all their (USPS) boxes and envelopes for years. One night I packaged a bunch of stuff for mailing the next day.
When I woke up in the morning about half the two dozen boxes and envelopes were sitting by the living room door unsealed. The adhesive just popped open. The boxes weren't stuffed tight either.
Boy was I glad I hadn't mailed them the night before.
On the priority boxes I use two pieces of tape all the way around the box. Can't be sure it isn't being opened en-route any other way.
D
[ edited by fetishtemple on Oct 2, 2001 10:56 AM ]
posted on October 2, 2001 11:04:39 AMMy criteria for the flat -rate envelope is if I can not use the sticky flap to close the envelope (can't stretch it far enough) then I can't use the envelope.
Same here. I think that most people would agree that to be a more than fair test. I have several times sent out video tape tripacks in these envelopes, making them almost square, distorting them such that ears hanged out on the 4 corners (but the top flap was fully closed) -- and my posties never said anything.
I would never send out one of these flat-rate envelopes without at least one piece of strong tape over the seam -- I would be negligent as a seller if I didn't do at least that much. The semi-open flaps are just too easy to snag on equipment otherwise. And I also tape all the way around the "shirt" boxes with a piece of free PM tape since the new glue they use doesn't stick when it gets hot. Before I started doing that, I had problems with them coming open even before they got to the post office!
posted on October 2, 2001 11:55:25 AM
Just got back from my local post office, where I often entertain them with reports of some of the crazy things other PO's tell their customers. They were rolling on floor over this one!!!!!
posted on October 2, 2001 12:06:32 PM
I remember a line in a Star Trek epsisode--and it was regarding the overseer of a Star Fleet Junkyard that was quite uppity about speaking to Captain Picard---Troi told Picard " He is King of his small Kingdom and if you want results you'll have to treat him as such".
Some post office workers (and other places too) wear invisible crowns
posted on October 2, 2001 05:32:26 PM
LOL you got it...most of the tiny country post offices here have POSTMISTRESSES that have been there many years..Queens you got it..
Quickly place tape INSIDE along left & right side, and along bottom edge. No need to be too neat. Then neatly run a strip of tape INSIDE the top flap being sure to catch both perforated lines but not the gluestrip covering. Inspect closely and snip with scissors to remove any tape that may show on outside. Voila. Stronger envelope.