I have my first APO transaction. I looked up the form online to see what it looks like, etc., and in the recipient section the phone number is a required field. If this is true, will the requester balk at giving their phone number. I PM'd the person who wants the book stating it was my first military send, hoping she can give me some input.

also, I can't access the second page of the form since I didn't fill anything out - what is the other page like? Description of what's in the package, that sort of thing?

Gail

I have done the APO form before.  For the phone number I just use my phone number on both sides (theirs and mine).  It's never made a difference.

I don't remember the second page, but I know there was a place where you had to put a value of the contents.  Maybe it was on page 2.  It's been awhile so I don't remember exactly.  Your postal clerk at the post office has a form and can help you as well.  (If you have a post office nearby)

I too, just use my own phone number.

Thanks, ladies. My postal clerks are phenomenally helpful and since they know me so well I'm sure I won't have any problems. The first time we do anything is always the shakiest. :)

Gail

I used my own phone number also. The book arrived without incident.

As I suggested in a post on the topic elsewhere.  It might be nice if someone with experience in sending APO could come up with a simple Primer on how to fill out the form. Things like what sections to fill out and what to put in those sections, etc.

-RD

The form you can get at the Post Office, PS Form 2976-A, is a lot shorter than the online form and does not require a phone number.

That's the one I always use and it works great.

ETA:  For description of contents: Used Book(s).  I use a value of $2.50 per book. Check Surface/Nonpriority and add Media Mail. Check Gift.

For Sender's instructions in Case of Nondelivery I used:  Redirect to nearest chaplain's office.

Leslie,

Good information! 

Thanks!

-RD

Good to know about the form without the phone number.  I'd like to send to APOs, but no way am I giving out my phone number!

I always put in "treat as abandoned" in the slot where it asks what to do if not delivered.  That way somebody else in the military in that area will probably get them.  I also ue the white customs forms that I get at the PO---no problem at all.  (Though they sometimes take quite awhile to be delivered, especially to places where there is not a lot of mail--not Iraq or Afghanistan.)

Leslie - my thanks, too - great suggestions.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences. This place is filled with awesome readers.

Gail

If you are using the online form, my PO clerk said to put 555-1212 and that is fine.  As Leslie said, the form at the PO is shorter and doesn't ask for a phone number. 

Not from PBS though,  and I always use the PO form.  I just bring some home with me.

I wish I could remember the name of the Recreational areas at the Bases,  you can put that on the form too if Undeliverable.

Maybe somebody else will know it.   Chaplain is a good idea though ! 

I've sent books out twice to an APO.  The first time, I was required to use the form.  No problem.  I used DC confirmation and it was kind of fun to watch the line go out over the ocean.  lol

The second time I sent a book out, the post office said no form was required.  I said, "are ya sure?"  He said yes, he was sure and it was delivered no trouble at all.  Did the DC confirmation and that line went out over the ocean again.  lol

Does anyone know why some APO places wouldn't require that form?

The form you use depends on where it will end up at.  The post office can tell you if you can use the short green form, which doesn't require much, or the large one going overseas. Certain countries require the larger form with the phone numbers, etc.  Sometimes APO's are going to the states and don;'t even need the form.  The zip code tells the clerk which form to use. 

I usually fill out the larger form at home because you can use it on all packages. 

Also, I normall go ahead and ship it PRIORITY if it is going overseas; otherwise, it takes up to 4 weeks for the military person to receive it as it goes by Navy boat.  Just something I do for the military, but not necessary.  Most b ooks will fit into the envelope that is 4.95 no matter what you send - they even have boxes FREE that will fit most paperbacks.

Audrey - good suggestion. I needed to go to the post office to pick up some things I ordered online but was going to wait til Tuesday to do everything including my PBS mailings. Decided to run over there after I read your message. I'm going to mail Priority and picked up some of the 2976 forms. The clerks there know we really well (when they call you by name and don't have to ask what your p.o. box number is you know you go there way too often) and Mike who waited on me was really helpful. Now I can have everything ready when I mail on Tuesday.

I think the extra expense for Priority is worth it, too, for the military families.

Again, huge thanks to everyone who posted, everyone was helpful. PBS'ers are always so knowledgeable.

Gail

Update on my APO transaction: book received today! Just a little over a week since it was mailed. Totally painless - and again my thanks to all.

My friendly postal clerk gave me a slew of the 2976 forms so I'm ready for more APOs.

Gail

Another thought on sending their books Priority, besides being a treat for them, you can call the PO (or do it online) and arrange to have your pkgs all picked up at your house when even only one of the pkgs is Priority!

Nice treat for you in return!