Originally Posted by Cyndi H
My next-door neighbor is our postmaster in Forest Falls, and he said it's not the weight as much as it is the puffiness. If it's squeeezzeeedd flat, it can go for .44. But all the squeezing in the world doesn't work, usually - the laws of physics make the bulky seams "suck" in more air even after you've squeezed it out, and it gets puffy again. Then it's too thick to get through the first class small envelope window and has to go through the large envelope slot. That's more postage.
And, horror of horrors!! Some of my fat 8s last swap got ripped up because the envie didn't go thro the postal cancelling machine well. If it's too fat to go thro w/out catching on something in the machine, the envie gets ripped. Sometimes it's still intact & gets delivered, other times...who knows?? [I was told my biggest problem was the peel & stick envelopes that I used did not seal at the outer edges, leaving a little flap for the machine to catch on! Gr-rrr!!!!!]
I also just found out that just adding additional postage for the puffiness - as I was told to do at the window of the PO substation - does NOT mean it won't go thro the machine anyway! - even tho you're paying the extra. It must be hand cancelled at the window!
Sad but true, that not all employees - especially at substations - know all the rules & regulations of the PO! :-( :thumbdown:
I know the postage can really rack up fast, but from now on I'll glady pay the extra so my envie gets delivered whole! w/out the reicipient paying extra for it!
(& if anyone has had to, PM me so I can make it right!)