Question
Hi, can everyone share their experiences as buyers and sellers for the Priority Flat Rate envelope? As a seller, I'm curious to know if I can pack heavy but thin items into these things and pay only $3.85 to any USA location? I have several 2-3 lbs items that can fit (although I admit the envelope is a little fat aftewards) inside. As a buyer, have you had any issues with receiving packages in envelopes in terms of damage or delivery delays?
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Answer
If you can wrap it in cardboard and fit it in the envelope all should be OK. Tape the hell out of it, except for the UPC code. SOme posties will b!tch about the tape, if so just use another Post Office.
I use Global priority envelopes all the time for overseas shipments, and have never had a problem.
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This is info from USPS:
DMM Reminder
Priority Mail and Express Mail Flat-Rate Envelopes
When mailing at the Priority Mail or Express Mail flat rate, the contents of the flat-rate envelope must be confined within the envelope with the adhesive provided on the flap as the primary means of closure. The flap must be able to close and adhere to the envelope. Tape may be applied to reinforce the envelope provided the design of the envelope is not enlarged by any means (i.e., opening the sides of the envelope and then taping or reconstructing the envelope).
Any amount of material that can be mailed in the special Priority Mail or Express Mail flat-rate envelope available from the USPS is subject to the appropriate 2-pound rate, regardless of the weight of the material placed in the envelope.
Please Note: Effective with the implementation of new rates, the flat rate for Priority Mail will be the 1-pound rate, and the flat rate for Express Mail will be the 1/2-pound rate.
When I was a window clerk we received a memo that said only one piece of tape was allowed to be applied across the flap and that was it. Whether or not that is still in effect I don't know.
We occassionally received flat-rate enveopes (and the regular rate cardboard envelopes also) that were split along the folds and the contents missing even though the flap was still secured. So I usually put tape on the inside of the envelope to make the envelopes sturdier. One time when I was mailing quite a bit of fabric in a Global Priority envelope to Japan I took the envelope completely apart carefully and then reglued it with super strong glue! http://community.here.com/infopop/em.../icon_wink.gif
Answer
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>When I was a window clerk we received a memo that said only one piece of tape was allowed to be applied across the flap and that was it. Whether or not that is still in effect I don't know<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
What I never understood was. When these rules are made, implemented, how are Post Office users supposed to know? I tape the packages al the time since the side flaps are poorly designed.
Othersie, Tekgems, the envelopes work well, save you money too. Remember that if you use the Delivery Confrimation it's extra, maybe 35 or so.
Again, you can buy premade cardboard boxes from shipping companies that may drop the postage even more where possible. Then get some brown tape and ship it parcel post or such.
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have you had any issues with receiving packages in envelopes in terms of damage
Some things are fine to ship that way, but others you are asking for trouble. Depends on what you are shipping, and how easily it could be damaged.
Black holes suck.
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Shipped hundreds (possibly a thousand) and never a problem. Items should not be jagged or have irregular edges. If yes, then need to make it smooth with light bubblewrap.
I also never use tape to reinforce any edges and most of my shipments are between 2 to 3 pounds.
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I received a pair of jeans in one, the envelope was ripped and the jeans were exposed to the elements. (Luckily, I live in an apartment complex and it didn't have to be in any elements) I generally consider them too flimsy for clothing (at least at the wieght where usuing them would be a savings), but for other things they would be fine.
I always tape the flap, no matter how big or small the item is. The sticky on those flaps is usless.
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I used hundreds of these a month to ship items weighing three to four pounds. There are two ways to protect the contents:
I pack items that will fit inside a large priority mail video box, using bubble wrap and peanuts as cushioning. Both sizes of video boxes will fit inside the flat-rate mailers. (The small ones are an easy fit, the large ones you have to carefully fit inside the envelopes.)I use one piece of tape to seal the mailer.
Less delicate items are placed in a Tyvek priority mail envelope, then inside the mailer. The Tyvek protects the items from the elements if the mailer becomes torn en route.
I use the same packing method with Global Priority packages.
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I see - Global Priority Envelopes - never thought of using it. I take it this option is not available for every country?
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Answer
I'm not sure which countries are NOT on the Global Priority Mail list. But be aware there is a 4 pound weight limit on flat-rate Global Priority mailers. You can check any individual country through the international rate calculator at the USPS web site.
Sure is nice to be able to send almost 4 lbs of goods to Australia for $9.00 though. My customers there love it. Canada's just $7.00.