Mail & Shipping - Recommendations, Questions, and Answers

Zachary Peterson6 said:I am at your service for any questions regarding mail services and postal operations.🙂

your mister mailman🙂

Alright, be a pal, Zachary, and help me make sense of a few things. 😉
I am having such a difficult time making a decision, but I have finally decided I want to sell a few books. Now, I am just not sure if buyers will want to pick up a single volume or several at once, so I really need to be prepared:
1. What is the absolute best way to wrap books—especially those softcover ones—so they actually survive the trip through the USPS?
2. Is it possible to send a cardboard box via Certified Mail?
3. How on earth do you pack a box (like a shoebox, for example) so that it doesn't burst open during transit?
4. How should I properly mark the shipment if my goal is for the recipient to pay both the value of the books and the shipping costs upon arrival?
5. What is the most foolproof method to ensure the recipient actually receives the package safely?

Thank you so much in advance!
I am honestly completely overwhelmed by all these postal terms and shipping procedures.

Hannah Mendoza45 said:Look, be a pal and help me clear a few things up. 😉
I'm still on the fence, but I've decided I want to sell off some books. I'm not sure if people will grab just one or a whole bunch at once, so I need to be ready:
1. What's the best way to pack books (especially paperbacks) so they actually make it through shipping without getting trashed?
2. Can I send a cardboard box via certified mail?
3. How do I properly seal a box—like a shoebox—so it doesn't pop open while the delivery driver is tossing it around?
4. How should I label the shipment if I want the buyer to cover both the book value and the shipping costs upon arrival?
5. What's the most foolproof way to ensure the recipient actually gets the package?

Thanks in advance!
All this postal jargon and business stuff has me completely turned around.

Just use a bubble mailer or a box. You can send it certified or, if it's bigger, as a standard package. Anything will survive the trip as long as you don't leave empty space in the box; those USPS workers tend to throw everything around like it's nothing. 🙂
You can definitely do certified mail in a box. Just wrap it up with some heavy-duty kraft paper—you can pick up a roll at any Staples.
Regarding having them pay on delivery—I think that's called COD, but the shipping fees end up being higher that way. I've personally never done it that way. My girls always pay me upfront, then I just ship it out via certified mail or as a regular package.

The safest bet is to never send anything via standard ground without tracking, because if it disappears, you're just out of luck.

Hannah Mendoza45 said:Come on, be a pal, Zachary Peterson6, and walk me through a few things. 😉
I can't quite make up my mind yet, but I'm thinking about selling off a few books. Now, I have no clue if buyers will want just one or a whole bunch at once, so I want to be prepared:
1. What's the best way to pack books (especially paperbacks) so they actually survive shipping?
2. Can I send a cardboard box via certified mail?
3. How do I even pack a box (like an old shoe box) so it doesn't pop open during transit?
4. What's the best way to label a shipment if I want the recipient to pay both the value of the books and the shipping costs?
5. What is the absolute safest way to ensure the buyer actually receives the package?

Thanks in advance!
I am totally lost with all these postal terms and business stuff.

Let's take this one step at a time.🙂
1-Use a bubble mailer or those small boxes you can grab right at the Post Office (they run about $3.30-$3.50).
2-Yeah, you can.🙂
3-Just tape it up really well with packing tape, or honestly, better yet, wrap it in white paper or some other colored paper first and then tape over that. But again, I'm telling you, any USPS location is going to have plenty of cheap, new boxes in all sizes.
SMALL BOX TYPE $4.90
MEDIUM BOX TYPE $5.90
LARGE BOX TYPE $7.90
XL BOX TYPE $9.90
XXL BOX TYPE $12.90
MINI BOX TYPE $3.90
MINI XL BOX TYPE $6.90
TRAPEZOIDAL BOX TYPE $5.90
BOTTLE BOX TYPE $7.90
BOOK BOX TYPE $4.90
BOOK BOX LARGE TYPE $6.90
ENVELOPE BOX SMALL TYPE $2.90
ENVELOPE BOX MEDIUM TYPE $3.90
ENVELOPE BOX LARGE TYPE $3.90

4-Just tell the clerk at the counter that you want to send it via Certified Mail with COD (Cash on Delivery), which means the item price plus shipping. Just keep in mind that on top of that price, the buyer will also have to pay maybe an extra $8-$3.00 in transaction fees to get the money to you.
5-Hmm, the most secure way for both the shipment and the buyer is sending a registered letter with a declared value, though it does cost a bit more.😉

Exxon and Zachary Peterson6, thank you both so much for sharing those details!

I have a couple of questions here, so if anyone knows anything or maybe has dealt with this before, I'd appreciate the help.
I sent an email to HP a few weeks back, but I haven't heard anything back yet.

1. I'm wondering about using a Post Office box for mail, specifically the General Delivery service. Do I need to file some kind of formal request for that, or can anyone just do it? Also, what kind of fees are we talking about?

I'm expecting a package from overseas, and I'm a bit nervous about giving out my home address, so I figured it might be safer to just use the post office.

2. If I receive something from abroad via certified mail, do Customs officials actually open the envelopes to inspect the contents, or do they leave them alone?

Thanks in advance for any help.

urbanmason15 said:So, I’ve got a question here, and if anyone happens to know anything or maybe has dealt with this before, let me know.
I actually sent an email over to HP a few weeks back, but I haven't heard a single thing back from them yet.

1. I'm curious about using a Post Office box service—you know, like General Delivery. Do I need to file some kind of formal request for that, or can I just show up? Is it open to everyone? And does it cost anything extra?

I've got some stuff coming in from overseas, and honestly, I'm a bit paranoid about giving out my home address, so maybe sticking to the local post office is the safer bet.

2. Also, if I'm getting something sent from abroad via certified mail, does Customs actually crack open the envelope to inspect what's inside, or do they leave it alone?

Thanks in advance for any help!

1. Pretty much anyone can use General Delivery. I don't think there's a fee, you probably just have to fill out a quick form or something.
3. As for certified mail, usually they aren't supposed to mess with it if it's just standard letters, but with packages, they almost always open them up.

Why on earth am I constantly being charged more at the post office than what’s listed on the USPS website
For example, I went in today to send off a simple certified letter—it was under 50 grams and I even wrapped it myself in plain paper—and according to the site, it should be $3.50, but they charged me $4.75. Like, seriously, why? And just last week, I sent something via certified mail weighing up to 250 grams with COD; based on my math, it should have come out to about $6.75, but they ended up hitting me with a $27 charge. Just to be clear, I’m doing all the packing myself, so I’m not even paying extra for fancy envelopes or bubble wrap.

Regarding what was recommended... hm, I think this week they're actually charging those extra Red Cross Act fees, so there's a chance that's what happened...

As for the buyout, it’s possible they hit you with a transaction fee too... though usually, the person receiving the money covers that part...
I don't know, honestly. Maybe just ask them next time you reach out about what's going on.

mellowsurfer34 and I both got ripped off by this woman $4.75 and she didn't even give me a heads-up, which just made my blood boil because I had already walked all the way to the Post Office feeling perfectly fine... I had everything ready, including ten bucks in cash, but then she weighs the package at 101 grams and suddenly I’m being told I owe an extra couple of quarters for the difference, which is basically the weight of a single feather from my parakeet 😠😠😠 and then on top of that, she hasn't even factored in the charge for the Red Cross donation yet. She didn't say a word about any of it, just demanded the money, so naturally I snapped back asking what the heck $5.00 was going on since the receipt clearly showed $12.50, and I wasn't even truly angry about the extra change—it was more about how incredibly rude she was being to people... if she doesn't want to be working at the Post Office, there are plenty of other people out there who would love the job and actually treat customers with some decency.😁

Morgan Hughes81 said:mellowsurfer34 and I both got ripped off by that goose. $4.75 She went and did it without even telling me, which honestly just set me off. By the time I actually made it to the post office, I was already losing my cool. I had everything ready to go—I even pulled out a tenner to pay the exact amount—but then she weighs it and suddenly it’s 101 grams. Because of that single extra gram, I ended up having to shell out an extra couple of quarters. Seriously, that's about the weight of a single feather from my tiger cat. 😠😠😠 I still hadn't even finished calculating what I owed Mark for the crisis fund, and she didn't say a word about it—she just demanded I pay her right then and there. When I finally lost my cool and snapped at her, she had the nerve to act like I was the one out of line. $5.00If that receipt says $12.50, then I was being way too nice. Honestly, I’m not paying that much just to be treated like garbage by someone who clearly doesn't care about basic customer service. If she hates working at the post office so much, there are plenty of other people out there who would actually take the job and treat customers with some decency.😁

Man, I remember one time my package got held up at customs—I think it was right around the 500-gram mark—and they ended up charging me way less than usual. 🙂

So, how much longer is this whole Red Cross Week thing going on for? I might be sending some stuff over next week, so I figured I'd check the timeline first.

Olivia Green46 said:man... I actually had a package stuck at the border once, I think it was right around 500 grams, and they ended up charging me a much lower rate than usual 🙂

By the way, how long does this whole Red Cross Week thing last? I might be sending some stuff out next week, so I just wanted to check the timing first...

Some lady told me it’s happening this week, but honestly, you can never take their word for it... 😠

Those extra stamps for the Red Cross are only good until tomorrow🙂 meaning starting Monday, they’re gonna be totally freeeeeee🙂 I think they do this twice a year, I guess😉
And since you can't even send anything without one of those little stickers, the lady at the service counter just automatically adds them to your bill anyway🙂

"Per the Red Cross Act, those extra benefit stamps get issued three times a year during specific windows: Red Cross Week from May 8th to 15th, Tuberculosis Awareness Week from September 14th to 21st, and Solidarity Week from December 8th to 15th."

Melissa Morgan77 said:"Under the Red Cross Act, supplemental stamps are issued three times a year during specific windows: Red Cross Week from May 8th to 15th, National Tuberculosis Awareness Week from September 14th to 21st, and Solidarity Week from December 8th to 15th."

So does that mean we're almost there? I was at the post office yesterday paying $6.75 just to ship a package out to San Francisco. I guess my daughter will just take it home later—they didn't even bother asking me anything. It’s honestly ridiculous; I live only 15 miles from San Francisco and I $6.75 still have to shell out for postage. 🤷

I really dislike this new requirement to pay for home delivery upfront. Here is why.
In a previous order, I didn't pay for shipping—which was supposed to be $0.67 an extra charge—but the mail carrier delivered the package to my door anyway. He kept ringing the bell, waiting and waiting for me to show up, and then he actually asked for the $1.75!
So, I thought to myself, maybe next time I’ll just pay for it ahead of time so at least they will $0.67 come to me. I realize I could have just refused the package and gone to pick it up myself, but that felt a bit silly since he was right there, holding the package in front of me..
Then, well... for the second package, I paid the delivery fee in advance. However, the mail carrier somehow couldn't find me, even though I was home that day. On top of that, I ended up paying a storage fee when I went to collect the package. I guess they could have at least offset that storage fee with the failed delivery attempt 🙄

They are honestly terrible!

redtiger53 said:I am seriously losing my mind over this new rule where you have to pay for home delivery upfront. Here is why it sucks.
So, back when I placed an earlier order, I hadn't paid for shipping yet—which was supposed to be $0.67 handled separately—but the FedEx guy just shows up at my door anyway. He’s ringing the doorbell like crazy, just standing there waiting and waiting for me to show up, and then he hands me the package and demands $1.75!
Okay, so I thought, fine, next time I'll just pay for shipping ahead of time so they'll actually, you know, $0.67 show up. I know I could have just refused the package and gone pick it up myself, but honestly, that felt so stupid. Like, the guy is right there, holding the box in front of me...
And then, well... the second package comes along. This time, I pay the shipping fee upfront. But then, somehow, the driver can't find me? And I was literally sitting right at home that day. Then, to top it all off, I have to pay a storage fee when I finally go to grab the package. I mean, they could at least offset that storage fee by covering the failed delivery attempt 🙄

They are just terrible!

I mean, maybe the people making the rules and setting the prices are the ones who suck, but I guess the delivery drivers aren't necessarily to blame🙄🤷😉

When I said "They're terrible!", I was actually referring to the USPS... though, I suppose the mail carrier here messed up too..

redtiger53 said:When I said "They suck!", I was talking about the USPS... though, honestly, my mail carrier messed up too..

Look, the fact is, maybe the USPS has its flaws, but they’re constantly working on modernization and trying to find better ways to handle things. So, I guess this might just be one of those new changes we all have to get used to... (not that I’m saying I actually agree with it)

And as for the mail carrier... man, we could go back and forth on whether they even rang the bell or not🙂(I'm speaking from experience here)

I honestly don’t even know who’s crazier at this point.... I sent off a package and paid $6.75 specifically for doorstep delivery, and now I have no idea if the recipient had to shell out an extra $1.75 on top of that because I didn't think to ask. But get this: I received a notice saying $6.00 (which implies I should've been notified that the package arrived so I could go pick it up from the post office), but nope! The package showed up via a delivery van and the mail carrier actually demanded $1.75!
Another thing... If a package is valued at $33, the fee is $6.00 (assuming the recipient picks it up themselves from the post office), but if it's worth $50, the fee jumps to $7.50. What kind of twisted logic is that???
It used to be the base shipping rate of $3.25 plus 3% of the value! Now it's $6.00 plus 3%! Hello??

It’s just a total nightmare, seriously.... Ever since they rolled out this new pricing schedule, I once had to send a package urgently with a value of $100, and if I send it via certified mail and they lose it, I won't even recover a third of the amount.... It’s actually become more cost-effective to send even cheap items via certified mail just to be safe..

And p.s. back on May 11th, I sent three certified shipments and wasn't charged a single cent for the American Red Cross fee...

And since I’m already venting, here’s one more thing regarding those "pouches" some of us use to ship things.... Some clerk at the branch in San Francisco refused to take my shipment even though it was perfectly packed; she just didn't like that it was in a gray poly mailer "pouch." Like, seriously, is it against the rules to ship something in a pouch???! 😠 I was so livid I almost wanted to slap her! First of all, that "pouch" is sturdier than any damn envelope that falls apart the second you touch it, and I certainly wouldn't pay $1.75 for a bubble mailer! Secondly, I always pack things securely, making sure they're protected from rain and whatever rough handling happens within the FedEx network. I usually ship from my local neighborhood post office (but this one was on my way, so I figured it might arrive faster if I dropped it off at a main FedEx hub), and my local folks always accept everything, and everything always reaches the recipient. Unlike when I've used the San Francisco location—there, things haven't always made it to their destination.. All because they employ these condescending types who think they can lecture you on things that aren't even their business! I'm sorry if I sound aggressive, I'm just venting.. Usually, I'm a very calm and composed person. 🙂

Chris Reed45 said:I honestly don't even know who's losing their mind anymore... I mean, seriously. I sent off a package through the mail, paid my money upfront, and now everything is just a complete mess. $6.75 So, I was thinking about getting this package delivered right to my doorstep, but honestly, I’ve got no clue if I actually bit the bullet and paid that extra fee for home delivery or what. I guess I might have missed that step during checkout, maybe? It's such a headache trying to keep track of all those little add-ons when you're just trying to get your stuff moved. $1.75 So, look, I didn't exactly ask about it beforehand or anything, but I ended up receiving a package that had this specific label on it... $6.00 So, I was totally expecting to get some kind of notification that my package had arrived so I could just swing by the post office and grab it, right? But nope, absolutely not. Instead, this delivery van pulls up right to my door, and the mail carrier is just standing there demanding stuff from me. Like, seriously? Such a headache. $1.75!
One more thing... If we're talking about the actual value of the package... $33, pt=$6.00 If the recipient decides to swing by the post office to pick it up themselves, then yeah, we’re talking about the declared value. $50, pt= $7.50I mean, seriously, what kind of logic is that even supposed to be??? I can't even begin to wrap my head around it. It just makes absolutely zero sense.
I mean, I guess if you look back at how things used to be, everything was just based on the base package price. It wasn't nearly as complicated as it is now. $3.25An extra 3% on top of the total? Seriously? Now we're talking. $6.00Wait, hold up... an extra 3%? Are you kidding me right now? Seriously??

Man, this is just straight-up exhausting... honestly. Ever since they rolled out that new pricing structure, I’ve been feeling the sting. I actually had to bite the bullet and send something via FedEx the other day because it was super high-value and I couldn't risk anything else. Just one of those things, I guess. $100I mean, if I end up sending it via certified mail and they still manage to lose it, I won't even get a third of my money back... It's a total joke. Honestly, at this point, it actually makes more sense for me to pay the extra for certified shipping even on the cheap stuff, just to cover my assets.

So, just a quick heads-up—I sent out three certified packages back on November 5th, and I haven't seen a single cent charged to my American Red Cross account yet. I guess they’re just taking their sweet time, or maybe I totally missed something in the paperwork? Not sure.

And since I’m already in a total rage while typing this, I might as well vent about one more thing regarding these "bags" some of us use to ship stuff... So, I went to the FedEx location over on Branimirov—well, let's just say this local spot near downtown—and the clerk there was being a complete idiot. They actually refused to take my shipment! It was packed perfectly fine, totally secure, but because I used a gray poly mailer bag instead of a cardboard box, they wouldn't touch it. Like, seriously? Since when is it illegal to send a package in a mailer bag??! It makes zero sense, I guess. Just feels like they're looking for any excuse to be difficult. 😠 I honestly felt like just walking up and slapping her because I was so incredibly pissed off! First of all, that "bag" is lightyears better than any damn envelope that’s going to fall apart the second you actually touch it, and... $1.75 Look, I am absolutely not giving any credit to that absolute joke of a service! Second off, I always make sure everything is packed perfectly—I mean, I wrap my stuff so it’s totally waterproofed and protected against whatever crappy weather the package might face. Most of the time, I just use my local neighborhood post office, but since I was passing by the main HP Inc. hub this time, I figured I’d drop it there to speed things up. And honestly? My local branch always gets it right; everything arrives exactly where it’s supposed to go. But then you look at what happened when I sent stuff from that location over on Branimirov... let's just say things didn't exactly make it to their destination. It's because they have these total jerks working there who think they’re entitled to lecture you when they should just be doing their actual jobs! I am seriously livid right now, so please don't go calling me out for venting or using some colorful language... I swear, normally I'm a pretty chill and level-headed person. 🙂

Look, I can only tell you this much: prices have been shifting around for a bunch of different reasons, I guess. It's all pretty complicated, maybe.🙄 It’s just… weird. I don't even know how else to put it. Everything feels a little off lately, you know? It’s like there’s this underlying sense of something strange going on that nobody wants to talk about openly. I guess I might be overthinking it, or maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I can't shake the feeling that things aren't quite what they seem. It's just odd.

I mean, looking at the whole situation with the American Red Cross, maybe they just burned through whatever supplies they actually received? It’s possible that once they ran out of what they had on hand, the whole operation there just kind of fizzled out. I guess that might be why the drive ended so abruptly, but who knows.🙂
I honestly don't get why people won't just talk to the lady at the service counter and ask her straight up why they were charged this much or that. I mean, she’d probably be more than happy to walk you through the breakdown if you just asked. It's not that complicated, really.😍