Media Mail6823
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KingNampa private msg quote post Address this user | |
| I don't mind receiving low value books via media mail. I would only expect 1st class or Priority for more expensive stuff $50+. | ||
| Post 51 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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poka private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by poka  Mike - sorry - came across this one and too good not to use  |
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| Post 52 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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Drogio private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by kaptainmyke Back to your original statement that Anyone who ships comics via media mail is terrorizing others. I deal with books generally in the $20 or less range, I put more care into packaging something with media mail (extra reinforcements) as I don't get whacked for every ounce like first class and can offer more competitive price points than priority. I explain my packaging in the description and offer upgrades if desired. Not to mention if the usps damages it I take full responsibility and except returns or refunds. So if someone buys a comic from me and complains it was sent media mail that's on them. Never had a problem in hundreds of sales. And yes if it's a higher priced book (e.g. $30 or up) I either add insurance or go priority or both. So I want to know if you're calling me a man who terrorized and why? I have nothing against you personally, however Because those are strong words and Potentially offensive I request clarification. The above is not clear with respect to you original all encompassing statement. Also, here is a question for all to ponder....is a graphic novel a comic book? Or should a a comic book with no advertising fall under the medi mail exemptions? No one, including USPS has ever explained to me why Comics get a bad wrap. Still waiting as maybe the answer would change my outlook on the matter. |
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| Post 53 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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doog private msg quote post Address this user | |
| I know why. My brother used to send an insane number of stuffed long boxes media mail, eventually his Post Office got tired of back injuries and told him he could not do it anymore. Times 1,000 comic book guys just like him. |
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| Post 54 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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VaComicsGuy private msg quote post Address this user | |
| Well, this will probably piss some people off but I'm just passing along the info.: I called the USPS info line (1-800-ASK-USPS) this morning and asked, "Can comic books be sent via media mail" I was told, "No. Comic books cannot be sent by media mail." I asked "If a media mail package is inspected, where is that done?" I was told, "packages can be examined anywhere along the route by any authorized USPS agent." I asked if movies can be sent via media mail and was told, ". . . not if they contain any advertising and advertising includes previews for other movies." I was talking to a colleague who has a husband that collects and sells. She said he uses media mail all the time. Things were slow and an hour or so had passed so we decided to call again and see if we got the same answers. ..... We didn't. She was told, "comics are ok to send via media mail as they don't meet the advertising standard." Packages are generally inspected only at the originating P.O. (but they can be inspected at other locations). Movies are ok to send. She asked about the previews on movies and the rep said they aren't considered ads because they aren't selling anything, just informing the viewer of other movies that are available.   I'm not usually a "WTF?" person, but "Seriously, WTF??" |
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| Post 55 • IP flag post | ||
 I bought a meat grinder on amazon for $60 and it's changed my life.
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kaptainmyke private msg quote post Address this user | |
| Yep, that's the post office for you. Quote: Originally Posted by Drogio Disclaimer: Nothing personal, just business. Okay, here goes: Media Mail is cheap, slow, and anyone who uses it is too, also you can use 1st class for cheap books and it's vastly better than Media Mail and just as cheap. Also if sellers use a different method than advertised to buyer that is fraud. Comic books should be shipped safely and securely, otherwise they will get dinged up or spine ticks, which are irreversible in most cases. Doesn't make any sense to me when media mail and first class are the same when talking about one or two books being shipped at a low cost. If an extra $2 is breaking the bank on cardboard and shipping supplies, then maybe selling comics and shipping them isn't a financial option to the seller. Try half priced books. If the ounces are really pinching for first class, get a cheap mail scale. It's the best $15 investment I've ever bought and it's saved me hundreds at the post office counter in time and money. |
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| Post 56 • IP flag post | ||
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Collector
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VaComicsGuy private msg quote post Address this user | |
| So here's what I've learned since starting this thread: 1- media mail sucks 2- the post office explanation of media mail sucks 3- the post office understanding of media mail sucks 4- the post office sucks 5- KaptainMyke does not approve of media mail for comics and if you use it, he thinks you suck |
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| Post 57 • IP flag post | ||
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I bought a meat grinder on amazon for $60 and it's changed my life.
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kaptainmyke private msg quote post Address this user | |
 Both of these high dollar books were sent via media mail this last week. Both were returned in the same paper thin cardboard and vanilla envelopes they were shipped in, all mangled up.         I'm not trying to be mean or sound like a jerk. Nothing personal. Just business. All of you guys are my brahs, uh, brah |
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| Post 58 • IP flag post | ||
 COLLECTOR
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conditionfreak private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by kaptainmyke This all is just not true. I don't want to go into all of the details, as common sense and experience is in all of us. But here is an example. I just mailed two books via media mail. From Ohio to California. One book was a slim hardback graphic novel I sold for $6 on here. The other book was a magazine sized comic book I sold for $1. Total of $7.00 for the sale. I checked with the post office and First Class was over $17.00 Media Mail was $3.68 with tracking. If I was shipping these items to you KP. Would you have wanted me to ship them using first class or priority. Assuming I packaged them the same way regardless how they were shipped? The difference is, one way gets to Ca. in an estimated 7 days and the other way gets them to California in an estimated 2-3 days. I also fairly often, give comic books away two to three dozen per package. Stated "as readers, for free". Although most are in the 9.6 range. Am I a comic book terrorist for using media rate to send free readers, as the recipient may see some of them as prized possessions worthy of slabbing? (one mans trash is another mans treasure, applies here). Again, my only point is that media mail has its place in this "hobby". And it is not illegal. |
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| Post 59 • IP flag post | ||
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I bought a meat grinder on amazon for $60 and it's changed my life.
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kaptainmyke private msg quote post Address this user | |
| All that depends on how you ship the 2 books. You don't have to agree with me. I don't know how first class is $17 but okay I believe you. | ||
| Post 60 • IP flag post | ||
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I bought a meat grinder on amazon for $60 and it's changed my life.
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kaptainmyke private msg quote post Address this user | |
| Besides you are missing my overall point. If I pay someone for priority mail shipping and I get it 2 weeks later via media mail, that's my problem. My second issue is choosing to ship media mail over priority shipping in general due to damaged packages and overall misuse of handling during shipping. My third issue is if you are sending only one book or 2 books, ship it to me priority mail and I'll gladly pay for it, inside a box, and not between 2 flimsy pieces of reused priority mail boxes shoved inside a plain braded envelope shipped media mail or first class in that manner, to which the spines get dented up and corners dinged. My final issue is how people chose to ship comics to others is beyond my disbelief. Especially high dollar books. If you just made $300 off me from a raw book on ebay you better ship that bleeping comic book in a bleeping box inside a box to me. Priority mail preferred. Not media mail. To those offended, I get it. I get why media mail makes sense. If you are shipping 50 or more comics, sure do it, those boxes are heavy! But if you are shipping 20 or less books that are expensive, put that inside a cardboard media mailer and put that inside a 14x14x4 box and don't be cheap! Of course, if you are shipping free books to someone, how can anyone complain on shipping methods, really. That's like free beer. Even hot crappy beer that is free is still free beer. Honestly. Let's not insult one another's intelligence here. |
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| Post 61 • IP flag post | ||
 Collector
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MedicAR private msg quote post Address this user | |
| I'm not comfortable with any "gray area." The letter of the law says that advertisements are not allowed and that is precisely how my local post master reads it. Opening and inspecting sounds harmless enough but a graded book may be opened as well and the protective slab may be interpreted as protective packaging rather than a collectible since everyone knows better than to ship collectibles via media mail, right? I tell sellers all the time that I don't mind paying extra for first class or even Priority if it means that they don't get opened and manhandled/inspected on the way. Having worked in the shipping business, I like Priority as it means less time for the postal service to damage it because it should be in their hands for less time. |
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| Post 62 • IP flag post | ||
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Collector
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VaComicsGuy private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by MedicAR That's the problem though. The way the rule is written creates gray area. There is no clear letter of the law. The "comics do not meet this standard" is being interpreted by USPS personnel (and many of us) as meaning either; (1) comics don't meet the standard for media mail; or (2) comics don't meet the standard of having advertising The fact that they specifically mention comics adds to the confusion. The 1st portion that reads "no advertising" should have sufficed. So, by ONLY mentioning comics, the rules apparently treats them differently at least in some small way. I don't know what the intent of the rule was, but the execution of the drafting of the rule was poorly done. |
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| Post 63 • IP flag post | ||
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COLLECTOR
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conditionfreak private msg quote post Address this user | |
| Just don't get it, do you. This ain't about how something is packaged. It also ain't about how long it takes to get to you. And it damn sure ain't about going against what you request (or demand) shipping to you be. It is about media rate exists, because there is a place for it. As for insulting someone's intelligence. Give me a break. Do you really think that an Ebay offering that says "shipping is $4.95, is going to be sent via first class or priority? And I can show you some receipts if you don't think first class from Ohio to California can be and is, over $17 for two books. One of which is a hardback graphic novel. As a matter of fact, just today I mailed two hardback graphic novels to California and the cost for first class was going to be over $20. But I gave the buyer the option and he chose media rate. He is paying either one, so what do I care. Except in the sense I hate to see money wasted. OF COURSE high value or highly collectable books will be sent via Priority Mail (not even first class) by me. With insurance. Duh. Buyer has a choice. Pick, or do not deal with someone who INSISTS on using media mail against the buyers wishes. Can't believe I have to say these things. Common sense apparently is not so common. And VaComicsGuy is correct. I interpret it as #2 above. Otherwise why mention comic books specifically. |
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| Post 64 • IP flag post | ||
 COLLECTOR
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shrewbeer private msg quote post Address this user | |
| @conditionfreak Your postmaster sucks, two or three books in a Gemini Miller has never cost me more than three or four bucks Mailed first class With tracking | ||
| Post 65 • IP flag post | ||
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COLLECTOR
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conditionfreak private msg quote post Address this user | |
| Who said I use Gemini Mailers? I don't. | ||
| Post 66 • IP flag post | ||
 Beaten by boat oars
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Studley_Dudley private msg quote post Address this user | |
| First class for one comic book costs +/- $3. | ||
| Post 67 • IP flag post | ||
 Why just the women? I like bears.
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Gaard private msg quote post Address this user | |
| A high value book uses Priority because it reduces the chance of damage, right? Then is it more acceptable that lower value books be damaged by using MM? Because lower value books being damaged = no biggie? | ||
| Post 68 • IP flag post | ||
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Collector
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MedicAR private msg quote post Address this user | |
| Media Mail does have its place. Unfortunately, that place is in the past. It was created as third class or library rate with the intent of providing an economical way for libraries and educational institutions to ship educational materials back and forth. The intent was for books whose value was the information inside them, not the printing, edition, or signature on them. Quote: Originally Posted by USPS Website I'm not sure what's gray about that, but whatever. |
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| Post 69 • IP flag post | ||
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COLLECTOR
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conditionfreak private msg quote post Address this user | |
| Who has established books sent media mail, are in greater peril to get damage? Is that an assumption based on their having to be "in the system" longer? If so, then buying from or sending to another country, is even worse. It is all about the packaging, IMO. USPS personnel don't give a hoot about what you are shipping and by how. They do what they do, regardless. Throw boxes across the room or into trucks, etc. They don't look first to see if a box is media rate or first class. They just do their thing. There are no Nazi USPS workers who care about what is inside your packages. It is all about quitting time and pay checks. Unless of course a dog "hits' on your package. Then they care. Or if your package is ticking. Or if the return address says "F--- the Post Office". Or, if it is addressed to the Kremlin. Or if it is a mail order bride from Syria. |
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| Post 70 • IP flag post | ||
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I bought a meat grinder on amazon for $60 and it's changed my life.
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kaptainmyke private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by conditionfreak Bingo. Weight is too much. Isn't there a weight limit for first class anyways? |
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| Post 71 • IP flag post | ||
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I bought a meat grinder on amazon for $60 and it's changed my life.
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kaptainmyke private msg quote post Address this user | |
| In other news, some crazy dude hopped in a fedex truck in bellevue that had the keys in the ignition and he went on a high pursuit chase with seattle cops. There was packages thrown all over the road and freeway on I-90. I hope I didn't have any CBCS boxes on that truck. https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/bellevue-police-driver-arrested-after-stolen-fedex-truck-struck-cars-fled-into-seattle/784385613 |
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| Post 72 • IP flag post | ||
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Collector
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VaComicsGuy private msg quote post Address this user | |
| https://about.usps.com/notices/not121/not121_tech.htm ========================================================= MEDIA MAIL SERVICE Media Mail shipping is a cost-effective way to send educational materials. This service has restrictions on the type of media that can be shipped. Media Mail rates are limited to the items listed below: Books (at least 8 pages). Sound recordings and video recordings, such as CDs and DVDs. Play scripts and manuscripts for books, periodicals, and music. Printed music. Computer-readable media containing prerecorded information and guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such media. Sixteen millimeter or narrower width films. Printed objective test materials and their accessories. Printed educational reference charts. Loose-leaf pages and their binders consisting of medical information for distribution to doctors, hospitals, medical schools, and medical students. Media - printed music, sound recordings, periodicals, CDs, DVDs, and books. Media Mail packages may not contain advertising. Comic books do not meet this standard. Books may contain incidental announcements of other books and sound recordings may contain incidental announcements of other sound recordings. In accordance with standards in the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), Section 170, Media Mail packages must have a delivery address and the sender’s return address and are subject to inspection by the Postal Service™. Upon such inspection, matter not eligible for the Media Mail rate may be assessed at the proper price and sent to the recipient postage due, or the sender may be contacted for additional postage. For more information about Media Mail service, please visit www.usps.com or call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). Complete explanations of qualified items can be found in the DMM. PSN 7610-07-000-4037 Notice 121, October 2012 ============================================ Gray area = Rule states that MM is only for educational materials Gray Area = rule lists MM items that aren't educational materials Gray area = What standard do comics not meet? Gray area = Many of us have been told different things by USPS employees But, yeah no gray area but whatever. This thread seems to be going in a whole different direction than the one it started in. Clearly, there is some confusion and room for interpretation as evidenced by the fact the USPS can't give consistent information and the wording of the rule sucks. Note to self: Things to never discuss in public; religion, politics, taxes and media mail |
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| Post 73 • IP flag post | ||
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I bought a meat grinder on amazon for $60 and it's changed my life.
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kaptainmyke private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by VaComicsGuy That's so confusing lol why not say "With regard to this standard, " and either choice of "Comic books are allowed." or "Comic books are not allowed." Legal terminology is easier to understand that that. |
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| Post 74 • IP flag post | ||
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I bought a meat grinder on amazon for $60 and it's changed my life.
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kaptainmyke private msg quote post Address this user | |
| I think media mail was started for school systems and universities to affordably send heavy textbooks and other learning materials from campus to campus if I remember correctly on "The history of mail". | ||
| Post 75 • IP flag post | ||
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Why just the women? I like bears.
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Gaard private msg quote post Address this user | |
| Why not use MM for high value books? It'd be cheaper. | ||
| Post 76 • IP flag post | ||
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I bought a meat grinder on amazon for $60 and it's changed my life.
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kaptainmyke private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by Gaard  |
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| Post 77 • IP flag post | ||
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COLLECTOR
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shrewbeer private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by kaptainmyke 13OZ |
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| Post 78 • IP flag post | ||
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Collector
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KingNampa private msg quote post Address this user | |
| I think Media Mail is the best way to ship comics. Change my mind. | ||
| Post 79 • IP flag post | ||
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COLLECTOR
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conditionfreak private msg quote post Address this user | |
Quote:Originally Posted by Gaard This is probably sarcasm. But it actually has merit. It is all about the packaging. HOWEVER, you do have to take into consideration the wants and desires of your buyers. You open yourself up to criticism if you cheap out on the method you use to mail high value or highly collectable comic books. Appearances do matter. In commerce, it is not enough to "be right". You have to "appear" to be right. But in reality. Insurance and tracking with any method, is okay. Just make it bomb proof packaging. IMO. And sending a comic book Priority Mail but not packaged good enough, is WORSE than media mail packaged well. |
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| Post 80 • IP flag post | ||
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