postage

[biggphilly]

do you guys use normal stamps? i usually go up to the counter at the post office get them to weight it and i pay for priority shipping, which gets expensive...

is it possible to use normal stamps?

i usually use 9.5x12 bubble mailers, with a piece of cardboard and usually 1-2 8x10's, with the letter.

[KennyDolly]

I used to have my requests weighed and mailed, now I just use regular stamps. It's much easier and less time-consuming, and for me, with a regular 9x12 envelope, only costs a few cents more, which gives a little room for extra items. I use three stamps on each, so six for each request. This holds an SASE, 8x10, cardboard, and a request letter.

[biggphilly]

I used to have my requests weighed and mailed, now I just use regular stamps. It's much easier and less time-consuming, and for me, with a regular 9x12 envelope, only costs a few cents more, which gives a little room for extra items. I use three stamps on each, so six for each request. This holds an SASE, 8x10, cardboard, and a request letter.

thats great, i didnt think you could use regular stamps for bubble mailers...do they ship just as quick with regular stamps as it does when u get it weighed and mail it?

also is there a site where you can see ABOUT how many stamps to use per weight? just to be on the safe side?

[dfreely]

There isn't any difference in using stamps or getting it weighted and posted at the post office. It's just different methods to the same thing. As long as you know how much postage is needed, it's less time-consuming if you went with stamps since you won't need to take it to the post office and wait on line.

There's also no reason to use Priority Mail (IMO anyways), you'll save money if you use regular First Class Mail instead. You can check prices here: http://www.usps.com/prices/first-class-mail-prices.htm

[biggphilly]

i just never knew you could send them regular first class, i didnt do much mailing b4 this. whats the best way to weight by ounces though?

[jdp3577]

i usually use 9.5x12 bubble mailers, with a piece of cardboard and usually 1-2 8x10's, with the letter.

why do you use the bubble mailer? Since you also use the cardboard, Im guessing you already know they wont prevent your autograph from getting bent. so whats the point of a bubble mailer? a regular 9x12 envelope with cardboard works better and cost less to mail

[SilentEcho219]

Yeah, you're going to spend more for postage in the long run, because the bubbles are going to add more weight. It might not seem like a lot, but it does add up. I think I pointed that out in the thread you asked about what size mailers to get. :razz:

You can get a cheap $15 postal scale from a place like OfficeMax or Office Depot.

The minimum for a large envelope is 88 cents, which is two stamps. Each stamp typically is worth 44 cents (Forever stamps, for example). There are other stamps worth larger and smaller amounts though.

For every ounce after the first, you add 17 more cents.

So...

• under 1 ounce: 88 cents
• not over 2 ounces: $1.05
• not over 3: $1.22
• not over 4: $1.39
• not over 5: $1.56

Even the cheapest postal scales usually have the rates right on the scale. If you go this route, remember the postage for a letter and large envelope are different, so make sure you pay attention to that on the scale. Some scales call first class large envelopes rates "first flat rate".

If you include two 8x10s, cardboard, a letter, along with the bubbles, and a SASE, you are looking at a minimum of 3 stamps, but more than likely 4, just for the postage to send it. You will need probably at least 3 for the SASE, if your SASE is not a bubble mailer.