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05-13-2007, 02:37 PM
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#1
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Crimping Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Beautiful Memphis, Tennessee
Posts: 1,153
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New Postal Rates & Your Cards
I've just been reading about the new postal rates. Not only is First Class going up, but the size and shape of the envelopes can put my cards in the "Non-Machinable" rates, like packages.
It's only $.17 extra -- but will you cut down on layers, embellishments, etc.?
Just wondering!
Valli
__________________ Valli
When I'm not near the stamp I love, I love the stamp I'm near.
My tiny little gallery
www.StampYourBliss.com
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05-13-2007, 03:34 PM
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#2
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Die Cut Diva
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Probably on facebook
Posts: 5,572
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I have a card ministry at my church. I just made several b-day cards with no ribbons, fibers or brads. Yikes - how long will that last?
__________________ My Gallery
Team Jasper!
"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" Mt. 6:21
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05-13-2007, 03:59 PM
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#3
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Gabfest Goddess
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Coralville, Iowa
Posts: 9,164
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Are the "standard card" sized envelopes considered an odd size? Or do they fall in the regular rate?
Otherwise, my cards aren't generally bulky, so it's no big deal to me. Maybe I'll start taking pictures of my cards and then sending them as e-cards 
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05-13-2007, 06:27 PM
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#4
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Rubber Obsessor
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Grove City, Ohio
Posts: 1,053
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I made 2 mothers day cards, they had several layers and a pop up flower. They were bulky but used a standard A2 envelope. Husband works for USP. He said they were to heavy and needed extra postage. He stuck another 37 cent stamp on them. I sure it was to much postage but he didn't care, just wanted to make sure they got there.
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05-13-2007, 06:46 PM
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#5
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Gabfest Goddess
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chicago suburbs
Posts: 7,638
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I think a lot of this is going to be trial and error to take different weight/bulkiness items to the window and see what they say. They sure are making it difficult!
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05-13-2007, 07:01 PM
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#6
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Compulsive Stamper
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 35
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in Canada they make us put 2 stamps on anything with dimensionals/brads/ribbons etc... its about $1.10 to send that "assures" it doesn't get put through the sorting machine which could damage them-- I'm pretty sure they still go through the sorting machine-its just a money grab!!
but I could be wrong...
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05-13-2007, 07:37 PM
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#7
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Matboard Maniac
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stampede City, Canada
Posts: 366
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Now this would ruin the fun of getting a card.
What if we folded our cards inside out for mailing? This could protect at least some of the embellisments. It wouldn't make a difference in the weight though.
You know, I wouldn't have a problem with postage increases if I didn't feel like the customer service decreased incrimentally with each rate increase. I can't even get the post man to ring my doorbell with a package anymore. He just drops a "Delivery Attempt" notice in my box and is on his merry way with my package. To be dropped off at the post office at some yet-to-be-determined date.
Ooohh...I sound bitter. Sorry.
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05-14-2007, 04:57 AM
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#8
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Stazon Splitcoast
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 25,138
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I know that I am very dissapointed that sqare envelopes cost an extra $.17 I made some yesterday and decided that if I was going to have to pay the extra .17 anyway I might as well use the eyelets and brads and get my money's worth. I am taking it to the post office today after work and I can't wait to see what they charge. I know it is now overweight as it only has 4 eyelets and is not thick as it is only 2 layers and I weighed it at home.
__________________ I can currently only ship to the USA I have donated 4352 cards in 2019 / 2942 in 2020
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05-14-2007, 05:21 AM
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#9
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Stampin' Fool
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: At home
Posts: 2,021
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Anyone have an official word about clear envelopes? I've heard they are now in the $.80 bracket, but I couldn't find anything definitive at the USPS website.
__________________ Debra --- artist * teacher * designer
Say yes. Be generous. Speak up. Love more. Trust yourself. Slow down. ---Patti Digh
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05-14-2007, 05:33 AM
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#10
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Gabfest Goddess
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chicago suburbs
Posts: 7,638
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I agree with bondgurl.... I know increases are part of life, but it seems that the customer service and the care they've been giving my postals and envies has GREATLY diminished. As I write now, I have one package that is taking 10 days to arrive, when the others, mailed on the same day, arrived five days after sending. I've had MANY things ripped open and contents damaged or lost. It seems in the last six months it's gotten so much worse, so it's kinda hard to stomach an increase when thigns just aren't what they even used to be! 
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05-14-2007, 06:25 AM
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#11
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Rubber Obsessor
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Northern CA
Posts: 263
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I was told by the PO last week that putting DO NOT BEND on our manilla envelopes (for swaps, etc) will reclassify it to parcel instead of envelope. If they can't cram it into my little mail cubby, then I'll have to pay more for it.
Maybe I'll start making digital cards and emailing those out...I'm sooo done with the PO!
__________________ )/,,/
Vonnie
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05-14-2007, 06:27 AM
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#12
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Crimping Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Beautiful Memphis, Tennessee
Posts: 1,153
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Quote: Originally Posted by Skittl1321 Are the "standard card" sized envelopes considered an odd size? Or do they fall in the regular rate? |
I think the standard size is regular. I went to the post office website and looked at the new charts.
__________________ Valli
When I'm not near the stamp I love, I love the stamp I'm near.
My tiny little gallery
www.StampYourBliss.com
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05-14-2007, 06:34 AM
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#13
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Chattin' & Sippin' in SPAM-Land
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Here, there and everywhere!
Posts: 36,067
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Quote: Originally Posted by greetingsbydebra Anyone have an official word about clear envelopes? I've heard they are now in the $.80 bracket, but I couldn't find anything definitive at the USPS website. |
Unless they have changed, clear envelopes used to fall in the non-machinable category (along with any envelope more than 1/4" thick in any place) which means they would get the extra 17 cents. I used them for some of my Christmas cards last year and had to add the 13 cents to them... now I guess it's 17 cents? All I know is when I was in my little PO on Friday, the gal there begged me to NOT come in today. They are expecting a real mess.....
__________________ -Lisa
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05-14-2007, 07:58 AM
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#14
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Embossing Fanatic
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 128
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Quote: Originally Posted by SBinGA I know that I am very dissapointed that sqare envelopes cost an extra $.17 I made some yesterday and decided that if I was going to have to pay the extra .17 anyway I might as well use the eyelets and brads and get my money's worth. I am taking it to the post office today after work and I can't wait to see what they charge. I know it is now overweight as it only has 4 eyelets and is not thick as it is only 2 layers and I weighed it at home. |
Square envelopes have always cost more because they were not rectangular. Did you ever notice square Christmas cards come with rectangular envelopes? This is so you don't have to pay extra postage. If you want to make a square card, just put it in a rectangular envelope.
However, the new regulations mean you pay by the SIZE, not just the weight of envelopes, so larger letters can cost more. Also, if the envelope is within the weight limit, but is too thick (i.e. dimensionals, too much paper folded inside, etc.), it will cost more.
I haven't checked out the website, but I sure hope they have specifics for what will be acceptable for 41 cents.
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05-14-2007, 09:17 AM
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#15
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Kookie Creator
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: MA
Posts: 1,005
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I think I'll continue to make cards with some layering. I never really overdo it unless I'm giving it to someone.
I just have to share my frustration with the USPS too.... this morning I went to buy 2 cent stamps for 39 cent stamps. The postal worker could not tell me how much it had gone up for Canada or UK. He also did not have those stamps yet to sell. ???? 
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05-14-2007, 09:21 AM
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#16
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Pearl-ExPert
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Rescuing one dog may not change the world, but for that one dog, the world will be changed forever
Posts: 2,970
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that's terrible
Quote: Originally Posted by galoosh I was told by the PO last week that putting DO NOT BEND on our manilla envelopes (for swaps, etc) will reclassify it to parcel instead of envelope. If they can't cram it into my little mail cubby, then I'll have to pay more for it.
Maybe I'll start making digital cards and emailing those out...I'm sooo done with the PO! |
I rent the smallest/ least expensive box available and they just hold anything they can't fit or think they shouldn't bend ( smart folks) and I get a yellow notice in my box to go to the desk. :}
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05-14-2007, 09:27 AM
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#17
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Stazon Splitcoast
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 22,314
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I don't want to upset anyone, but I have had great luck with the postal service lately. I have mailed many letters and cards and have had them there the next day. The priority mail is awesome too! I sent my husband for stamps today so I will ask him.
As for the original question, I will probably just keep making the cards as I normally would and pay the extra. I do not mail that many anyway.
__________________ Pia
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05-14-2007, 10:12 AM
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#18
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Insane Embellisher
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 1,054
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I have always mailed in clear envelopes and never put any extra postage on. I did put two stamps on my moms mothersday card as it was kind of thick. Didnt want to take any chances. I guess we will see if we get cards back on the postage thing.
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05-14-2007, 10:12 AM
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#19
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Pearl-ExPert
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere Parrotheads phlock!
Posts: 4,946
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How much is the Forever stamp?
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05-14-2007, 10:36 AM
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#20
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Polyshrink Goddess
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: keeping my 7 yr old still, while I'm in stampin' bliss!
Posts: 646
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The Forever stamp is .41. I was going to buy some before the rate hike, but I though, I still have .39 and want to use those up first. I'm wondering if the forever stamp will really be "forever". If you were smart, you would buy a TON of them and then you'll never have to buy the new rate stamps?
__________________ Sheila Kyles
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05-14-2007, 10:49 AM
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#21
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Pearl-ExPert
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere Parrotheads phlock!
Posts: 4,946
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Really! Guess I'll be buying all Forever stamps since they are the same price!!! Almost doesn't make sense!
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05-14-2007, 10:56 AM
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#22
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Kookie Creator
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: GA
Posts: 538
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Just wanted to add... my dh bought some of the "forever" stamps a week ago...they were already 41¢ then.
__________________ Wife to Morgan
Mommy to:
Elizabeth (4/96)
Hannah (9/97)
Andrew (5/00)
Anthony (2/02)
Abigail ( 9/14/06)
"A word spoken in due season, how good it is!" Prov 15:23
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05-15-2007, 12:17 PM
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#23
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Die Cut Diva
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Oregon City, OR
Posts: 6,898
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Quote: Originally Posted by greetingsbydebra Anyone have an official word about clear envelopes? I've heard they are now in the $.80 bracket, but I couldn't find anything definitive at the USPS website. |
I did see something about clear envelopes requiring extra because they were clear. I saw it on the USPS site but to tell you the truth, I got lost in the index trying to find the new rates and frankly don't know where on the site I saw it.
The square envelopes were considered odd sized before so nothing is really different there.
__________________ Ann
Here is my oily blog! CLICK HERE
Certified Copic Instructor - Local ClassesI love cars, stamping and essential oils!
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05-15-2007, 12:38 PM
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#24
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Stampin' Fool
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Burbs of Chicago
Posts: 1,868
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The new postal codes will not change my layering or embelishing habits. 
I guess I'll just be making a few extra trips to the post office to make sure I have used the proper postage. Last Friday I was mailing 20 cards for my card club and they were thick and heavy (spinners). I asked the girl @ the PO to hand stamp them and she said they were fine and would go through the machine. That made me happy 
__________________ Mary
SAHM and SU! Demo
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05-15-2007, 01:02 PM
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#25
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Stazon Splitcoast
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 14,640
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Quote: Originally Posted by stamps&cars I did see something about clear envelopes requiring extra because they were clear. I saw it on the USPS site but to tell you the truth, I got lost in the index trying to find the new rates and frankly don't know where on the site I saw it. |
The reason the clear envies cost more is that they often require hand processing because their reflectivity can screw up the scanners that sort the mail.
__________________ Rachel
Proud SU! demo and Sci-Fi Geek!
My Stampin' Up! blog
"I'm a time traveler -- I point and laugh at archaeologists." 10th Doctor, "Silence in the Library"
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05-15-2007, 04:30 PM
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#26
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Stampin' Fool
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Alaska
Posts: 1,384
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I have been mailing my christmas cards in clear envelopes for at least 6 years and have never paid for extra postage. I did have one customer who used a large metal spiral on hers (not the SU ones) and her cards were returned for extra postage.
__________________ Stephanie
My teeny, tiny, someday it might be a GALLERY
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05-15-2007, 05:41 PM
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#27
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Die Cut Diva
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,451
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I mailed 12 clear enveloped cards at the PO today and they did not say a word about extra postage.
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05-15-2007, 06:09 PM
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#28
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Gabfest Goddess
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chicago suburbs
Posts: 7,638
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Interesting. I always heard clear were extra. Maybe that changed?
Cindy
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05-15-2007, 07:00 PM
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#29
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Stazon Splitcoast
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 14,640
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Quote: Originally Posted by Cynamom Interesting. I always heard clear were extra. Maybe that changed?
Cindy |
It's always been luck of the draw. Some clerks are sticklers and charge the extra, some don't.
__________________ Rachel
Proud SU! demo and Sci-Fi Geek!
My Stampin' Up! blog
"I'm a time traveler -- I point and laugh at archaeologists." 10th Doctor, "Silence in the Library"
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05-15-2007, 07:13 PM
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#30
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Stazon Splitcoast
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Wait! Let me check my barcode.....
Posts: 14,126
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I have used exclusively clear envelopes for obvious reasons...lol many thousands over the last few years and have NEVER been asked to add more postage, NEVER had one returned, and NEVER had one arrive postage due. I truly dont see that changing but I could be wrong. I will keep doing what I am doing.
Amber
__________________ Amber Shaw
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05-16-2007, 04:34 AM
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#31
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Pearl-ExPert
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: MO
Posts: 4,085
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I don't use a lot of clear envies but have only had one returned for extra postage, so I think it's a coin flip whether it was extra or not; but sounds like now it's for sure. Maybe I should mail all my cards early so in case they come back for extra postage, they'll still have time to get there :>)
Wanda
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05-16-2007, 05:10 AM
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#32
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Polyshrink Goddess
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Carver, MN
Posts: 727
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So, I used to put my envelopes through the hole in my paper cutter to see if they were okay to mail at regular price (is it 1/4 inch thick?)- what is the new rule?
__________________ Kyloe
The lesson from Charlie Brown: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
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05-16-2007, 06:24 AM
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#33
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Kookie Creator
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 461
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The rules are very confusing - I will have to take a lot of stuff to PO and have them check it to be sure. I think it has to be less than 3/4 inches thick and uniformly solid and flexible to be considered first class letter rate. So I think you can still put cardstock in a big envelope and since it will bend. But if you actually stamp it - do not bend - then they will charge you the higher rate.
I sell on eBay and a lot of the smaller stamps sets weighing under 13 ozs could be sent in a bubble envelope or even a thin box and you just paid like it was a first class letter. Now those packages have to go parcel post or priority mail. I think this whole thing is the post office's way of leveling the playing field for small parcels.
I think they have shot themselves in the foot because a lot of people will start sending those packages UPS or Fedex.
__________________ Just my two stamps worth,
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* * * Sue * * *
In quaint, quiet, quirky little Darmstadt
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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05-16-2007, 07:59 AM
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#34
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Die Cut Diva
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Oregon City, OR
Posts: 6,898
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The lady at my PO said that they told her the rate changes were to get them more in line with UPS and Fed EX.
__________________ Ann
Here is my oily blog! CLICK HERE
Certified Copic Instructor - Local ClassesI love cars, stamping and essential oils!
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05-21-2007, 11:59 AM
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#35
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Polyshrink Goddess
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Carver, MN
Posts: 727
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I checked out the USPS and found the following - sorry it did not copy over better.
Postcard
Rectangular cardstock mailpiece not contained in an envelope
Letter
Small rectangular mailpiece no thicker than 1/4 inch
Large Envelope
Flat rectangular mailpiece no thicker than 3/4 inch
Package
A three-dimensional mailpiece contained in a box, thick envelope, or tube, weighing up to 70 pounds
Mailpiece Dimensions
SHAPE LENGTH HEIGHT
Postcard minimum
maximum 5 inch min.
6 inch max. 3-1/2 inch min.
4-1/4 inch max.
Letter
(up to 3.5 ounces) minimum
maximum 5 inch min.
11-1/2 inch max. 3-1/2 inch min.
6-1/8 inch max.
Large Envelope minimum* 11-1/2 inch min. 6-1/8 inch min.
Package Weight cannot exceed 70 pounds.
Length + girth (distance around the thickest part of the package) cannot exceed 108 inches. (Parcel Post cannot exceed 130 inches.)
* Large envelopes exceed one or more letter-size maximum dimensions.
Some Shapes, such as tubes and square envelopes, may require additional
postage. Postcards, letters, large envelopes and packages pay different prices.
__________________ Kyloe
The lesson from Charlie Brown: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
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