Bill the Postman answers your shipping questions every month in the AuctionBytes.com print newsletter. Here's some tips from Bill the Postman for AuctionBytes-Update readers.

QUESTION: How come they won't let me ship my comics Book Rate at location A, but they do at location B?

Answer: 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.

QUESTION: Can you get Delivery Confirmation on a Book Rate package under 1 lb.?

Answer: 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.)

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