posted on August 4, 2009 03:19:44 PM new
I've sold quite a few post cards over the years and today was surprised by a new Post Office deveiopment regarding my efforts.
When I checked my PO BOx there were 3 postcards that I had shipped out a day or two before bundled with a rubber band with a sticker over the sendee address on the first envelope saying that these required an additional 20 cents surcharge for nonmachinable mail.
(Label 100 PSN 7690-03-000-9028)
I mail my postcards on cardboard backing board in a plastic sleeve in the small or standard size envelopes, put on 44 cents postage and stamp them DO NOT BEND. Been doing this for years (at lower postage in the past!) and never had a problem before today.
BUT WHAT IT GETS WORSE!
So I stood in the very, very VERY long line at the counter and showed the sticker and emvelopes to the postal clerk she then weighed my envelopes and said they weight more than an ounce! Which seemed very strange to me as for all the years I have mailed this set up it has weighed just over a half ounce (which I confimed at on my scale when I returned home) So I think I had to pay an additional 37 cents per envelope total.
I was trying to think what caused the problem I normally use the standard 10 inch envelopes with the forever stamps. On this last batch I was using the smaller 8 inch envelopes with left over 42 cent stamps and added 2 cent stamps. So maybe that is the problem. Or maybe my stamped in red "DO NOT BEND" is the problem.
Or maybe the problem is I just need to stop sending things using the U.S. Mail as its bad for my blood pressure and general disposition.
posted on August 4, 2009 04:38:02 PM new
The post office has a new (two years ago) "rigid object" pricing requirement - adding an extra $.20 to the regular first class postage. I don't know what kind of cardboard you use for your backing but if it won't bend, then it is rigid. Regardless, the fact that you have written "Do Not Bend" on the package requires hand stamping and renders the package non-machinable. I don't know how they came up with the extra ounce!
I use a hard plastic postcard sleeve (not technically rigid because it can flex and goes the USPS machines quite nicely). I mail in an invitation sized envelope for one $.44 stamp. I don't mark the package "Do Not Bend" but have not had one postcard destroyed by USPS in thousands mailed.
You might have to adjust your mailing methods.
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posted on August 4, 2009 08:04:12 PM new
Ditto Neglus. You may be mailing in a too large envelope, try an A6 or C6. Investing in rigid postcard sleeves that fit snugly in the envelopes instead of cardboard not only saves on shipping, they are an added value to your buyers. Ill-fitted (to your envelope size) cardboard with rubber bands is destroyed by post office machinery. Check out BCW or Ultrapro rigid PC holders with appropriate sized envelopes. They still allow shipments for 44 cents.
posted on August 5, 2009 06:36:22 AM new
Hi, I agree that the "Do not bend" is the problem. They will charge .20 extra for that assumed hand cancel task. I use a more economical method of packaging. Purchase standard 4x6 std weight self sealing holders with a pull tab for opening and cut them in half. You will then have two sturdy envelopes for about .08 cents each. Put your cards in std sleves and seal the holder on the cut bottom and then close the holder. Your customers will have the easy open feature and packaging costs will be reduced. I have done this for 10 years with no damage to postcards and have never had them returned for insufficient postage.
posted on August 5, 2009 12:14:30 PM new
I would have requested the envelopes be weighed on a different scale. The calibration was probably off by an extra half ounce.
posted on August 6, 2009 03:17:29 PM new
I'm not sure I understand the problem. Is it that the postcards were returned? Or, that the price of mailing might have to be increased?
Is there some unwritten policy among postcard sellers that mandates the postcard must be sent as cheaply as possible? Or,can it be properly packaged, with an exhibit of care and concern, and then, charge $1.00 or more?
As an observation, it should be pointed out that the large dealers that sell philatelic items do not ship for 44 cents. In fact, in most instances they charge around $4.00 to ship an item. They do not seem to be suffering from the lack of business,
How did we get caught up in shipping at the lowest price? Is this an ebay thing?
posted on August 6, 2009 04:32:22 PM new
Hmmm Bill - the questions was not "what is the cheapest way to ship" it was "why am I being charged an extra $.20".
I would challenge any of the so called large dealers to match my safe shipping methods. I have shipped nearly 50,000 orders without ONE damaged postcard.(btw what makes a dealer a "large dealer" and what is exactly the proper way of shipping postcards? Just asking....)
posted on August 6, 2009 05:49:57 PM new
Just my opinion - cheap shipping cheapens your item and your image. Unless you are selling on ebay. If the item is so valuable, why place it a regular envelope, with some cardboard, and send it for 44 cents?
However, I do note that the postage listed in many of your items is $1.50 not 44 cents.
As to a large dealer, there is no need to explain, as we both know. I will add that I am not even considering ebay dealers, as being large, especially when it is philatelic sales (again just my opinion).
Further, congratulations for the great sales, I wish you continued good fortune.
