I'm new to this site and I'm considering using PBS DC for the Credit Assurance. However, I do not wish to use the PBS pre-paid postage b/c after wrapping, my postage is a little higher. So what I've been doing is just using the Automatic Postage Center to send my books. Reading the description for the DC, I see that there is a $0.19 fee associated with it that needs to be paid as part of the postage.

So after this lengthy intro, my question finally is: Can I combine the barcode postage stamp from the APC with regular stamps ($0.19)?

Yes Jennifer, it is fine to combine the APC postage strips with stamps.

Awesome! Thanks Cheryl. :)

You can also create your own stamp on the APC and just make it for the amount you need.  Just make sure to write media mail or 1st class on the package.

So, if I buy an APC "stamp" for the media mail cost + 19 cents it should be okay? My (hopefully groundless!) concern is that it arrives postage due, because someone in the postal system thought I was supposed to be paying the full USPS DC amount.

Since Cheryl's reply I've done both the stamp+APC and just the APC with $0.19 included & both worked fine.  :)

John - as long as it is a printed DC and not the little green ones the PO sticks on, you'll only owe the .19 for electronic DC.

I use the APC a lot and usually just print the "stamps" for the total amount of the postage needed including the eDC. I do print extras to have on hand at home and if I need a little extra I add regular stamps. I have never had an issue with postage applied this way.

Thanks folks - I'll try it that way, and I'm sure it'll be fine!

Oops hit enter by accident. I offered free book with order can I still print wrapper with DC and just pay the difference at PO?

I also have an order with numerous books some are freebies does any know if  it would be cheaper to get flat rate box from PO or mail in my own box?

Were talking about 9 books being mailed weighing 5.1 a piece.

Thanks for any info on this

Misty

Misty,

The cheapest priority flat rate box, that would hold multiple books, is $10.35. You can ship several books via Media Mail for $3-$4. Media Mail is almost always cheaper. Check out the USPS dot com website and compare prices.

Blessings,
Christina

The Flat Rate boxes are frequently cheaper...unless you can use Media Mail.  If you package only includes books, Media Mail will almost definately be your cheaper rate.  For example: the rate for over 9 pounds but under 10 is just under $5.89 for MM. 

Melanie - you said that you print extra postage from the APC to use later.  How long after the date printed (which is on the postage strip) have you mailed packages?  Just wondering, since the counter clerks won't date stamp packages more than a couple of days past postage date.

TIA

I was told you could use APC postage indefinitely, but that you are supposed to use it for outgoing mail only within the zip code reflected on the strip - something to do with internal credit(?)

Thanks for that info, John.  It's really helpful!