General Forum

Two of them, actually. I tried searching USPS's web site, but that's almost like trying to read the tax code.

1. Can one simply put stamps on bubble mailers and not have to pay as small package with tracking?
2. If a small bubble mailer is used, is that considered a large envelope?
3. (Well, one more, I lied) What about photo mailers, are they considered a regular envelope?
4. (Una mas) What happens if "rigid" is not selected?

Thanks for the information.

with my experience mailing, most anything other than a regular envelope goes by weight.. you can still use stamps. sometimes i'll just take those packages (packed with the items) to the Post Office and ask for a price, just to fanagel the system. you can save in some cases. I used a small photo envelope before and threw a couple stamps on it.. it worked (i hope)  

First, I do not like the new USPS website and the Calculate a Price section.  It's now more confusing. They no longer have the little "?" to give you definition/specifications.

1&2) From what I've been told by postal clerks, all bubble mailers are considered packages. Main reason I use photo mailers.

3) I use 4.5" x 6.5" photo mailers, they are considered regular envelopes. Additional postage is based on weight, 21 cents each additional ounce. And if it is "rigid" an additional 21 cents.

4)   "Rigid" is a call, if it will flex I don't add any additional postage.  No problems reported to me by TCDB or ebay members, yet.

Just to add more confusion to this thread:

1) Yes, I receive packages fairly regularly like this and on occasion will send them.

2) Yes, but that shouldn't affect the price.

3) The size of the envelope is what determines a "regular" envelope, not the type (ie "photo" could be considered regular if under a certain size.

4) They will theoretically charge more for non-rigid packages because they cannot be machined and have to be handled by hand the entire way.

Years ago, when doing a bit of ebay (not cards), Postal Clerk told me it was better to weight some items.

Have PO put their printed postage on it instead of a stamp, because scales don't always read the same

in different locations.  The printed Postage wouldn't be questioned, wherein a stamp may not pass for the

weight in a different location.

I have wondered if a postman would know that I put the extra stamp due to the rigidity or weight, but I've never had anything returned for lacking postage.

But it brings up another question. Can you print the $0.70 or $0.91 postage from home with USPS.com? I know with PayPal I'll print postage with tracking, and at a slightly cheaper rate, but PayPal doesn't have regular first class postage options, or do they?

Yes Pay Pal does have first class postage options. I go under the tool section and look for multiple shipping, click on that then click on  "create". Then another tab comes up with places to enter the info to ship, which postage option, and to whom, and what not. After that you'll go to the final page, you mark the one you want printed then click print and pay and your done. I have a business account, but I believe that option is for all accounts.

There are options, but not to replace the 49-cent stamp for instance, unless I'm missing a step somewhere. Bkim shared the link awhile back, but I couldn't print postage other than the first class that included tracking. 

Oh ok, I see what you're saying. I don't know about that one. Sorry.

If it ships as Parcel or Package, tracking is automatic now. You can't remove that as an option. A photo mailer can be shipped as just 1st Class without additional cost of tracking or other expenses/options. It will go through the machine sorting system though. Bubble Mailers will normally not go through the machine unless they are very flexible. You do NOT want a card in a toploader or thick case to go through the machine!