Members can use the "order more from member" button to put multiple books into a single request, but the system doesn't do it automatically (presumably it could if the programming effort were put into it).

But as long as you notice in time, you can certainly package the books together and so save on postage.  Shoot, I often have a look at the wishlists of people requesting books from me to see if they are looking for anything I might have a chance of finding in the next couple of days.

How so? I didn't see a name or address until after print out the shipping label.

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Last Edited on: 6/18/08 12:58 AM ET - Total times edited: 1

When I print a label, the address shows on the screen. If you get more than one order, look at the addresses or click the PM button and see the member name (you do not need to actually send a PM). You can then adjust the postage on one of the labels and print just that one. Remember to mark both mailed. You will only get one quick credit.

For some reason, bulk orders work on SaDVD, but not here.  I had a member there order a DVD from me, and over 24 hours later request another DVD, and they were grouped together. 

It doesn't happen here, and it's frustrating. 

Did you use the printed postage?  If not than just wrap them together and add appropriate postage for the combined weights. 

I usually hit the PM button to see the names before I mail out books when I have multiple requests.  Also when I usually wait to post WL books until I have a couple of the same genre.  Then I post one and see if they have the other one or something else I might have to post to them. 

I usually hit the PM button to see the names before I mail out books when I have multiple requests.

i do the same thing.  just click the PM button to see the name, then click the back button and check the name on the next book.  if you do have two orders from the same person, you still have to use the print wrapper page to make sure both addresses are the same.  (just click 'no services' and use the 'handwrite address' button to look at them without generating a label.)

if you mail them together using one label, you save on postage.  if you use printable postage or PBS-DC, you'll only get the instant/quick credit for the one the label is for - you'll get the other when they get the package and mark it received.

I print the wrappers when I get the requests, then go find the books with the wrappers in hand.  As I find the book for each wrapper, I stick the wrapper in the book.  Then I take the pile back to my desk to actually wrap the books.  At this point I usually notice if there are multiple wrappers for the same person, so I then package them together, toss the  excess wrappers in the recycle pile, weigh the package, and calculate the postage..

If you aren't using postage from PBS then it doesn't matter if you printed one or two labels, just use packing tape and wrap them together and ship as one.

if you are using postage then I understand your frustration!

At one time there was talk of making it so the sender could combine them, or the system would auto-combine if the label hadn't been printed.

I haven't heard of that in a long time, though, so I guess it was harder to do than expected or got bumped for other priorities.

Order More From Member is great, but no way to do it with WL books (to combine 2 WL books).

When I get more than one book request from the same person, I print off the second address label, otherwise I can't find a way to show that I'm sending it out, and then just shred it, and combine the shipment.  Pat

I've learned the hard way about the printing postage, too.  I do have to use the postage from PBS because I have to depend on family members to mail my books out.  They would never go out if I made them stand in line at the post office - even to buy stamps for me to use.  It's just much easier.  But I have learned to double-check every book order by checking the PMs and I've caught a few.  If I'm ordering more than one from a member I am sure to PM them about it so they can catch it.  I hope that helps someone.

PBS combines orders if the requestor places the order for the additional book(s) before finalizing the order.  But if someone places the order, and then goes back and orders another book, the system treats them as separate orders, unfortunately.  (I just got a bulk order yesterday, so I know it's working.)

Knowing this, if I'm placing a multiple order, I always PM the person to let him know.  But since many people aren't aware of the issue, it's a good idea to check who the orders are coming from, especially if you're using PBS postage or delivery confirmation.

If I notice 2 books ordered by the same person (by clicking the PM button as mentioned above, or any of the other good methods), and I want to use PBS postage -- (which I do to avoid the law about having to take anything over 10 ounces to the post office: with printable postage, I can drop the package in the blue box.) -- then I wrap the books, weigh the package, and then click on "print label" for one of the books.  I adjust the weight to reflect the weight of my package, and print.  I attach the label.

Then I "fake print" the other labels -- open them up, but hit "cancel" instead of "print" when sending them to the printer.  That way I can mark all the books mailed.  (Can't mark them mailed until I've printed or fake printed a label.)

Evidently I'll have to perform some time-wasting hacks when I receive multiple orders: either click on the PM to see the member or "no services" to see the address prior to printing postage. It sure would help if the member info was already listed on the webpage in the first place.

In this case, I listed four books that I knew had at least several members wishing for each one, so I was expecting to receive multiple orders and didn't expect any to be for the same person. I suppose there wasn't any way for the member to know that the two books on her WL she was offered were from the same person.

I just ordered 2 more books from someone who has one of my WL books waiting for the member's acceptance.  So knowing how I feel about finding multiple booksto the same person after printing out the wrappers with postage - I PM'd her/him to let them know - they haven't accepted the WL book yet.  So they may know when they log on - I just PM'd for insurance.