Hi, I meter my mail at work, and twice now when PBS suggested using the first class rate, I couldn't get our meter to come up with even near the same number.  For the Grapes of Wrath that I just sent today, I think it suggested about $1.56 for first class.  I think it came up $2.87 on our meter.

So I sent it media for $2.23.  I didn't want to chance it being sent back to me.

Are there errors like that in the system?  My last day of work is today, so I will start printing postage from home.  I want to be relatively sure I can trust the number given by PBS.

Thanks,

Michelle

I would recommend getting a postal scale for yourself. I have one that weighs up to 5lbs and I think it cost about $20. 

I go by my scale at home since my packaging weighs more then the book alone. If the weight is close to the next size up I go pay a few cents more to be sure there are not problems for the receiver of the book. I'd rather do that then have to run to the PO with 2 kids. LOL.

I meter my mail at work too.  Maybe the discrepancy is between letter, flat, and package rates?

I found a nice digital scale at Target -- Chef Mate, I believe -- that weighs in ounces or grams and goes up to 5 lbs. I think. Works very well.

yes, get yourself a scale and weight your books.  I got mine at Walmart and there is also one availabe in the kisok.

I would say you absolutely *cannot* trust the number provided by PBS.  It may be correct in many cases, but the percentage of wrong values is quite high.

I did check all three rates, letter, flat, and parcel. 

Thanks,  I will get a scale.  In the meantime I have gone to the post office and I'm happy to report that the workers there are fairly pleasant.  Each time I ask them to please scan the barcode for DC and I tell them that when they do that it will charge me $.18.  I've seen other posts here where the worker argues and refuses to scan it.  Thankfully, that's not the case here!

I noticed it tells me to send mostly Media Mail when First Class is cheaper.

Several times it gave the suggested Media Mail rate as $.2.28 for under a pound when it's $2,23. I always check my rate lists.