Shipping "Book Rate"

[greentara]

Someone on HT suggested that I use "Book Rate" by US mail to ship some stuff when I move. I was wondering if anyone has tried this because it is SO much cheaper. Do they x-ray the boxes? What happens if you're busted and they find other stuff inside the boxes besides just books? :)

[tutusue]

Book rate is for books. I don't know that they xray boxes but they do randomly check. If "busted" you'll have to pay the going rate. I don't know if there is a penalty involved.

[buzz1941]

Actually, I think it's called Media Mail. Books, videotapes, DVDs, newspapers and magazines, that sort of thing.

[greentara]

Many thanks Tutu and Buzz I just checked the rates again this am and knowing me I would stress so much about doing something that wasn't exactly "kosher" it wouldn't be worth saving the additional money. It would probably be better to just send them regular mail rate instead of "media" rate. :)

[Leo Lakio]

If you have the time, you could use Parcel Post or Parcel Select - it's slow, but probably the cheapest rate. Or ship stuff via UPS Ground. This is a good way to send lots of stuff that you don't need right away.

[nikki]

I once went to the post office to mail some books at 'media mail' rate. It was just three books, packaged in a manila clasp envelope. The clerk slit open the seal, leaving the clasp attached. He said if it's left sealed, it changes the status from media mail to something else.

I've received a few boxes sent media mail. Sometimes the box or packaging is torn open slightly. I guess they do spot check.

Another thing to consider. They say it takes about 7 - 9 days, but I've found it can take about 2 or 3 weeks, more often up to 3 months or longer.

[greentara]

I once went to the post office to mail some books at 'media mail' rate. It was just three books, packaged in a manila clasp envelope. The clerk slit open the seal, leaving the clasp attached. He said if it's left sealed, it changes the status from media mail to something else.

I've received a few boxes sent media mail. Sometimes the box or packaging is torn open slightly. I guess they do spot check.

Another thing to consider. They say it takes about 7 - 9 days, but I've found it can take about 2 or 3 weeks, more often up to 3 months or longer.

I kind of thought they would...

[greentara]

If you have the time, you could use Parcel Post or Parcel Select - it's slow, but probably the cheapest rate. Or ship stuff via UPS Ground. This is a good way to send lots of stuff that you don't need right away.

My stuff can take as long as it takes because the place I will be living in has everything I will just slowly replace with my own favorite kitchen things ~ the large furniture will stay in SF at my home so it will be just be books, art, clothing and some kitchen stuff. I checked UPS and I thought they were more expensive but I'll check again. I will have nothing but time ~ looking forward to life with out the constant sense of urgency.:D