Large Envelope Vs. Package

[Former_Member]

Recently, at a visit to the post office I discovered that you can not get tracking information for packages that are not 3/4" thick. The only problem is when I try to print out a shipping label they will not allow me to refuse the tracking service. Does that mean on all my packages less than 3/4" I have to go into the post office? Anyone ever have a package refused?

[Former_Member]

I heard somewhere to just stick a packing peanut in there so it is thick enough. . .

[Former_Member]

Good idea! Thank you!

[Former_Member]

What about the padded envelopes, aren't they already that thick?

[Former_Member]

Chasa,
I'm considering those now that I think about it. I switched to Manila envelopes to reduce my shipping cost. Before I was paying almost a dollar per envelope which can add up. I'm going to have to figure out a happy medium.

[Former_Member]

Who told you that? I use delivery confirmation on ALL of my packages and they are never 3/4" thick. Most of my package labels are printed at home these days but in the past I've done it at the post office. They always ask me if I want delivery confirmation.

[Former_Member]

3/4" thick is post office regulations Judy. Whether your post office is picky about it or enforces it is another thing. I used to add packing peanuts, but had a few packages go through their sorting device which squished jewelry. :( Now I ship in a jewelry box in a bubble envelope.

Just do something to induce thickness and you'll be fine.

[Former_Member]

I print my labels at home too and get delivery confirmation also . I also get it at the post office when i get there. I think that someone probably misinformed you at the post office.

[Former_Member]

It doesn't make sense that Paypal would include delivery confirmation for a package size that doesn't meet post office requirements.

[Former_Member]

I've sent hundreds of packages of all sizes and thicknesses both with and without delivery confirmation. I use the mailing service Endicia, but I would think paypal and usps online labels would have the same rules. I have found that people who work at the post office give me all kinds of different and conflicting information though. I have never had a package returned due to any of those things.

[Former_Member]

This is from the usps website:
"Yes, you can print a First-Class Mail® parcel label for packages weighing 13 ounces or less. Delivery Confirmation service with First-Class Mail is limited to parcels only. A parcel is defined as any piece that:

Has an address side with enough surface area to fit the delivery address, return address, postage, markings and endorsements, and special service label; and
Is in a box or, if not in a box, is more than 3/4-inch thick at its thickest point."

Direct link: http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?create=kb:USPSFAQ&view()=c%5Bc_usps4537%5D&varset(s...

Scroll all the way to the bottom under other information.

[ForgedMettleJewelry]

That's odd I've had flat things shipped out and shipped to myself that were quite thin and tracked them the whole way...

[Former_Member]

On another matter, but slightly related I guess, when you have delivery confirmation do they notify you upon delivery or do you have to check this on a site somewhere?

[Untwistedsister]

@denise......you can check on paypal if that's where you created your label or through www.USPS.com with your tracking number. No they don't notify you.

[Former_Member]

Thanks Terri, I had shipped 2 parcels to US and UK and have never heard back from the buyers. I want to contact them and ask if they got them...but I'm afraid they did and hated them and that's why I haven't heard. lol

[Former_Member]

I mail packages every single day and use PayPal. I have also used the USPS website to print postage in the past.

I use 6" x 9" padded envelopes, or the 9" x 12" poly... (can't remember what they're called) envelopes that are paper thin.

When I enter in what I'm mailing, it's First Class Envelope, NOT package, and I am always asked if it is over 1/4" thick (not 3/4"). If it is, I pay a higher price. Delivery confirmation is always added on. (Which is only pennies on PayPal v. almost a dollar at the PO).

So yes, you can get delivery confirmation with a tracking number every time you use PayPal to print out your postage.

[Former_Member]

Marcia, my packages are the same size as yours. When I print my postage through Paypal, I classify them as a large envelope. It automatically gives me delivery confirmation and I'm able to track the package regardless of its size.

It sounds like the post office pretty much ignores the package size requirement. I've never had an issue with delivery confirmation.

[Former_Member]

Melanie, That is the info I found when I went looking to see if they were accurate.

It would seem that there is likely a lot of people disregarding the 3/4" thickness rule as the lady said at the post office. I've shipped tons of packages before and from the talk with her, now become paranoid. I'm working on getting some padding for the envelopes, but in the mean time, I would hate for them to refuse me. If it is a new initiative they are putting effort into trying to enforce the rule, I'm disappointed because, I have tried on both paypal, ebay and usps to turn tracking off for my large (not thick) envelopes with no luck. I bet there is a special permission that people have for printing postage online verse going into the post office that has not be articulated accurately to us or the people at different post stations. I'm tempted to call a "higher up" and figure out what is going on. It's to big of a deal to mess with shipping, when you have a online business. My initial questions are... Why did my packages go out before? Why am I just now hearing this? And if it is indeed the truth why can't I turn off the tracking?

Thank you for keeping this conversation going. This is all valuable information.

[Former_Member]

Melissa, I use the bubble padded envelopes. I buy them on ebay and I pay about .40 per 6 x 10 envelope, including shipping.