by Clemson7 » Thu Apr 24, 2014 2:21 pm
I wanted to let everyone know (if you haven't already run in to it) about a seemingly random decision that can be made by the post office regarding first class mail. I have been collecting autographs for many years, and for the past several, have put a lightweight piece of cardboard in to protect the pictures. I use a 6x9 envelope as it is considered just an envelope (regular first class postage) and send 5x7 pictures to be autographed. I always weigh the envelope and have never had an envelope returned for postage due. However, I just got back one that I sent out and while it should have cost (according to size and weight) 88 cents to mail, they say it was 2.37. I went to the post office to inquire, and was told since I put a piece of cardboard in, it was considered a parcel. There is nothing on the official USPS site that says you can't include cardboard in a letter, but they apparently can now decide it costs more. No wonder the USPS is struggling financially. So, my only recourse at this point is to just send the pictures, letter and sase without cardboard and hope nothing gets bent. I can't afford what would basically become a little over $4 per autograph request. I only send to people I like, they aren't for resale, but I send a few out every week. That would make the cost including pictures and envelopes, etc. be about $50 a week for what I send many weeks. Just wanted to warn everyone who also uses cardboard, matboard, etc to give extra protection for their mailing....you may start getting hit with higher postage charges.
I wanted to let everyone know (if you haven't already run in to it) about a seemingly random decision that can be made by the post office regarding first class mail. I have been collecting autographs for many years, and for the past several, have put a lightweight piece of cardboard in to protect the pictures. I use a 6x9 envelope as it is considered just an envelope (regular first class postage) and send 5x7 pictures to be autographed. I always weigh the envelope and have never had an envelope returned for postage due. However, I just got back one that I sent out and while it should have cost (according to size and weight) 88 cents to mail, they say it was 2.37. I went to the post office to inquire, and was told since I put a piece of cardboard in, it was considered a parcel. There is nothing on the official USPS site that says you can't include cardboard in a letter, but they apparently can now decide it costs more. No wonder the USPS is struggling financially. So, my only recourse at this point is to just send the pictures, letter and sase without cardboard and hope nothing gets bent. I can't afford what would basically become a little over $4 per autograph request. I only send to people I like, they aren't for resale, but I send a few out every week. That would make the cost including pictures and envelopes, etc. be about $50 a week for what I send many weeks. Just wanted to warn everyone who also uses cardboard, matboard, etc to give extra protection for their mailing....you may start getting hit with higher postage charges.
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