Quiltingboard Forums - Does your post office allow stuffed Flat Rate Envelopes?

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OK, direct from the horses mouth, i.e. the USPS Mailing manual -- Read it yourself, or if you're having trouble with your local postal clerk, print it and take it to them...

http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/...PDF_5#xml=http://pe.usps.com/search/jsp/search/xmlread.jsp?k2dockey=http%3A%2F%2Fpe.usps.com%2Fcp im%2Fftp%2Fmanuals%2Fdmm300%2F423.pdf%40PE_DMM300_ PDF_5&serverSpec=56.0.145.56:9920&QueryParser=Simp le&querytext=flat-rate%3Cor%3Eflat%3Cand%3Erate%3Cand%3E+envelope+pa cking

Please note: you'll have to cut and paste the url above into your browser, as for some reason the QB forum software won't allow me to post a shortened version of the url.

Here's the relevant section -- 1.7 --

1.7 Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes
Any amount of material may be mailed in a USPS-produced Priority Mail Flat Rate
Box or Flat Rate Envelope. When sealing a Flat Rate Box or Flat Rate Envelope, the
container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Tape may be applied
to the flaps and seams to reinforce the container; provided the design of the
container is not enlarged by opening the sides and the container is not
reconstructed in any way.

if it fits it ships..from my post office. Great people working there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by suziehammond

There is a .pdf of the thickness they are supposed to accept I printed it out to make sure I am in requirements. This is the size the machine will accept without kicking it back according to the PO

Don't know if pdf uploaded for you guys. Anyway the template is on the USPS site. haven't measured but looks like @ 3/8 to me.

It's 1/4" thickness limit, for 1st class envelopes. I made my own using a piece of cardboard & my quilter's ruler, and made the opening a shade less than 1/4". I haven't tested it yet, but if I get flack I will. Sorry, but I'm not paying $25 for the 'official plastic guide' they put out.

I've recently discovered the regional rate flat rate, and have ordered a small supply. I don't ship a lot, but hoping my business will pick up soon. I have a supply of boxes from gift card FRE's on up to large FRB's, with more of the new boxes (regional, game box) on the way.

I am saving this post for future reference.
thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by QKO

Nope. My postal clerk slides the envelope through a slotted thingy, and if it won't go through freely...Cha-Ching$$$.

That should not be allowed on Flat Rate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by momcpo

Nope. My postal clerk slides the envelope through a slotted thingy, and if it won't go through freely...Cha-Ching$$$.

Quote:

Originally Posted by momcpo

Nope. My postal clerk slides the envelope through a slotted thingy, and if it won't go through freely...Cha-Ching$$$.

That's the test for what they call a first class flat.

It doesn't apply to Priority mail or Express mail flat rate envelopes. Your clerk is confused. Print out the manual section I referenced above and take it down there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by QKO

Quote:

Originally Posted by momcpo

Nope. My postal clerk slides the envelope through a slotted thingy, and if it won't go through freely...Cha-Ching$$$.

Yup, your clerk needs to read up on her policies and procedures...that slotted thingy is for first class only.

Mine does as long as its reasonably stuffed . if you know what I mean

I think if the envelope is stuffed to the same extent that a pair of size 2 jeans are filled by a size 18 body, it is reasonable for the post office to not want to take it.

There is a lot of strain on the packaging when it is stressed by really cramming a lot of materials in it.