Do I need to go to the counter at the PO?

[CozyDawg]

Ok, this is a bit of a dumb question, but I don't want to screw this up.

I have my first international order going out today. It is 2 oz, going to the UK. I printed my label and customs form on Etsy. It's good to go. Do I need to give it to a post office employee behind the counter or can I drop it in a mail box?

[Former_Member]

You will probably have to take it to the post office but you can put it with the packages that are all ready to ship. Since it already has its postage on it, it doesn't need to be handed to an employee.

I cannot answer about putting packages in the mail box as all of my packages are picked up my the mail carrier.

[CozyDawg]

I ended up leaving it for my mailman and he didn't say anything so I hope it's on its way!

[GoTo]

Since you paid for the postage online you can leave it for your carrier, drop it in any mail box or take it to the PO, your choice.

My carrier will also take international package with postage stamps on them (instead of the online postage labels) if I leave them in the box & have filed the customs form online, though I have only tried that with packages under 13 oz (the rules is any package--domestic or international--with only postage stamps to cover the postage cost need to be handed to a postal worker).

[CozyDawg]

Thanks GoTo! Do you have a link to these rules or is it just common knowledge?

[GoTo]

The 13 oz rule is covered here:

Sending and Receiving Mail
http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm100/sending-receiving.htm


and the rules about international packages & customs forms being submitted online here:

255 Mail Entry and Deposit
http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc2_025.htm

[GoTo]

(and oh my goodness--what a cute pup!)

[CozyDawg]

I am happy to report that my package went out on the 30th and was marked as delivered yesterday. I'm impressed! I thought it would take two weeks minimum!

[GoTo]

Yay!