So many postage questions.. (US)

[dfreely]

I'm browsing USPS' ever-confusing website for the answers, but I'd like some confirmation from other people here... because that site is just a labyrinth.

1. How many stamps would I need to send a letter, an 8x10 and a SASE all in a 9x12 envelope?

2. In regards to the previous question, if I included a piece of cardboard to reinforce it, would it go from the "Large envelope" category to the "Package" category and induce more charges?

3. Would I be able to simply drop it off in a blue collection box, or would I need to go to the post office to send it?

4. If I sent the letter, 8x10 and SASE internationally, would I need to fill out customs? Likewise, if customs are not required, would I be able to drop it off at a collection box?

[Selise]

I'm browsing USPS' ever-confusing website for the answers, but I'd like some confirmation from other people here... because that site is just a labyrinth.

1. How many stamps would I need to send a letter, an 8x10 and a SASE all in a 9x12 envelope?

You'd need 94 cents worth of postage to get that to somewhere. On your return envelope, I suggest putting $1.00 or more in postage for your SASE.

2. In regards to the previous question, if I included a piece of cardboard to reinforce it, would it go from the "Large envelope" category to the "Package" category and induce more charges?

It's still a large envelope if it's a thinner piece of cardboard.

3. Would I be able to simply drop it off in a blue collection box, or would I need to go to the post office to send it?

I would suggest the first time that you post things, take it to the post office to get an accurate price for the SASE as well as for the mailing envelope. After that, you certainly can drop it in the blue collection boxes. I wouldn't do that, since sometimes the envelopes can get bent in a corner.

4. If I sent the letter, 8x10 and SASE internationally, would I need to fill out customs? Likewise, if customs are not required, would I be able to drop it off at a collection box?

No, you *shouldn't* need a customs form. If it's over a certain weight, you need to fill out a customs form, but chances are that you won't need one. Talk to the post office about the weight of the letter, 8x10, SASE and your full envelope. Yes, you could drop it off in a collection box, just write AIRMAIL on the outer envelope. I would stay away from the blue collection boxes for the reasons stated above.

[dfreely]

Thank you for the quick answers, Selise.

I'm looking at the postage charts, it doesn't look like a 94 cents piece of mail is a possibility.. would I be right in guessing the letter, photo and SASE would be 2 ounces? Generally speaking of course.

[Selise]

USA
Postage Calculator: http://www.usps.com/tools/calculatep...lculatepostage
Domestic Price Charts: http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm
International Price Charts: http://pe.usps.com/text/Imm/immctry.htm

Note: USPS increases postage prices on May 11th, 2009.
New Price list at: http://pe.usps.com/PriceChange_May20.../PriceList.pdf

Note: Stamps without denomination (printed value) can be used for international mail. The value of such stamps is linked to either a current or a former domestic postage price (e.g., the “Lady Liberty and U.S. Flag” stamp has a postage value of 39 cents). The postage value of the Forever Stamp, is always the domestic First-Class Mail single-piece 1-ounce letter price that is in effect on the day of use (affix more postage when neccesarry). Source: http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc1_020.htm, 152.2 Stamps, c)

This is in: http://www.fanmail.biz/mboard/viewtopic ... 17&t=14167

I typically don't send 8x10's in the post, but on SASE's that I send out (and receive 8x10's) I usually put 2 or 3 forever stamps. I know there are other people who put 4 or 5 on. I've had pretty good success with the 2 or 3 stamps.

Off the top of my head, you probably need about $1.17 on a 9x12 envelope that you're expecting an 8x10 in.

BossC is very good at postage prices, so you might want to ask her.

[BossC]

I'm browsing USPS' ever-confusing website for the answers, but I'd like some confirmation from other people here... because that site is just a labyrinth.

1. How many stamps would I need to send a letter, an 8x10 and a SASE all in a 9x12 envelope?

That would weigh two ounces if not three. Where are you sending it to? If you are sending it from the US to another address in the US you would need at least 1.00 in postage(two ounces) or 1.17 (for three ounces).

2. In regards to the previous question, if I included a piece of cardboard to reinforce it, would it go from the "Large envelope" category to the "Package" category and induce more charges?

Package is if the envelope is thicker tha 3/4 of an inch

3. Would I be able to simply drop it off in a blue collection box, or would I need to go to the post office to send it?

I mail them from my home if I am sure of the weight. If I am unsure I go to the post office

4. If I sent the letter, 8x10 and SASE internationally, would I need to fill out customs? Likewise, if customs are not required, would I be able to drop it off at a collection box?

I just mark the outside with PHOTOS and that would be enough.

Hope this helped. Let me know if you need more help. I know the usps.com can be REALLY confusing. {thumb2}

BossC

[dfreely]

Thanks.

..USPS really needs to make their site more user-friendly.

[BossC]

Thanks.

..USPS really needs to make their site more user-friendly.

It takes a little getting used to but I can now make my way around it. My problem is getting an accurate measurement on how much everything weighs but I got a kitchen scale for my birthday and it works pretty well.

Feel free to pm me if you have any other questions. {thumb2}

BossC