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Posted by: Qarl Jun 20 2004, 08:20 PM

I'm thinking about putting up my seals on German E-bay.

If I mail (Airmail Post) the seals in a 6" x 9" padded envelope, does the Post Office consider it an envelope or a package?

This makes a big difference in Air Mail rates... $1.60 vs. $5.00.

Any tips and advice on "mailing" the seals, safely, efficiently, and inexpensively?

Do I need to fill out customs forms or something.

Thanks,

Karl

(We've gotta have someone here that works for the Post Office.)

Posted by: morphenspectra Jun 20 2004, 08:41 PM

Padded envelope would be your best option, from my experience an envelope and a small package would be the same, go to USPS.com and use the international calculator and it will give you all of the info reguarding package size and cost, to keep shipping cost effective I believe it needs to weigh 13 oz or less.


Hiedi

Posted by: URY914 Jun 20 2004, 08:43 PM

Rouser, you out there?

He is a fine USPS employee.

I shouldn't do this but he won't mind. (I hope)



Paul

Posted by: Qarl Jun 20 2004, 08:44 PM

I did to that. That's how I got the rates.

What I don't know is if an international air post envelope can be padded. If so, it's $1.60.

If, due to the thickness, they consider it a package, then it goes to $5.00.

I guess I will go to the Post Office in the morning.

Thanks!

Posted by: Chris H. Jun 20 2004, 08:47 PM

If they do not let it through as an envelope @ $1.60 stuff your padded envelope into a Global Priority Mail small envelope. $4 to Germany I think.

Posted by: boxstr Jun 20 2004, 10:02 PM

I ship using padded envelopes all the time. They go out as a large envelope of flat envelope or if over 3/4" thick a "thick envelope".
I use stamps.com exclusively. Only thing is I go to the local Post Office to mail to Foreign countries. Customs slips and other stuff they require.
Good luck.
CCLINUSPSINTHEUSA

Posted by: Qarl Jun 20 2004, 10:16 PM

Found my answer. If it is greater than 1/4 inch thick it is a package and requires the customs form.

Posted by: Rouser Jun 21 2004, 05:24 PM

It all depends.

If you want to risk sending it in a 6x9 unpadded envelope, with required postage, and have the piece processed through this machine first ...


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Posted by: Rouser Jun 21 2004, 05:25 PM

than this machine ...


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Posted by: Rouser Jun 21 2004, 05:28 PM

than just send it as lettered mail; it'll get there (relatively) intact.

OR, you treat it as a Flat (padded large envelope), insure it, than it'll be hand-processed by these folks on this machine ...

Posted by: Rouser Jun 21 2004, 05:29 PM

Oops, I mean this sucker ...


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Posted by: Rouser Jun 21 2004, 05:30 PM

Than routed by FedEx (under contract with USPS) with this machine to Germany ...


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Posted by: Rouser Jun 21 2004, 05:42 PM

Lettered mail is just that ... lettered mail, but folks like to skirt the limitations (and cost) by sending anything from personalized ink pens (watch one of THOSE detonate all over the machine deck; wonderful ...), to jewelry (a valuable bracelet) and keepsakes (a night-vision surveillance photo of a straying spouse with the caption "BUSTED! You Cheatin' C*NT!").

Best you treat it as a Flat and have the buyer pick up the postage, considering also the Customs issue.

Posted by: URY914 Jun 21 2004, 06:22 PM

Postal Porn!!!

Paul

Posted by: Rouser Jun 21 2004, 07:45 PM

I no longer work at the Main Processing Facility (thank GOD! ), but you'd be amazed at the things people try to send through the mails, good intentions and bad.

The stuff I hated was anything that exploded, with fluids, that required Chemical Warfare Equipment (i.e. gloves, face mask, bucket, and Pine Sol).