posted on July 2, 2002 09:51:17 AM
Well, I know you folks can help faster then the USPS-
I have always used priority mail, now I will use first class, my problem is using my own boxes, do they all have to be wrapped in the brown paper? What kind of markings are allowed? I want to save my time but want the items to get to the buyer.
anyone? Thanks in advance
posted on July 2, 2002 10:12:50 AM
They don't have to be wrapped. Just be careful what the box says, as it may cause refusal or inspection. I just take ALL previous tags, markings, stickers off the box and use plenty of extra-strength plastic packing tape. I also put that tape over the address to protect it. I sometimes double-box, that is pack & box the item, then pack&box the box.
posted on July 2, 2002 10:18:18 AM
Unless it changed too (and I don't think it did), first class mail only applies to articles up to 13 ounces.
In fact, when priority mail first came along, we were given to understand that it was a method of shipping packages over 13 ounces with first class treatment. Which means it was always a waste to send a letter priority mail. Theoretically, nothing takes precedence over first class mail - with the (now) exception of express mail. (Before anyone argues with me about this, please consult with your postmaster - and 'postmaster' doesn't mean a window clerk.)
If you are wanting information on parcel post shipping, it was hardly worth the bother, and I doubt that has changed. Within probably 100-200 miles, it can be a great deal, but cross-country it is usually within pennies of priority (and I'm sure that was no accident). Also, sometimes with exceptionally heavy packages it can be significantly cheaper, regardless of destination.
As to boxes for parcel post, I like to turn tham inside out, but it takes time that I don't always have.
Some post offices are stricter than others, but I can get by with taping over any and all bar codes, other shipping labels, and any words like "perishable", "keep refrigerated", and the biggie "hazardous waste" (which I have never had, but know not to take it to the p.o. if I ever do).
With the new zoned priority rates and a package over 2 pounds there is a big difference between Priority and Parcel Post for zone 8 shipping. Check out the rate tables for yourself.
posted on July 2, 2002 01:38:43 PM
First Class mail only goes to 13 oz. It then becomes Priority Mail. As far as using Parcel Post, unless you want your buyer to wait up to 3 weeks, forget it. I sold an old Graflex Camera with case etc. & thought I would save the buyer some $$. I shipped it to a suburb of LA, I live 160 miles north of LA. It took 15 days to get there. I could have walked there in less time. From now on I am shipping everything by FedEx Ground.
posted on July 2, 2002 02:09:41 PM
Since 9/11, my post office will not accept packages unless they are in a plain brown box or wrapped in plain brown paper, no print allowed on the outside of the box at all.
posted on July 2, 2002 03:31:59 PM
my local PO said to just mark an X across any barcoding and the rest was nothing to worry about. They really don't like the brown paper wrapping because if it tears the address can be lost.
our local TV news station did a test of priority vs parcel post in shipping time. they sent out 3 packages each way. the arrival was always within one day of the other. they shipped to 3 different major cities in 3 different states including both coasts (we are in Ohio)
posted on July 3, 2002 07:57:08 AM
Just wanted to thank you all for your input, sounds like each post office is differant! I found that true here too, the sub station is 1 block away from me, but the people working there wouldn't let me do DC on one day then OK the next, plus there scale was off always cost me more, so I drive to the furthest post office (I like to drive anyway, only 20 min) Nice beautiful new PO- that's why they need more money, no lines and better service. But with the cost increase and time hunting for boxes buying tape, hey I will be trying all the other servers out there!
Next question- really would I be an awful person to use the last of my prioity boxes inside out??? I heard that was looked down on, but do I really haul them all back to the PO? I dont' want any trouble??? advise.
Thanks again I always find the best help on these boards.
posted on July 3, 2002 08:17:01 AM
I hear all of these complaints about Priority Mail being so slow. I have been shipping 95% of my sales by Priority Mail. It has never take more than 3 days(excluding Sundays) for a pkg to go anywhere in the USA. I live in a city of 140,000 160 miles north of LA. All Priority & Express Mail go out of here at 6:00 PM by FedEx Air. One hour later they are in LAX & by Midnight they are being distributed out of Memphis. I just sent a box to Sykesville, MD last Monday & it was rec'd on Wed. morning!! I really hate to give it up, but I can't justify the cost to my buyers.
posted on July 3, 2002 08:25:46 AMNext question- really would I be an awful person to use the last of my prioity boxes inside out??? I heard that was looked down on, but do I really haul them all back to the PO? I dont' want any trouble??? advise.
I have heard horror stories of this. A buyer opens his box, sees the inverted Priority Box, and takes it to his P.O. I think you get fined or something. It never occurs to them the box is being recycled or that you are switching services and need to use up the old boxes.
I figure that it would be just my luck to run into Barney Fife. It's not worth it.
posted on July 3, 2002 08:35:10 AM
there have been threads here from buyers who have had items shipped in recycled priority boxes (inside out), that have had to pay the extra shipping in order to get the package.
posted on July 3, 2002 08:51:40 AM
Buyers paying the extra shipping smacks of sending that 'recycled' box through the post office. What happens, other that 'barney fife' turning you in, if the Fed Ex finds out? ...
posted on July 3, 2002 09:27:50 AM
Well with my luck "Barney Fife" would just do that, so I Think since I am moving I will pack my "junk" in them for storage, Heck I have spent a lot of money at the post office, boxes no matter how small when moving are hard to come by, hope my Karma doesn't bite me in the butt!
