frugalfabrics

http://www.prioritymail.com/flatrate...467&ssno=26968

this pic of the padded flat rate envelope doesn't say anything about flat documents...but the other flat rate ones do say documents or manuscripts.

LovinMySoldier

I tried several. Both big and ity bity. Was told the same thing at all of them :(

frugalfabrics

And then here is another new brochure...which contradicts this other one I have posted. Pg 5 indicates all the flat rate envelopes (padded too) are for thin documents....whereas the other link I provided indicated the padded flat rate envelope could be used for items such as small electronics and jewelry...

BevF

So did I. But I was told that the "if it fits, its ships" applies but you cannot change the shape of the envelope or box. So if there is any sort of bulge it wont be accepted even with the boxes. And yes very disappointing :([/quote]

You cannot cut and tape the box, thus changing the shape. A slight bulge should be acceptable. There are flat rate boxes that may be just as inexpensive to ship. The PostMasters around here are kind enough to help people find the most economica way for a person to ship. See if your will do the same. I don't know how much you're shipping, but maybe even more sturdy manilla envelopes would work.

BevF

So did I. But I was told that the "if it fits, its ships" applies but you cannot change the shape of the envelope or box. So if there is any sort of bulge it wont be accepted even with the boxes. And yes very disappointing :([/quote]
_____
You cannot cut and tape the box, thus changing the shape. A slight bulge should be acceptable. There are flat rate boxes that may be just as inexpensive to ship. The PostMasters around here are kind enough to help people find the most economica way for a person to ship. See if your will do the same. I don't know how much you're shipping, but maybe even more sturdy manilla envelopes would work.

patchsamkim

I was able to get the padded FRE at my local post office...maybe ask again as they are so new.

I haven't had trouble with taping the envelopes, as long as it was sealed properly first.

Something else I was told...never take apart the FRE/FRB and turn inside out to use and try to mail it for less than the flat rate charge-they somehow know it is a FRE/FRB and that is the charge that you will need to mail.

marknfran

GOD BLESS YOU!!!!! This was my interpretation of the rules but we would usually never question a postmaster. Thank you!!!!

oldmountaincrafts

Just as an FYI, I was burned twice by items shipped through the Post Office and I'm the one out the money and the items even though I had tracking numbers and delivery confirmations, etc. Loooonnnnggg Story!! Anyway, I was talking with a friend and they suggested I sign up for a free Fed Ex account and then my shipping would be #1 - cheaper, #2 - faster and #3 - safer. Well, if I need to send something larger than an envelope, I use Fed Ex and what a difference the whole experience is. Last Christmas I shipped 2 boxes to family that were a total of about 32 lbs. and my cost was only $11. I printed the labels online, they have my credit card on file and once the shipment arrives and is accepted, THEN they charge my card. It is so worth the little bit of time to sign up!

ckcowl

you need to use flat rate tyvek envelopes, not document envelopes. the document envelopes are for documents...not news, just some folks mistakenly grab the incorrect packaging. if it is an envelope and cardboard...it is for documents...if it is a large (like a manila envelope) and made out of white tyvek you can put fabric in it, it does not have to be flat.

dmyers

I think it all depends on the employees of the PO. I send them out for the Navy guys and I stuff them and tape them but sometimes the employees frown and say they'll allow it this one time...I just smile and say thank you!!!