(AD or OT, not sure> Stamps.com

I was going to ask how you got them to the PO or how that worked. I'm considering getting it since I'm shipping a lot more than normal.

How many pounds can the meter read? Do you know?

OK it is worth finding out about the postal regulations and how they are applied in your town. It is my understanding that you have to physically hand the packages to someone at the post office, or your mailman, in order to meet

911 regs. In other words, can't drop them in a blue box. Find out first.

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

Packages weighing more than 16ounces are supposed to be handed to a postal employee. That is the rule. Other than that, drop away.

However, if your package is over 16 oz, and is in a priority envelope/box with postage and typed label, chances are that you can drop it in a box with no problem.

Additionally, if you are all addressed and postaged, you can just drop them at the window at the PO without having to wait in line.

You can also drop packages other than priority into the boxes as long as they are no greater than the maximum weight allowed for this according to our postmaster. You do have to be sure and put the correct postage on it however. You might want to check with your local post office as well, but I would think the same rules should apply since this is federal not state.

For the most part, I prefer to hand them in at the post office, but I don't need to stand in line to do this. At our post office, standing in line is many times around a 30 minute wait plus the time it takes the counter person to weigh everything, etc.

As for the scale, I'm afraid I can't answer that question since I didn't get one. I'm not even sure how heavy mine will weigh, but I have weighed up to 25 pounds with it. I would think that the free one would weigh at least that.

I've had priority mail returned to me for putting it in the box and not handing it to a postal employee. Just one person's experience.

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

I use the Post office website for priority mail. It is the "same" as stamps.com in the format. I just stick stamps on items that are under a pound, and hand write the label.

But with priority on the USPS website, you have the choice of printing the label alone (with free delivery confirmation) or printing it with postage. Either way, you get the free delivery confirmation.

These qualify as meter postage, *if* you do not put stamps on it. If you do, it must be under a pound, or you have to hand it to a postal clerk at the post office. If you have paid for it on the website using your credit card, then it is considered meter mail, and you can either hand it to your carrier, or you can drop it in one of those blue boxes. The carrier can refuse to take it if he has a heavy bag or a full truck...but 95% of the carriers won't, unless you decide to drop 50 packages on them...

Just a hint, also...get your supplies from the USPS website. I have been packing beads pretty much steadily since July (WHEW!)...I am rather proud that I can get what could be a $12 priority box into a $3.85 flat rate envelope. This is what I do...I get one of those small video boxes (they used to print that on the lip, but now I don't remember the measurements...0109S I think is the code...). Pack your materials into that (I have been packing large nuggets, hematite, everything in that!!!). Then take a flat rate priority envelope, and slip this into the flat rate envelope. If needed, I have tucked a few beads along the edge, but I know Tink would *DIE* to do that...LOL! haven't had any complaints so far.... Then just make sure you tape it securely...

Some of the boxes I weighed out, then went to the USPS website and figured it out...I have had at least 4 boxes that would have cost $12+ fit into it. so I saved some people a *lot* of money, not including what they saved on the buys. Takes me an extra minute or two, but I think people appreciate it. All of the envelopes that I have dropped into the box this way, only 1 has come back, and that was because somehow, I completely screwed up the address, LOL!!!

HTH, Mary

Aaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh!

boy, do I love torturing you!

Mary

So I've noticed, you evil grrlie!

that's why you love me, though!

{{{tink}}}

That's one of the reasons, for sure! {{{{{{{{{{Mary}}}}}}}}}}

Question - On the insurance part.... I thought you had to actually do that at the post office????

Is that right? Can you actually now do insurance and drop them in the "big Blue box".

That would be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO COOL.

Hugs, Lynda ebay store:

It's never easy reaching for your dreams, but those who reach, walk instardust.

nope. still gotta go to the post office...same as if you are mailing overseas, bleh!

mary

Yes you CAN buy insurance online through stamps.com (but not through the USPS website) and you can drop it in the mailbox as long as it fits the size and weight requirement. You even get a 10% discount if you have their power plan (not sure about the other plan for the discount)and buy their insurance. You can also purchase USPS insurance through them for the regular price.

The insurance feature is why I like it over using the USPS website.

Mary Ann

I just found out that the postal scale will weigh up to 5 pounds.