I printed a label using Custom DC.  It printed, as usual, as media.  When I went to post office, it scanned as first class, which is what I wanted anyway since it wasn't media.  However, because it was first class, the clerk said she couldn't use the dc and had to charge me 90 cents in addition to the first class postage for dc.   

Similar thing last week using pbs-ed-c to mail  a book-  printed as media but the weight came up as first class-

so what needs to be done....

Well, it would probably just have been cheaper to send the book as media mail after all and not pay the extra 90 cents. That's what I would have done. (Or are you saying that you couldn't send it Media Mail because it didn't qualify as Media Mail?)

If you need to "fool" the PBS label into printing out with a First Class label instead of a Media Mail label, just change the weight of the package before you print the label. I usually just put in 3oz as the weight when I want a FC label and not a MM. (of course, you don't want to do this if you need to put in the actual weight so that you can purchase the appropriate amount of postage and print it on the label. I always get postage from the PO, where I weigh my packages, so it works out for me).

But for books, your best bet is to get a scale and weigh your packages before you print the postage.

Well, it would probably just have been cheaper to send the book as media mail after all and not pay the extra 90 cents. That's what I would have done. (Or are you saying that you couldn't send it Media Mail because it didn't qualify as Media Mail?)

the custom dc  was not media

the other was a label printed but I weigh at post office

I posted in your thread in the USPS forum.

I think what she means Sara, is labels that print out as one rate (Media Mail) but the barcode is encoded for a different rate (First Class).  This presents a problem for counter staff b/c they cannot change the data already in the system for the pre-printed barcode.  The only option appears to be changing the rate to match the barcode.  Which luckily worked for me the few times it happened, but may not always be the case.

If the sender is willing (and qualifies) for the rate encoded in the USPS Tracking barcode, it shouldn't be necessary to apply a new one for the full .90...just change the rate printed on the mailing label as my counter staff does.

I've had this happen a couple times since the rate change in January, and notified PBS admin (no info back yet).

Weigh your books and adjust the label before printing is the best option.

If you run into a label being off at the post office, don't allow them to try to sell you a 90cent tracking, that is incorrect in all situations. If it rings up as First Class, the tracking should be included. If it is not included and they insist that they cannot use the one on the book (though my PO has always just covered the Media Mail label and stamped it first class) it is still cheaper to send the book Media Mail with the 20cent tracking printed than what you save switching to FC but then adding 90cents for a new counter tracking. Just tell them to send the book as it is labelled.

Not sure weight and adjustments are the issue Melanie.  The barcode is encoded differently than the label rate is printed (I let PBS do mine automatically b/c I buy counter postage), seems like a software glitch.

"...Just tell them to send the book as it is labelled."  Actually, they can't Melanie b/c the label and barcode are different rates...therefore one must be changed.  The new USPS software apparently doesn't have an option to change the barcode data, leaving the only option to change the rate/label or cover the Tracking barcode.

In the case of the OP, she wanted the encoded rate...so yes, the counter staff should have left the origional barcode and merely changed the mailing label stamp.

That's my take on it, but a USPS employee may have better information.

"...Just tell them to send the book as it is labelled."  Actually, they can't Melanie b/c the label and barcode are different rates...therefore one must be changed.  The new USPS software apparently doesn't have an option to change the barcode data, leaving the only option to change the rate/label or cover the Tracking barcode.

She is talking about just DC/tracking only, not a postage paid endicia. The tracking barcode is just scanned as the package moves along the route, the package is not routed by its information.  My post office (which has a quite knowledgable staff) has corrected the class on many packages with DC printed and sent them on without ever an issue. They can't change the rate on a prepaid package because the paid postage endicia has the rate class encoded in it and that needs to be corrected, but just a package that has the DC/tracking only printed should not be a problem.

but just a package that has the DC/tracking only printed should not be a problem.

I don't think thats true anymore. I believe with the changes that happened at the beginning of the year, that the rate class is encoded on all DC.

If you read the PBS instructions that we are supposed to give to clerks who have "issues" ... the instruction is for the clerk to scan the DC WITHOUT putting in the class of mail into their computer, because the DC scan will know the class of mail already.

If you read the PBS instructions that we are supposed to give to clerks who have "issues" ... the instruction is for the clerk to scan the DC WITHOUT putting in the class of mail into their computer, because the DC scan will know the class of mail already.

with the custom dc I don't even see an option for first class.

so still confused-  I want to get the dc here cuz it's cheaper, but have to use first class when not media

In the case of it being a book with a pre printed label, if it is first class will it already have the proper dc on it so I don't get a 90cent charge?  and if marked media, but should be first class, then what?