gale

My PO used to not take FREs if they had tape on the flap. So I printed and showed them the page at the USPS website that said the flap can be reinforced with tape and since then, no problems. If I ship UPS I have to drive about 30 min to drop it off. With the PO they will pick it up or if I have to take it, it's 3 minutes away.

bigsister63

Sometimes Flat rate boxes or envelpes are not cheaper. I just sent an envelope of papers and a wall hanging to my DH in a brown envelope and it cost me 2.49 sent priority. My DS sent me a gift in the 23.50 FR box because it would not fit in any smaller and the box was half empty. I am sure she could have sent it for less money is using another box. Po usually gives you the cheapest method which is usually priority.

gale

It wasn't priority if it was $2.49. The cheapest priority mail is around $5 now. If it's less than 13 oz it can go first class. Otherwise it's priority or parcel post (or media for books and stuff).

Favorite Fabrics

So... if it's already padded... USPS will expect it to be "fat"?

How many yards will fit into a padded envelope?

Favorite Fabrics

I'm a-wishing!!!

LovinMySoldier

I have had so many issues since the first of the year. My PO will not take any boxes that do not lay completely flat. If there is any sort of small bulge in the box they will not accept it. Even though it is COMPLETELY closed on its own. I didn't even use any tape. They have really buckled down on the flat rate envelopes too. They are suppose to lay flat. They are an envelope not a package, so I have been told. I have sold a bunch of stuff and am in there on a regular basis. But I have gotten so much flack since Christmas it is ridiculous. On the envelopes I am allowed to put 2 very small pieces of tape on the top corners to hold down the opening but they do not accept anything if you tape down the flap. No tape is to be used on the box at all. So many rules. After the new year the prices have went up and now you have to ship less in each package.

gale

I would take it to a different PO. Flat rate only means the rate is the same no matter what-it has nothing to do with the shape of the package.

Favorite Fabrics

Not true, *if* your local Post Office staff bothers to inform themselves about their own rules:

"When sealing a Priority Mail 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."

Aaargh.

It's one thing if the Post Office on the sending end, rejects the package and sends it back to you. Unhappy though you may be, at least you know what's going on, and you have an opportunity to educate your local Post Office staff about their own rules.

It's quite another thing when the branch on the receiving end says "postage due". That creates a problem for the recipient... and sure doesn't make for a happy customer! For a business sender this is a real mess.

Shari1967

I've found the same with most post offices. We move around, a lot, and so I've had my share of experiences when it comes to the post office. My kids joke that I get "post office rage" instead of "road rage" like most people. But I don't think it's really a joke because no one ever wants to go to the post office with me LOL
I actually use one that's about 10 miles from my house vs the one that's about 3 miles from my house - I like the customer service at one over the other....

Favorite Fabrics

Oh, joy.

Had another customer (this one in California) report a FRE delivered postage due. I called her branch and spoke with the postmaster, who, being a truly nice guy, agreed to waive the postage so that all of us were happy.

He also gave me some info that sheds additional light on this issue.

Apparently a USPS ruling was issued on 12/28/10 stating that FREs must be no more than 3/4" thick.

And then a couple of days later, the ruling was reversed, saying that if it fits it ships. (Subject of course to the rules that already appear on the USPS website - regarding do not modify the envelope, must close with the adhesive being the means of closure, taping over the flap and seams are allowable.)

And my USPS Business Support Specialist reports another ruling; she says this is word for word what it says:

"Mail pieces presented for mailing in USPS produced Flat Rate packaging are NOT required to remain flat to be eligible for flat rate prices. The adhesive strip on the mail piece MUST be used to seal the flat rate packaging. However, while the glued flap must be able to seal the package before the addition of tape, the mail piece does not need to remain flat and the USE of TAPE IS permitted along the flaps and seams to reinforce the container provided the design of the container is not enlarged or reconstructed (e.g., opening the sides, extending the flap to make it seal, etc.)."