posted on July 19, 2004 10:28:31 AM new
I just looked at USPS under business supplies and I couldn't find tape anymore.
from AuctionBytes Forum:
Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 3:27 pm Post subject: FREE PRIORITY MAIL TAPE HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED
Hello All,
Just saw the news, FREE PRIORITY MAIL TAPE HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED , just wanted to pass the word. Might be able to grab a few rolls from your local Post Office while quanities last, but no longer available from the toll free # or website.
_________________
Thanks!
Jason Archambault
But there's also this, so hopefully we are not without PM tape:
Auctionbytes-NewsFlash, Number 790 - June 25, 2004 - ISSN 1539-5065
eBay and U.S. Postal Service Team Up to Offer Co-Branded Shipping Supplies Exclusively For The eBay Community
By Company-Issued Press Release
AuctionBytes.com
June 25, 2004
eBay, The World's Online Marketplace, and the U.S. Postal Service today introduced free co-branded shipping supplies, which will display the recognizable eBay and Postal Service logos. Beginning July 2004, the eBay community can order the newly designed free shipping supplies for Priority Mail service. Boxes will be available in three sizes along with tape.
The shipping supplies are another new addition to the convenient online shipping service eBay and the Postal Service unveiled in February 2004, which allows sellers to calculate rates, purchase postage and print shipping labels from their computer. With this new service, co-branded Priority Mail boxes will be delivered directly to an eBay member's home. This, combined with the Carrier Pickup service offered by the Postal Service makes shipping quick, easy and convenient for eBay sellers.
"The Postal Service is committed to bringing new value to the eBay community by making it easy to access and use our products and services. Providing co-branded Priority Mail boxes and tape is just another way we help eBay sellers be more successful," said Anita J. Bizzotto, chief marketing officer, U.S. Postal Service.
The new shipping materials can be ordered exclusively through eBay's site. There will be a link from the eBay shipping page to order the free co-branded boxes and tape.
"At any given time there are more than 25 million items for sale on eBay, worldwide. Shipping is integral to the successful completion of each transaction," said Jeff Jordan, senior vice president of eBay North America, "These new co-branded boxes will help make it even faster and more efficient for our community members to ship packages."
posted on July 19, 2004 10:55:27 AM new
The only thing I can find in the eBay Shipping Center is UPS information. I wonder when they plan on adding the supplies? Thankfully, I have tape, but I'd hate to think about running out.
posted on July 19, 2004 11:49:53 AM new
LUCKY ME!!! I just received 4 rolls about 3 weeks ago. Then I found 4 rolls that were not where they should have been. So now I have 9 plus rolls. Won't be getting any soon.
Life Is Too Short To Drink Bad Wine
posted on July 19, 2004 12:51:47 PM new
ebay helps keep USPS afloat. with less and less 1st class mail being sorted thanks to online bill pay, auto bill pay, EFTs, SPAM and email, the post office has become more dependent on eBay shipments. I wouldn't be surprised to see commercials touting both services this coming holiday season.
I mostly use Priority Mail Tyvek envelopes, so I don't see any of this affecting me. I hate the Priority tape, and since I rarely use tape, I just buy my own.
posted on July 19, 2004 01:23:54 PM new
Thanks for the heads up, I just picked up a roll at my local Post Office, and intend to ask again tomorrow when I stop in.
posted on July 19, 2004 01:34:32 PM new
Good grief. With a title like that, I'd expected someone had died.
So you won't be able to get that awful smelly yucky FREE PM tape any more. Now that is a tragedy. That stuff is so gross I wouldn't be surprised if it is carcinogenic.
Costco. 8 rolls of 3M Packaging Tape, the gold standard, less than $20.
posted on July 19, 2004 01:42:30 PM new
Yeah Thanks glassgrl - I'll grab some too.
rustygumbo you are so right - ebay is really supporting usps, ups and a few more and so many new things are coming out everyday.
With everything being done online now - my last 3 trips to the post office were VERY fast - no lines at all??
posted on July 19, 2004 02:59:44 PM new
I think that sucks!!
I love priority tape, I have built some very creative packaging over the years with it. It's tough, thin, lasts forever and free....or used to be. Oh well, just another reason to invoke a packing/handling fee which I am dead set against.....
posted on July 19, 2004 03:08:28 PM new
Pssst. I just mailed some packages today and asked my favorite clerk if I could get some priority supplies from him. He asked what I needed, and I said one or two rolls of priority tape. He brought me one, said that was all he could spare. Not a word about the new rules.
LOL! It's about as good as duct tape, IMO. Sticks to everything. I have to clean my scissors of the tape residue from time-to-time. Gotta love stuff that sticks so well!
Edited to add: When my hair was waist length, it used to get caught in the tape on a regular basis. I've had to pull if off of packages so as not to mail any of it.
Cheryl
[ edited by CBlev65252 on Jul 19, 2004 03:11 PM ]
posted on July 19, 2004 04:03:39 PM new
Hi,
I am in Australia so this doesn't affect me one little bit. However I do have question for you. Does this mean the tape will now have the ebay logo all over it? If it does, that will make the sorting of mail so much easier for the criminal element. They are going sit back watch the goodies from ebay come rolling in readily identifiable. I could be wrong. I was just wondering really.
Regards,
Adrian
posted on July 19, 2004 05:08:44 PM new
CBlev65252, truly a sad day! Nothing sticks better than priority tape. Even very dry, non-adhesive cardboard was no match for it. I have yet to come accross a brand of clear tape that works as well. I will have to loot my local post office during my morning run!
posted on July 19, 2004 05:12:24 PM new
I was at the PO today and the fellow told me that "since UPS and FEDEX don't pay for tape we figure we shouldn't have to either"
I didn't give him the heavier box argument, but asked for a few rolls...all gone.
But, on the upside, I did stockpile a massive order in the fall. I used a few for moving, but otherwise, I still have enough. Of course, to sate the pious on the board...I do know that it is not right to use USPS free tape on boxes to move...but I did. Mea culpa and thanks.
I guess there isn't enough return on Lance and the Boys!
Go Lance! Win Number 6!
www.velonews.com in case you are curious.
posted on July 19, 2004 06:50:12 PM new
I know - that PM tape sticks to everything! I searched high and low a few months back trying to find clear tape that is comparable with no luck. I even had manufacturers send me samples of their tape to compare it with. They think that it may be a hot melt tape by the smell factor I mentioned. Because the PM tape is so thin and stretchy is why I like it...that and the fact that it STICKS.
posted on July 19, 2004 07:09:06 PM new
iareateacher
You are so right about the smell and all.
My beloved dog Charlie who died a year ago this July had a really weird habit of licking the corners of my coffee table from time to time. I never could understand why until about a month after he died, I was wrapping some items and as I did I would pull small pieces of the PM tape off and stick on the edge of the table - finally I understood what he was doing.
Charlie alway did like weird stuff!! Hope they have PM tape in heaven.
posted on July 19, 2004 08:19:53 PM new
ladyjewel: I feel for you, My Nick is 10 & I hate to think of losing him. We have been together for over 7 years when I rescued him from a animal adoption center in LA. He is a Keeshond & is as lovable as they come. AFAF as Priority Mail, I ship all of my small items this way. I don't see what a eBay customer has to do with the speed of Priority Mail.
Life Is Too Short To Drink Bad Wine
posted on July 19, 2004 09:37:44 PM new
It's a funny thing about that tape. When I first started on Ebay, I was just buying, mostly wallpockets, and when I'd open a package and the seller had used the tape inside the box as well as outside, I really noticed the smell--it was a sicky-sweet odor, and for a while I didn't realize it was the tape itself. When I started selling, and using the tape myself, I noticed the odor just at first, and now I don't at all.
I too like the tape a lot. IF you have a big tape dispenser, it's much easier to use, though. And every once in a while the tape just wants to double back on itself, as though it's alive.
Are we all getting sentimental about it now that it's not free?!!
___________________________________
"Our dilemma is that we hate change and love it at the same time; what we really want is for things to remain the same, but better."
- Sidney J Harris
"The new shipping materials can be ordered exclusively through eBay's site. There will be a link from the eBay shipping page to order the free co-branded boxes and tape."
I can't seem to find this link; has anyone seen it? I looked at the shipping page. Maybe it's coming later?
___________________________________
"Our dilemma is that we hate change and love it at the same time; what we really want is for things to remain the same, but better."
- Sidney J Harris
posted on July 19, 2004 09:57:05 PM new
Many sellers have stocked up on a large supply of PM tape. Now that it's no longer free, I wonder how long it will be before it starts showing up on Ebay?
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
posted on July 19, 2004 10:52:46 PM new
I have a couple of cases of the tape. I ordered it about a 2years ago to tape my boxes. I had been doing it for awhile, and then one day, went to the post office, and was told I can't use it for taping boxes!
It is only to be used as a strip or two to bring attention that it is Priority!
As thought the boxes are printed "Priority", and need more attention the the fact the it is indeed "Priority". I was also told the reason for this is because (1)the tape is only to specify Priority, and (2) get this....it is not strong enough for taping up the boxes!
Well you are right...it is strong, and it does stick like crazy! Loved using it for that reason.
So I just bought clear tape, and stopped using Priority tape, except for home use!
Have any of you heard of such a rule? I don't go to the post office anymore. I either choose home pickup, or a Mail type store is right next door to me. Before home pickup, that was great...could print postage for USPS, or UPS, and go next door and drop of all of my packages.
Sorry got long winded here...must be the slow summer slump getting to me.
Maybe I should just start using the tape again sense I no long go to the post office anyway. Just don't want boxes coming back to me cause of it.
What do ya all think? Have you ever heard of such a rule for using that tape?
posted on July 19, 2004 11:30:27 PM new
Here's the response I got from the USPS web site when I asked how to order the tape. No mention of free supplies through eBay.:
"Dear USPS Customer,
Thank you for contacting us regarding USPS shipping supplies. Priority Mail
and Express Mail Tape is no longer offered online or through our customer
service number. Many of the boxes the Postal Service provides have a
self-sealing transfer tape, and therefore should not require a tape item to
be sealed. This decision will enable the Postal Service to reduce costs
associated with packaging supplies, and will help the organization maintain
its commitment to financial responsibility. Cost curtailment initiatives
like this one are undertaken with the understanding that lower costs help
keep mailing rates low for Postal customers. The tape items had been
intended to help customers identify packages as Express Mail or Priority
Mail. The Postal Service has many alternative products that serve a similar
purpose, such as decals and labels. These items remain available. You may
want to use the following: for Priority Mail, Label 106 or Label 107-R.
For Express Mail, Label 127-R. At this time, the Postal Service offers
tape for sale only at local Post Offices. To find a post office location,
please use the Post Office Locator on the USPS website:
1. Go to http://www.usps.com.
2. Click on "Locate Post Offices" in the red menu bar.
3. Type in your address, or perhaps the address of your workplace, or any
address for which you'd like to find a close post office, specifically the
one that handles mail deliveries for that address.
4. Under Search Options, be sure that "Find Post Office is selected.
5. Submit the form.
Additionally, you have the option of calling the USPS Information line at
800-275-8777 (800-ASK-USPS). This is an automated response service. Listen
carefully to the options. Currently Option 6 will allow you to obtain the
address, telephone number and hours of post offices in specific zip codes
areas. Please be aware that those options may change and it might be
something other than option 6 when you call.
We hope this helps. Thank you for using the USPS."
Interesting that they now have tape FOR SALE at our local post office. Sheez!
posted on July 20, 2004 06:31:52 AM new
In other words, some of you PM tape users were abusing the privilege.
(Or that's what the Postal Service thinks, anyway.)
--
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posted on July 20, 2004 11:49:27 AM new
Doesn't really effect us either, as we stopped shipping via USPS, except for a few small items, and do all our shipping via UPS, where we have an account, and who picks up and delivers to us daily, and caters to our needs much better than the USPS.
We had our brick & mortar store closed for a week for inventory, and we asked our UPS man to just drop by our house, and throw our deliveries in our truck, then lock the truck, and he happily complied. The USPS isn't so easy to deal with.
We REQUIRE a signature on almost every shipment, so it is just easier for us to use UPS as their on line tracking, with picture of the buyer's signature is much more impressive to PayPal or our Merchant Account Processor, than the USPS "Delivery Certification," and what a hassle to get copies of signatures from the USPS.
posted on July 20, 2004 02:07:52 PM new
treasures,
I have been told by more than one Postal employee that individual postmasters will announce new policy and if they work at that station, they must comply. It matters not what the written USPS rules say in these cases. That doesn't make it right or legal necessarily, but it happens. I don't think the postmasters are actually given that leeway, but take it. Sometimes they rely on word of mouth or arbitrary decisions instead of written policy when they get a situation they don't like and feel that they must handle.
Like, let's say they are told by the regional director that Priority Mail users are abusing use of tape for other than sending mail and they will no longer give it away. So one PO may start selling what they have left instead of giving the rest free, one may say that it's only for marking boxes for type of mail, not to seal the box. You get a lot of little made-up stuff, at least I have from local PO's when thay decide there's a problem to correct and no new "official" written document reaches from powers above telling them exactly what to do. They make up new policy. And are very resistant if you try to point out it isn't in written policy or official.
I'm not down on all postal workers or the USPS, just stating what I have observed at more than one PO locally. I took one matter all the way to the regional director because they would not follow the printed rules that said they will pick up packages at the time of regular mail delivery if correct postage was on a PM package.
"Oh, it takes extra time and work to pick them up? We have only so many seconds to service each house. Umm...Tell her we don't do it, because of Sept 11th and additional security measures. Tell her we don't know her or if she put somehting bad in the pacakge. Tell her we want to see her face-to-face at the PO. Tell her she can call in for pickup (and pay $12.50 each time)."
DUH! They see me face-to-face at my door EVERY day! And who picks up the packges when you call in? Your letter carrier when he makes your usual delivery!
During the time I was contesting this, I twice received a new booklet (Postal Regs)from THEM stating they would pick up my packages if I met them at the door and physically handed them over.
Sorry for the rant. When I start up selling again, I found that if I use the printed barcode postge from online, they say they WILL pick up them up now. Hopefully! I was using postage stamps before.
Oh, and I stopped using the postal tape for sealing packages mostly. It sticks too well sometimes! I got it stuck to stuff I didn't want it on. Like all the time on the mailing label, the invoice, etc. Butterfingers had to wad it up and toss more than once!
