Swaps/postage
06-07-2013, 04:07 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Vermont
Posts: 7,013
I have been a couple of swaps, and I have gotten different prices on mailing the same package at different post offices. The different prices had to do with the thickness of the envelope. I had ordered the flat rate tyevek envelopes from the post office website, and stuffed it full of 2.5" squares and it cost $6.00 to go from NY to Tx... I'm talking about the envelope looked like it was going to explode. The clerk taped it.. I also pack my swaps in a ziplock bag, and put my address on it. If the bag eplodes, or gets ripped apart, the chances are that it will get back to me.. the thought of spending time on making the project, and it getting lost will upset me big time..
There is NO flat rate Tyvek envelope from the PO. Oh, how I wish there was!! There is a Flat rate cardboard mailer and a Flat Rate padded envelope. If you use the Priority Mail Tyvek envelope they will charge you by weight and distance.
I don't do swaps but I ship a lot and do most of it online through Paypal. It is well worth it to get a PP account if you ship a lot of things, you save on postage and get Delivery Confirmation free or at a reduced rate.
And PLEASE be an informed consumer. Don't wander into the PO with an item to ship and throw yourself on the mercy of the clerk - they are trained to "upsell" - get you to buy the higher priced postage when you don't need it. Know how much it will cost and what service you want before you get there. It isn't that hard (although the consumer confusion dept of the PO works overtime to make it that way).
06-07-2013, 05:14 AM
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,522
There is NO flat rate Tyvek envelope from the PO. Oh, how I wish there was!! There is a Flat rate cardboard mailer and a Flat Rate padded envelope. If you use the Priority Mail Tyvek envelope they will charge you by weight and distance.
I don't do swaps but I ship a lot and do most of it online through Paypal. It is well worth it to get a PP account if you ship a lot of things, you save on postage and get Delivery Confirmation free or at a reduced rate.
And PLEASE be an informed consumer. Don't wander into the PO with an item to ship and throw yourself on the mercy of the clerk - they are trained to "upsell" - get you to buy the higher priced postage when you don't need it. Know how much it will cost and what service you want before you get there. It isn't that hard (although the consumer confusion dept of the PO works overtime to make it that way).
I don't do swaps but I ship a lot and do most of it online through Paypal. It is well worth it to get a PP account if you ship a lot of things, you save on postage and get Delivery Confirmation free or at a reduced rate.
And PLEASE be an informed consumer. Don't wander into the PO with an item to ship and throw yourself on the mercy of the clerk - they are trained to "upsell" - get you to buy the higher priced postage when you don't need it. Know how much it will cost and what service you want before you get there. It isn't that hard (although the consumer confusion dept of the PO works overtime to make it that way).
You are correct that it is NOT - but it's worthwhile using it at times. Sometimes it's a much better 'deal' than the medium flat rate boxes.
06-07-2013, 07:38 AM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: S. Texas
Posts: 2,337
I mail from the PayPal website. Saves a few cents and label is printed and if you have a simple cooking or postal can weigh your own and figure out the least expensive way to mail. Also saves a trip to the post office. Those padded fate rate mailer envelopes you get from the post office web site hold a lot of fabric! Help in how to fold it can be found on this board.
06-07-2013, 10:40 AM
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Woodmere, NY
Posts: 1,422
There is a flat rate tyevek envelope, but you have to order them from the post office online.. They are great!!! you pay $6, and can stuff as much as you can get in the, They are extremely strong.. and they are a FLAT RATE!!!!. You have to be careful when you order them, as there are other tyevek envelopes that look like them, but are not flat rate. Please check the website. I have used them for a while, and others have used them from the board in the swaps that we are doing..
06-07-2013, 01:08 PM
#16
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,522
There is a flat rate tyevek envelope, but you have to order them from the post office online.. They are great!!! you pay $6, and can stuff as much as you can get in the, They are extremely strong.. and they are a FLAT RATE!!!!. You have to be careful when you order them, as there are other tyevek envelopes that look like them, but are not flat rate. Please check the website. I have used them for a while, and others have used them from the board in the swaps that we are doing..
On this website:
https://store.usps.com/store/browse/...tegoryProducts
I found a Priority Mail Tyvek Envelope 11=5/8 x 15-1/8 - but I must have missed the Flat Rate ones.
I just looked at that site again - and I still don't find it. (Doesn't necessarily mean it isn't there - I'm just not spotting it - and I've looked three times now)
06-07-2013, 04:44 PM
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Woodmere, NY
Posts: 1,422
I was on the website, and the page that listed above was not the correct page. Go into FLATE RATE.. You will see the padded envelope. That is the one.. It is FREE.. I ordered a set of ten.. It works!!!
06-07-2013, 05:12 PM
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 2,876
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
