Where do I find packaging material?

This question is on the minds of all online auction sellers - where to find packing material.

First you should know that if you are shipping via Priority Mail, the U.S. Postal Service provides boxes and tape for free (but they must only be used for packages being sent via Priority Mail). Go to http://supplies.usps.gov/ or call 1-800- THE-USPS, Ext 1323

Many sellers use bubble wrap to protect the item they are shipping. You can find bubble wrap for sale at office supply stores like Staples, Office Max, Office Depot, etc. (See AuctionBytes-Update story on bubble wrap pricing at http://www.auctionbytes.com/Email_Newsletter/8/7/6/5/5.html#packaging - Issue #5 and http://www.auctionbytes.com/Email_Newsletter/Email_Archives/preview/preview.html#bubblewrap  - Preview Issue.) You can try searching online auction sites to check prices (don't forget about the shipping charges!).

You can also seek out free sources of bubble wrap and peanuts. Store outlets often have peanuts they are willing to give away. Auto parts stores often have bubble wrap they can give you as well.

Hope this helps. If anyone has any other ideas, please write to me at askbillthepostman@auctionbytes.com .

I saw your comment earlier that magazines cannot be sent Book Rate. How then do you recommend magazines that are bought and sold on the online auctions be sent? We are talking about single magazines as well as larger quantities.

Magazines are like sending parcel post: if they weight 16 oz. or more you can send them standard b mail, which used to be called third class. You are better off just sending them first class.

The postwoman at my post office told me they aren't being sent any more Priority Mail boxes. It was hurting the sales of the regular boxes that they SELL to people. Can you tell me if this is true?

They did away with a couple of sizes on the priority boxes, which are free to all USPS customers. They still have free boxes - video, small and large p/p boxes and envelopes. You can order Priority Mail boxes to be delivered to you by calling 800-222-1811.

What's the best (cheapest) way to mail a videotape? An audiocassette?

You can send videotapes and audiocassettes book rate, it's $1.13 up to one pound

How much will it cost to ship a watch to Germany?

Well obviously it depends on the size and weight of the watch, but you have a wide variety of choices.  I've created the table below, based on a 2 lb. package.  Anytime you are shipping overseas, I would recommend insurance, and some sort of proof of delivery.  If you don't want the extra services, simply subtract them from the total charges.  Hope that helps!

Delivery Method

Est. Delivery Time

Included Services

Total Charges

Express Mail Int'l Svc - On Demand

2 - 3 Days

$500 Insurance Free
Return Receipt Free

 $28.50

Global Priority Mail - Variable Weight Envelope

3 - 5 Days

$21.00

Small Packets - Airmail

4 - 7 Days

Registered ($40.45 Indemnity) $6.00 Return Receipt $1.25

$19.25

Small Packets - Surface mail

4 - 6 Weeks

Registered ($40.45 Indemnity) $6.00 Return Receipt $1.25

$14.61

Parcel Post - Airmail

4 - 7 Days

$500.00 Insurance $6.10 Return Receipt $1.25

$21.06

Parcel Post - Surface mail

4 - 6 Weeks

$500.00 Insurance $6.10 Return Receipt $1.25

$23.05

Where  do you get the Class M sack tags?
M Tags are available at  any post office. M-tags are used for mailing books and  printed matter Surface Mail (outside the U.S.) for packages weighing between 11 and 66  pounds. Surface mail takes 6-12 weeks. M-tag Airmail rates vary  between countries and take  1-2 weeks to most countries.

Can you explain  how you can send a whole sack of books to another country, up to 75 pounds, I think, for  $2-$3 M class?
Books  must be placed in one or more packages bearing the name and address of  the sender and addressee. Each package must be marked in the right-hand corner: Postage  Paid – M-Bag." The post office will supply  you with M-Tags and bags. Total  weight cannot be less than 11 pounds. The combined weight of the contents and the sack may  not exceed 66 pounds.

Why didn't anybody tell me that book rate postage had to  be a minimum of one pound?
The pound rate starts at 5 oz. to 16 oz (1 pound). Books that weigh under 5 oz.  would be cheaper to go First Class.

How come they won't let me ship my comics Book Rate  at location A, but they do at location B?
Comic books cannot go book rate. Comics, magazines and newspapers are not  considered books. All  locations should have the same rules. Book rate is a complicated  issue, for instance, certain sound recordings, play scripts and manuscripts may also be  shipped book rate.  I recommend getting a copy of the  regulations for sending book  rate from your local Post Office to determine what can and can't be shipped book rate.

Can you get Delivery Confirmation on a Book Rate package  under 1 lb.?
Yes,  you can. Books are treated per pound. Any books weighing 5 oz. or more  automatically go to the 1 lb. rate. If you send a book less than 5 oz., you are charged  the lower First Class rate, but it still goes  Book Rate. (i.e., if it is a 5 oz. or 6 oz.  book sent Book Rate, you are charged the 1 lb. rate of $1.13. If it weighs 4 oz., you are  charged 99 cents, but it still goes Book Rate.)

 Can you explain why I can't put cellophane tape on a  registered overseas package?

1. There is an ink absorption requirement.
2. Tape must visibly damage the envelope or wrapper if removed.

Tape intended or designed to be removed, such as masking  tape, must not be used to seal Registered Mail. The post office only allows plain paper or  cloth tape to be used because tape like duct tape, or  our Priority Mail tape, do not meet  the ink absorption requirement. Tape must visibly damage the envelope or wrapper if  removed.