Stitchnripper

It has been my experience that these are both more expensive. My grandchildren are in WA State and I am in Louisiana so there is a lot of mailing going on.

lynnie

Personally, i woould have went to another p.o.
where i live on the island, within one half hour, there is at least trn p.o.s maybe more.

ptquilts

Your PO was wrong. As long as you have not changed the shape of the envelope, tape is OK. I use it all the time, I never send a FRE without tape over the closure, sometimes along the edges as well. Maybe next time, bring it in sealed, show the clerk that it is sealed normally, THEN put your piece of tape over the seal.

Some clerks like to make up their own rules. And don't let anyone tell you it has to be FLAT either - the flat refers to the rate!!!!

kuntryquilter

New Rates according to US Post Office.

http://about.usps.com/news/national-...r12_114.htmNew domestic retail pricing for Priority Mail Flat Rate products include:

•Small box — $5.80
•Medium box — $12.35
•Large box — $16.85
•Large APO/FPO box — $14.85
•Regular envelope — $5.60
•Legal envelope — $5.75
•Padded envelope — $5.95

marymay

I use nothing but shoe boxes. I sent out 4 yards of fabric to my friend cost $4.95. all my friends save me kids shoe boxes. Big or small one. Never use PO boxes.

AUQuilter

I have mailed a lot of packages, even APO when DD and family were in Japan, and have learned that postal workers do and say different things. I have taken my package and walked out the door. So now if possible, I use the flat rate packaging and pay online. The padded flat rate envelope is $5.10 with free delivery confirmation if you use the online postage method and you can list the recipient's email so they can see the tracking, too. All of the FR packaging is discounted postage with free delivery confirmation.

kydeb

Ohhhhh, don't get me started on the post office!! I found out yesterday that they returned some mail sent to be as undeliverable - I've lived at the same address since 1994 and it's not out in the boonies! I'm getting mail but I don't know what I'm NOT getting!! I have found out about 2 things - one is getting sent back so we'll see if I get it the second go round. The other one is still missing. Such incompetence!!

helenhiwater

Definitely depends on the clerk. I have found that sometimes depending on distance or weight, it is still cheaper to use regular priority than flat rate. Also, it has been a while since I checked, but I think UPS is cheaper for heavier things and the post office is cheaper for bulky light items.

jamsbuying

Hmmmm.... our family has had/received 'flat rate' boxes come unglued and arrive empty. So, I've used tape since that incident. Guess I'll start using glue, too.

quiltsRfun

Problem is people aren't shipping with the post office.