UPS stamps cost
#11
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,426
We are still using the rolls of forever stamps from years ago. In fact I think when they first had forever stamps. My husband bought rolls of them then. He said postage will only go higher so by low now. We don't use many stamps anymore. I doubt we have to buy any more in our lifetime.
#12
I have enough forever stamps to last my lifetime too. These days I rarely use stamps as I do all my bills online.
They are also discontinuing the Regional A and B boxes. I'm really frustrated by that. It's hard when you have a small business.
They are also discontinuing the Regional A and B boxes. I'm really frustrated by that. It's hard when you have a small business.
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,735
I used to mail a lot of books I sold on eBay by media mail. I just told them at the post office that it was a book and paid the much lower media rate. Next time as for a supervisor if the counter person doesn't know the rules. Or better yet, take a copy of the rules with you.
#14
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,426
What Can’t Be Shipped USPS Media Mail?
Anything not intended for educational purposes is prohibited in USPS Media Mail. The following items are unapproved for Media Mail:- Entertainment media: Comic books, magazines, newspapers, and printed goods that include advertising or marketing don’t qualify
- Puzzles: Defined as entertainment
- Games: Both video games and board games are defined as entertainment
- Blank Media: The media must be ready for education, meaning unused journals, blank paper, and blank CDs/DVDs/Cassettes aren’t allowed
- Books lacking text: This includes books that center around a pattern, cut-outs, posters, crosswords, and sudoku
- Cards: Including greeting cards, playing cards, trading cards, etc.
- Marketing & advertising media: Anything meant for advertisement or entertainment purposes cannot be shipped via Media Mail.
- Though many have tried, it’s best not to add unapproved items to USPS Media shipments because...
USPS Media Mail is Open To Inspection
Media mail can be inspected by postal workers, unlike other package types. Yep, the post office is allowed to check whether you’re playing by the rules.
If you’re found sending unapproved items as Media Mail, you could face charges of mail fraud. And you’ll certainly receive a notice (POSTAGE DUE) to pay the difference between the media rate and the rate for unapproved items.
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: The Finger Lakes of upstate NY
Posts: 3,572
I didn't know that they were allowed to sell stamps anywhere for over the actual cost. I don't use many stamps anymore, either.
For packages, I've had much better service with UPS than USPS. The post office tracking is horrible, and it is much slower. I can send a package from home (NY) or FL, where I winter, to our grandchildren in PA vis UPS and it will be there in 2 days. Sent via USPS, it's 4, sometimes 5.
As far as media, I think as soon as you send a book that has a card with it (as a gift, for example), you can no longer send it media mail. You'd be better off sending it them separately, with a note in the card that the gift is arriving in a different envelope.
For packages, I've had much better service with UPS than USPS. The post office tracking is horrible, and it is much slower. I can send a package from home (NY) or FL, where I winter, to our grandchildren in PA vis UPS and it will be there in 2 days. Sent via USPS, it's 4, sometimes 5.
As far as media, I think as soon as you send a book that has a card with it (as a gift, for example), you can no longer send it media mail. You'd be better off sending it them separately, with a note in the card that the gift is arriving in a different envelope.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,735
#17
Just don't fall for the Facebook ads promising 50% off stamp prices. If you get anything it will be counterfeit. I don't know why FB keeps showing me the ads, I report every one as a scam.
I will be really sad to see the Regional Rate boxes go away, they were very handy for mailing magazines.
I will be really sad to see the Regional Rate boxes go away, they were very handy for mailing magazines.
#18
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Dakotas
Posts: 3,025
My neighbor was on a rant about cost of postage but he has to remember expenses of the post office have gone up like everything else. Same neighbor spends a lot of time at the bar but never complains about how much money he leaves there. Go figure.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,097
Most employees don't know the rules. One told me the last time I mailed a book I couldn't use the book rate because it was personal mail. ? it was regulation and she couldn't change the rule. She did tape the end of the mailer down so it would be smaller in size but I had to send it non book rate. Now this next employee says Oh I can send that book by medium rate.
I've never had them question when I asked to have something mailed media rate they just do it.