posted on September 16, 2001 02:20:56 PM
Media Mail and Bound Printed Matter are not the same thing. The rates differ for different weights and destinations, though usually the differences aren't significant. The problem is this: if your package is undeliverable, it won't be returned if you shipped it as Bound Printed Matter. It will (or should be) if you shipped it as Media Mail.
Further compounding this problem is the fact that many postal clerks aren't aware of this--I know because I've asked them--and will automatically post your packages as Bound Printed Matter if it's cheaper than Media Mail.
posted on September 16, 2001 03:16:00 PM
Media mail is the best choice, unless you are sending BIG packages then bound printed matter is cheaper. Go to usps.com for all the details.
posted on September 16, 2001 05:56:15 PM
The Post Office will return Bound Printed Matter if you have the following on the package: "Return Service Requested". So I have this on all packages and have the Post Office send the packages either Media Mail or Bound Printed Matter--whichever is cheaper (the clerk looks up both).
posted on September 16, 2001 06:27:20 PM
I was told by my Post Office that regular books don't qualify for the Bound Printed Matter Rate. I found this info on the USPS site:
The maximum weight for Bound Printed Matter is 15 pounds. Rates are based on the weight of the piece and the zone (distance from origin to destination ZIP Code). Packages must measure 108 inches or less in combined length and girth.
Mark each package "Bound Printed Matter" in the postage area.
Bound Printed Matter must:
a. Consist of advertising, promotional, directory, or editorial material (or any combination of such material).
b. Be securely bound by permanent fastenings such as staples, spiral binding, glue, or stitching. Looseleaf binders and similar fastenings are not considered permanent.
c. Consist of sheets of which at least 90% are imprinted by any process other than handwriting or typewriting with words, letters, characters, figures, or images (or any combination of them).
d. Not have the nature of personal correspondence.
e. Not be stationery, such as pads of blank printed forms.
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Media Mail
Generally used for books (at least eight pages), film (16 mm or narrower), printed music, printed test materials, sound recordings, play scripts, printed educational charts, loose-leaf pages and binders consisting of medical information, and computer-readable media. Advertising restrictions apply.
Packages must measure 108 inches or less in combined length and girth.
Mark each package "Media Mail" in the postage area.
