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-   -   FLAT RATE ENVELOPES (https://www.quiltingboard.com/general-chit-chat-non-quilting-talk-f7/flat-rate-envelopes-t94508.html)

MTS 01-27-2011 08:54 PM

I'm with FrugalFabrics on this.

I've been using the same passage from the DMM specs- go to section 1.5 (sorry for the long url):

http://pe.usps.com/search/jsp/search...ec=56.0.145.56:9920&QueryParser=Simple&querytext=priority+%3Cand %3Eflat-rate%3Cor%3Eflat%3Cand%3Erate%3Cand%3E+envelope&dt ype=2#hit0

Nada about thickness. No matter where I look, I've never seen the 1/2" or 3/4" limit on FRE mentioned. On first class mailings, yes, but not Priority.

It's very annoying. It's just like dealing with the TSA. :roll:

jaciqltznok 01-27-2011 08:59 PM

I did enjoy that link though and printed off some references...

my Po gave me sheets about pricing(more like a book) I have my own scale, my own thickness board to measure etc...but then I ship 30-50 orders out a day! and yes, I go the PO for it all! I love my postal lady but she is allowed to smoke in the truck....I am NOT putting fabric in that truck...so I take it to the PO....

QweenBee 01-27-2011 09:16 PM

I'm not happy either, I went to two PO's in a day and they both said different things! SO I go to who allows me to be cheaper!This is just another thing, we don't have control over!!

quilting cat 01-27-2011 10:05 PM

My DH mailed one for me recently -- refused by one clerk, he went to another and it was accepted!

Naturalmama 01-27-2011 11:55 PM

Ugh. This is why I drive a little farther to a post office where they're nice and helpful. It drives me insane.

JUNEC 01-28-2011 05:34 AM


Originally Posted by nwm50
They have told me before that u can't "tape" those flat rate envelope...supposed to be flat or the flap should be able to stick w/o a problem...therefore the term "flat rate"
Well, i used the clasped envelope mostly and it is weighed which at most times is still cheaper that $4.95, but the envelope isn't strong like the flat rate ones either..
To Do or Not to do ????

Poly bags are a little more expensive, but they hold up better. You can get some good deals for them on Ebay

Funny thing is, I check flat rate envelopes on the www.usps.com site- I don't see any size restrictions

If I use a clasp envelope I tape up the sides and the tops and bottom seams - and remove the clasp (the clasp seeams to catch on the sorter machine

ptquilts 01-28-2011 06:01 AM

I get poly bags for less than 10 cents each on Ebay. Amazon has them too. Last time I bought paper "Card" size envelopes in WM they were 10 cents each.
No way would I send fabric in a paper envelope unless it was very small, flat, charms.

It is amazing how much misinformation is floating around the postal world - what a frustrating organization to deal with. This 3/4" rule is WRONG!
I would recommend if your FRE's are refused for being over 3/4", FIGHT IT!! ask to speak to the supervisor, the postmaster, and if necessary talk to the regional customer service reps.
Remember, never accept a "NO" from someone who does not have the power to say "YES".

JUNEC 01-28-2011 06:20 AM


Originally Posted by apronlady
I mailed two flat-rate envelopes at closing time Tuesday. The post office called me the next day to say the mail truck driver wouldn't accept them because they were about 1/2" thick. With the snow in the past two days, I haven't been able to pick them up and repackage them. Great service (NOT) and this postal clerk and I have been very friendly.

So the time is come to quit using these flat-rate envelopes. In revenge, I'm packing the boxes to the max. I guess they'll bust me for that too! Perhaps it is time to close up shop!

Suggestion, when you pick up your envelopes, as them to show you the rule - in writing -about how thick a flat rate envelope can be.

MTS 01-28-2011 06:42 AM


Originally Posted by ptquilts
Remember, never accept a "NO" from someone who does not have the power to say "YES".

Absolutely! And amazing how it works most of the time. :thumbup:

SC 01-28-2011 08:24 AM

I was in line at my local PO window one day. The lady in front of me was mailing something in one of those envelopes with the metal clasps. The PO worker waiting on her told her to never use the clasp envelopes to mail anything. She said they charge more postage for the clasp envelopes. She went on to say if you have an envelope with the clasp....just take some pliers or whatever & remove the clasp & it will save you a little on postage.

If a postal worker seems to be giving you a hard time about something don't argue with them. Just ask to speak with their supervisor instead. You'll be surprised at how quickly their attitude changes when you do!


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