"Going postal" at the post office

[FEDUKE404]

Outsmarting the USPS

No clasp envelopes, and anything that weighs more than 13 oz has to be handed over to a service counter clerk at a post office, can't mail drop.

I use Stamps.com so print out my stamps from online, that helps, but I have many packages even with electronic file that are over 13 oz once you send the client copy and their documents back.

So to outfox the Postal System, I have been breaking down into two packages. The 50 cents it cost me for the extra envelope is worth it for me not to stand in line at the Post Office.

Sandy

I like that approach (two-fer). Of course, the thing that REALLY bugs me is that I can easily use the USPS "flat-rate" envelopes, everything fits neatly inside, and I know exactly what the postage is without concern for the weight or destination.....

**BUT**

I cannot drop that "heavy" envelope into a mail box, nor a mail slot at the post office, nor will my carrier pick it up from my streetside mailbox. Back to the old post office, although I have found a contract station nearby (commercial business) that is friendlier and quicker.

I guess the "weight" line of demarcation is the postal equivalent of asking "is there anything hazardous" or whatever when you mail a sealed box that could contain a small nuclear warhead.

OK - rant is over! - now back to work.

FE

[JG EA]

I leave the clasp on, but do not use the clasp, seal the envelope and put tape over the seal. I've had no problems yet.

Also, I'm very glad I bought 5 cent stamps, they finish off the 41 + 17's in all the "large envelope" mailings without going 1 cent over.

[S T]

Current 2008

No clasp envelopes, and anything that weighs more than 13 oz has to be handed over to a service counter clerk at a post office, can't mail drop.

I use Stamps.com so print out my stamps from online, that helps, but I have many packages even with electronic file that are over 13 oz once you send the client copy and their documents back.

So to outfox the Postal System, I have been breaking down into two packages. The 50 cents it cost me for the extra envelope is worth it for me not to stand in line at the Post Office.

Sandy

[Bonnie]

[3 - A 3-ounce "parcel" (same as #2 but with a clasp) now costs $1.47 (quote)

I mailed one today with a clasp $1.14. I just double checked my receipt. Not sure if they didn't notice the clasp or if my post office isn't charging extra. I didn't know they were til I read this

Bonnie

[joanmcq]

Yeah, I was a bit confused about this since I remember people complaining about this a year ago. One of my post offices has an automatic postage machine in it. Mailed a christmas box with it. I also work near a supermarket that has a post office in it. No lines, open late.

[Penelope]

Using binder combs, new postage rates

Wow! I'm really late to discover all the "new" rules and new rates, promulgated by the USPS in May, 2007. (By the way, no mail has been returned or arrived with a balance due, and no doubt I've broken rules many times over the past 10 months.)

Now I find that envelopes containing binder combs aren't flat and are thicker than 1/4", meaning that higher rates apply.

I'm looking for a cost effective substitute for my old binder system and wonder what other preparers are using. Thanks in advance.

[JohnH]

Post office confusion? I'm shocked!

George: Are you suggesting that the rules are so convoluted that even the clerks are having trouble figuring them out? Well, I'll have to add my Friday story to this.

I mail several sizes & weights of envelopes in a small direct mail activity run from my office, so I went in yesterday to have the clerk check some various size, weight, & shape iterms for me (not a clasp in the bunch). We had it mostly right, and when I commented to the clerk that I just wanted to be sure I didnt drop something with incorrect postage in the outside box, she said "Don't worry about it - right now we're pretty much pulling everything from the box and running it through with whatever postage is on it."

[George Boutwell]

I asked the clerks in my local post office about the "clasp". Both said there was NO such rule about clasp envelopes. . . . I would suggest before anyone "throws away" their clasp envelopes they check with their post office.

I bet you also tell people if they have a tax question, to check with IRS.

The clasps are prohibited on "letters" -- 3.5 ounces or less. They are allowed on "flats", which cost more than letters of the same weight, but less than "parcels."

From the official USPS Domestic Mail Manual ---

101 Physical Standards

1.0 Physical Standards for Letters

1.2 Nonmachinable Criteria

A letter-size piece is nonmachinable (see 6.4) if it has one or more of the following characteristics (see 601.1.4 to determine the length, height, top, and bottom of a mailpiece):

a. Has an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of less than 1.3 or more than 2.5.

b. Is polybagged, polywrapped, or enclosed in any plastic material.

c. Has clasps, strings, buttons, or similar closure devices.

[New York Enrolled Agent]

I asked the clerks in my local post office about the "clasp". Both said there was NO such rule about clasp envelopes. I actually mailed one with no surcharge. They said the new rules involve size. A 9 x 12 envelope (clasp or not) will start at (I believe) 80 cents. I would suggest before anyone "throws away" their clasp envelopes they check with their post office.

[Gretel]

Let me know if cutting out the clasp was accepted by the post office. I had the same idea but didn't have anything to mail yet.

[veritas]

You know, if you have Adobe Acrobat (the full version - not just the reader) you could print the letter to "Adobe" (shows up as if it's a printer) and you could convert it to a .pdf (portable document file) as simply as if it were going to a real printer. That way, you don't have to be waiting on Lacerte.

The feature I find particularly cool is the electronic signature feature (and the typewriter tool) in Acrobat. It allows me to certify & secure all my .pdf's and send the doc's that require my 'real' signature via email.

The typewriter tool lets you add text to documents. It's particularly helpful for filling out arcane blank forms that aren't available in electronic form. Just scan the doc in, save as .pdf (my scanner software is set to automatically do this), open it, type and voila! a professional looking document.

Between the items you describe, converting docs to .pdf, and a simple scanner, you could see significant savings.

I rarely use the post office any more.

I send out to many letters for that. It would take forever.

[JohnH]

Oops - my mistake

Guess I got my directions confused. But at least now I know how the tape, labels, & tube of super glue wound up in my bedroom.

[Joe Btfsplk]

Cut the clasp

I'm glad someone mentioned the clasp surcharge. I have something ready to mail with a clasp on the envelope.

I cut off the clasp, so now it will qualify as if there were no clasp.

I will have to consult some certified postage accountant to determine how much postage it will take.

The post office will probably have to raise postage again soon-- since everyone who used to just weigh their mail and send it will now have to go to the PO to get some expert assistance in calculating the postage.

[George Boutwell]

If you slightly raise the clasp in a butterfly position you can give it a little twist and off it comes.

Plagiarism is ugly. Stop quoting the Kama Sutra.

[FEDUKE404]

Am I ever surprised!!!

Wow......this thread was started almost tongue-in-cheek but has obviously ruffled the feathers of some folks.

I'm quite capable of moving into the current century, using FedEx for every return, throwing my old envelopes away, and letting everyone receive an electronic product only.

However, for now I just choose not to do so. That may or may not be "unreasonable" on my part.

Oh yes, I got out my abacus and calculated a three-ounce letter previously cost only $0.87 ($0.39 + $0.24 + $0.24), with or without a tax return contained therein.

But I did enjoy the post by Davc !!

FE