due to all the power being out I have been to 4 post office today and none of them are operating. I have books that I have to marked maild today.  Can I mark them mailed and let everyone know what is happening??

There is a 48 hour grace period after you mark books mailed to actually get them in the mail. So, go ahead and mark them. If you will be getting them in the mail in the next 48 hours, there is also no need to PM about it.

Thanks Sara

As Sara said, there is a 48 hour grace, so, go ahead and mark them mailed. And, even if you can't get them in the mail for 3-4 days, I think a PM to let the requestor know, and it will be understandable in this situation.

A courtesy PM is always welcome. Just in case YOU also lose power and can't PM or get the books mailed for a few days it might be better to just mark them mailed and PM the receivers letting them know the situation and that you will have them in the mail as soon as possible.

Yes Bertie, mark the books mailed so the system doesn't time-out.  Then pm the other members and let them know you will mail when your local PO's reopen. 

I've been on the other end of this situation, and there's a big difference between undisclosed late mailings vs. understanding b/c the sender has had the courtesy to let me know what to expect.   It's really nice to know the sender is a thoughtful member, has a legitimate delay, and the books will arrive when mail service is restored.  I don't have to worry it's a blown transaction, the books will not arrive, and I will have to start all over again on the wishlist in 6 weeks.

Best wishes Bertie!!

Bless your heart for trying to find an open post office.... Four in one day... Whew! 

I'd understand entirely if I got a PM from a sender who's in your situation.  As the others said, go ahead and mark mailed and send a PM just to let the receiver know. 

Hope things get back to normal in your community soon!

PS Bertie, do you mind if I ask your general area?  So those of us that may have books coming from that area will use extra patience.

I'm mailing a book today to a swap member in NY.  Could have mailed Friday or Saturday, but she requested I not hurry until after the storm...no sense in taking chances USPS would pile the mail in storage containers until it could be delivered...then forget about it for months.

I am in Baltimore City,  All the post offices were able to open by 3P.M. so I did get the books mailed