FYI FWIW

[viedma]

A lot of you might know this already, but it was news to me and so I'm passing it on to you...

When you're sending something media mail and the post office worker tells you the gov't might open your mail because yay freedom marches on, and then asks, "Is there any sort of personal note in the package?" say no. Because if you say yes, they go "AHA! Then it's not a media package, it's a first class mail package" and they charge you more.

Or you could do what I did after I waited in line for 20 minutes for one lady to buy 2 books of stamps: Then it's not a personal message.

And give them the unblinking Stare of Doom like in my icon.

It works!

Comments

[cyprinella]

That nonsense is one of the reasons I am *so* glad that I run the postage machine at my office and can label my packages as I see fit. No having to deal with postal workers, win!

[viedma.livejournal.com]

D00d, you wield some mighty power there! I've been working here for three years and they just told me how the coffeemaker works.

[cyprinella]

It is fabulous. Of course, then I have to mail out all of the boyfriend's family's Christmas presents too...

[traveller.livejournal.com]

the post office is on my list.

[viedma.livejournal.com]

they are crafty lil buggers, but our feeble band will outwit them!

[traveller.livejournal.com]

i was thinking skip wits and go straight to superior firepower.

[cageyklio.livejournal.com]

My new favorite post office trick is not having customs forms available and then sighing heavily and the rolling of the eyes while said USPS employee waits for me to scribble out the redundant addresses etc. on reluctantly provided forms.

::sticks pin in Post Office Clown voodoo doll::

[viedma.livejournal.com]

Icon!

Now that you mention it, I vaguely remember customs forms. Hell, I can't even find the priority mail To/From labels, just the Express ones. And someone inevitably uses the Express address labels and then they roll their eyes at the poor slob like it's his fault the place isn't properly stocked. Sheesh!

Farther down the page whysoblue found the relevant bits of the post office rules & regs that let me go "neener neener" to that postal clerk (http://viedma.livejournal.com/311268.html?thread=2211300#t2211300).

[executrix.livejournal.com]

A couple of weeks ago either the NY Times or the Wall Street Journal had an article about the Post Office's inability to deal with ...square envelopes.

Whenever I have to fill out customs forms, I just fill out both of them, which shuts off their water for their favorite trick of asking for the OTHER one.

I sent some of my Christmas presents in the flat-rate priority mail boxes, which are GREAT--I hardly ever managed to send anything, however light and fluffy, for less than $9, and the flat rate box is free (saving several dollars over BUYING a shipping box) and you are allowed to, say, write a note to your friend.

[viedma.livejournal.com]

Did it explain why square envelopes require more postage? I find that one a head-scratcher.

I'm really ragging on the P.O. at the moment, but I will take them any day over UPS or (shudder) Fed Ex.

[executrix.livejournal.com]

The Post Office declined to purchase any equipment that could cope with such diabolical and unforeseeable items.

I really, really hate UPS because they come up the steps on little fog feet and leave an illegible slip while making no attempt to actually *deliver* the package.

[cyprinella]

Because square envelopes have to be handprocessed every time (the machines can't tell which way the address is and thus can't read it). It's their way of discouraging you from using them.

And OMG I hear you on UPS and FedEx. I'll take the Post Office over either in a heart beat.

[annlarimer.livejournal.com]

:( I knew that. Sorry.

[viedma.livejournal.com]

Hey, not a problem. Knowledge is power. :)

[jonquil.livejournal.com]

I had Botox for migraine and now I can no longer give people the unblinking Stare of Doom.

Srsly. The last time I tried, my officemate grinned evilly and said "Why are you squinting at me?"

[viedma.livejournal.com]

Damn coworkers! While they're distracted by your squint I'll hit 'em with a rock.

[jonquil.livejournal.com]

No, no, he's a darling. He argues with me about programming language features as an equal (and he's got a Ph.D in it), and he lends me his Doctor Who tapes.

in case you want to argue the point

[whysoblue.livejournal.com]

Here's what it says in the Domestic Mail Manual (http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/370_cover.htm) (emphasis added):
373.2.4.2
Incidental First-Class Mail matter may be enclosed in or attached to any Media Mail piece without payment of First-Class Mail postage. An incidental First-Class Mail attachment or enclosure must be matter that, if mailed separately, would require First-Class Mail postage, is closely associated with but secondary to the host piece, and is prepared so as not to interfere with postal processing. An incidental First-Class Mail attachment or enclosure may be a bill for the product or publication, a statement of account for past products or publications, or a personal message or greeting included with a product, publication, or parcel. Postage at the Media Mail rate for the host piece is based on the combined weight of the host piece and the incidental First-Class Mail attachment or enclosure.

and:
373.2.5
Markings that have the character of personal correspondence require, with certain exceptions, additional postage at the First-Class Mail rates. The following written additions and enclosures do not require additional First-Class Mail postage:

a. The sender's and the addressee's names, occupations, and addresses, preceded by "From" or "To," and directions for handling.

b. Marks, numbers, names, or letters describing the contents.

c. Words or phrases such as "Do Not Open Until Christmas" and "Happy Birthday, Mother."

d. Instructions and directions for the use of the item mailed.

e. A manuscript dedication or inscription not having the nature of personal correspondence.

f. Marks to call attention to words or passages in the text.

g. Corrections of typographical errors in printed matter.

h. Manuscripts accompanying related proof sheets and corrections of proof sheets including corrections of typographical and other errors, changes in the text, insertions of new text, marginal instructions to the printer, and corrective rewrites of parts.

i. Handstamped imprints, unless the added material is in itself personal or converts the original matter to a personal communication.

j. Matter mailable separately as Standard Mail printed on the wrapper, envelope, tag, or label.

Re: in case you want to argue the point

[viedma.livejournal.com]

O_O

I LOVE YOU.

Hope that's okay!

And I'm printing it out and giving it to this lady the next time I go to the post office. Who knows how many people she's bilked over the past thousand years?