Originally Posted by
barri1
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).