capyoda
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posted on January 14, 2004 03:15:44 PM new
was wondering about the flat rate envelope.. I have a book to send and the buyer on half needs it asap. the book is about 4 lbs but fits in the flat rate envelope. 4 lbs in priority mail is like $7-8, (fedex and ups) would be cheaper but I dont have time to go to the local fedex/ups
was wondering if a book will be okay in the flat rate envelope. I know its flat rate regardless of weight.. but what about thickness? it fits fine in the envelope, I didn't shove it in or anything, but its a bit on the thick side.. looks about half an inch to an inch in thickness.
is this against USPS policy?
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gousainc-07
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posted on January 14, 2004 03:22:50 PM new
It sounds very OK to me. That is the way I would send it
From my experience, what they look for are:
1. They do not like to accept if you use tape to keep it closed. (Whether it needs the tape or not)
Thickness should not be a problem, especially with a flat book.
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sanmar
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posted on January 14, 2004 03:28:23 PM new
As far as I know, weight has no bearing on a flat rate envelope. As long as you can seal it, then it should go AOK.
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cramer
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posted on January 14, 2004 03:28:26 PM new
Should work just fine....
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wgm
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posted on January 14, 2004 03:30:46 PM new
It is perfectly fine to send a book in a flat rate envelope. Contrary to what some postal workers say, it is NOT against PO regulations to use tape on a flat rate envelope. Actually, I put tape across the top for reinforcement on every single flat rate package I send.
Side note - there is another eBay seller that goes to the same PO I do. She sells men's clothes, and uses flat rate only. I have seen some of her packages, and they look absolutely horrible - like footballs! I asked one of the clerks about it, and she said "as long as you can get whatever you need to get in the envelope and get it closed, we have to take it." I mean they are HUGE! LOL
__________________________________
"I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to the people who sleep under the very blanket of freedom I provide, and then question the manner in which I provide it. I'd rather you just said 'thank you' and went on your way." - A Few Good Men
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capyoda
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posted on January 14, 2004 03:33:59 PM new
lol. alright just wanted to be sure since I dont want to see this back on my doorstep one day.
I've stuffed books/paper before but this time its a hardcover book that made me wonder if its a bit thick.
hmm. this saves a lot of money.
I should use this instead of the boxes sometimes.. as long as the items aren't frangile items..
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cramer
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posted on January 14, 2004 03:34:23 PM new
hummmmmm...I wonder if we could put our shoes in one?.....lol
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wgm
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posted on January 14, 2004 03:39:18 PM new
I am not kidding! The last time I saw her in the PO, she had some packages that she had to tape all the way around! LOL One day we were standing in line and I asked what type of men's clothing she sold - and she said mostly large sizes - 40 on up. I was really surprised that she could get a pair of pants in one of those, and she laughed and said "I can get two pair of pants in one!" Creative packaging, that's what it is! 
I do use the flat rate for a lot of books - works great for me, and no complaints so far.
__________________________________
"I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to the people who sleep under the very blanket of freedom I provide, and then question the manner in which I provide it. I'd rather you just said 'thank you' and went on your way." - A Few Good Men
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glassgrl
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posted on January 14, 2004 03:40:01 PM new
I thought it had to be under 4 pounds but that must just be the international qualification because if you go to the USPS website and put in "priority mail flat rate envelope" it brings up this:
"Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope
$3.85, regardless of weight or destination, for matter sent in a Priority Mail Flat Rate envelope provided by the Postal Service."
I have seen for myself, a postal employee struggling to tape a PM envelope closed, so I don't worry about what mine look like anymore! As long as you can cover it up with tape it's fine! I have also discovered that you can open the envelope and retape it shut if it "almost" fits in there lengthwise and it's fine. I had a book to send and it almost but not quite fit in the envelope. So I opened the seams on the side, put the book in, taped it shut and shipped it.
Does that make any sense?
I always tape ALL the seams anyway in those envelopes. I've had packages arrive when they didn't use tape and the packages were gaping open.
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gousainc-07
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posted on January 14, 2004 03:40:14 PM new
Although like the previous poster stated, it is really not a USPS regulation for no tape rule, just a lot of misinformation.
Unfortunately, misinformation can bite you when the counter refuses your item, or does something silly like charge your customer for postage due, citing it was not flat rate because there is tape on it.
http://www.usps.com/mailerscompanion/june2003/mc0603art8.htm
A. Any amount of material that can be mailed in the special Priority Mail or Express Mail flat-rate envelope available from the USPS is subject to the appropriate 1-pound rate for Priority Mail and the 1/2-pound rate for Express Mail, regardless of the weight of the material placed in the envelope.
However, keep in mind when mailing at the Priority Mail or Express Mail flat rate, the contents of the flat-rate envelope must be confined within the envelope with the adhesive provided on the flap as the primary means of closure. The flap must be able to close and adhere to the envelope. Tape may be applied to reinforce the envelope provided the design of the envelope is not enlarged by any means (i.e., opening the sides of the envelope and then taping or reconstructing the envelope).
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glassgrl
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posted on January 14, 2004 03:44:16 PM new
ouch gousainc! Ok, my package after I ripped open the side seams didn't actually LOOK like it had been open and retaped!
But that top flap is another question! And yes, my envelopes are not always flat and pristine but still ship fine.
I guess you would of had to seen the postal employee and HIS package!
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capyoda
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posted on January 14, 2004 03:46:16 PM new
ah there, the final say on it.
i was digging through USPS site and somehow I cant find it.
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gousainc-07
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posted on January 14, 2004 03:50:03 PM new
It might need to be noted that not all those cardboard priority mail envelopes are Flat Rate.
Some do not say flat rate, and are charged at actual weight.
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glassgrl
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posted on January 14, 2004 04:41:07 PM new
I thought they had phased all those "other" priority mail envelopes out? Although I probably still have some in my attic from when I first started selling on Ebay and over ordered <gggg>
Overseas has to be UNDER 4 pounds.
It's amazing what one can stuff in there creatively!
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whatnot3
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posted on January 14, 2004 07:09:54 PM new
They do have a 70 lb weight limit on them.
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stonecold613
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posted on January 14, 2004 09:01:06 PM new
gousainc has it right. Simply put, if it fits in the envelope and you can close it without extra tape, it is good to go. Then you can tape it for protection.
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sparkz
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posted on January 14, 2004 09:34:10 PM new
Hmmmmm...I was thinking of sending my brother in law a man hole cover for his birthday, but was wondering how to ship it. Thanks to the info in this thread, I'm off to find my tape measure.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
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ebayvet
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posted on January 15, 2004 03:08:43 PM new
"Contrary to what some postal workers say, it is NOT against PO regulations to use tape on a flat rate envelope"
My current post office they are great, even adding on tape. The previous one I was in did not want tape, and the clerk once told me that tape was not allowed. I challenged him to show me the postal regulation that stated that, he grumbled, and never complained about it in front of me again.
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sanmar
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posted on January 15, 2004 04:38:31 PM new
I hope that you are using USPS priority Mail tape..After all it cost you zip.
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capyoda
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posted on January 15, 2004 04:59:27 PM new
lol yeah. I went and grabbed a butt load of those. so whenever I mail 'priority' I can use their tape.
at least it evens out the ridiculous $3.85 sometimes, free tape and supplies.
sometimes I feel for people, because the clerks are required to asked if someone needs to mail it via priority.. knowing that a 37 cent stamp first-class is pretty much the same deal for a letter.
once I received a postal money order in a priority mail evenlope... I feel for the guy. $3.85 to mail a piece of paper. must be the postal clerk.
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blueyes29
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posted on January 17, 2004 10:44:33 AM new
Re: Extra tape on flat-rate envelope...I was told by my postal clerk that tape was OK BUT it should not hide the "Flat Rate" words at the top...this could lead to recipient getting charged for regular priority charges. Sort of a picky technality, I think, but it made sense...so I use the priority tape but make sure the "Flat Rate" is clearly visible.
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