I am just wondering if there's a glitch in the system.  I printed out a bunch of wrappers this weekend.  Some printer out as first class when I knew automatically that they were too heavy.  Went to the PO this morning and all the ones that printed out as first class were in fact too heavy and it was cheaper to go media.  Anyone else have a recent problem with this?

The weights tend to be off in the system, then you have to add for packaging. 

You can use the Edit Book Data link at the bottom of the screen to correct the ones that were wrong. You can also get Media Mail wrappers by putting a number higher than 7 oz in the weight box before you print the wrapper. When you do it that way, it doesn't "stick" for future senders though. Only editing the book data will change the weight for everyone else to see.

Sometimes if I know my wrapping is going to weigh more than what the computer has calculated, I'll add a few more ounces to the calculation. Just in case.

This is from the HC in answer to the question "Are the listed weights always accurate?":

Usually, but not always.

• Our database is compiled elsewhere, and it includes some inaccuracies, including the weight of some books.
• The weight of a book as recorded in the PBS database determines the "recommended postage" that appears on the PBS wrapper.
• If the book itself weighs close to the "pound" mark (very close to 1 lb or very close to 2 lbs, for example), the Wrapping materials can actually put the wrapped book into the next higher postal rate. 
• You can see the estimated weight on the Wrapper Settings page that comes up when you click Print Wrapper on the request.
  • You can adjust the weight there and the postage that will print out on the wrapper will change accordingly.
  • This will not change the weight of the book in the database; it will change the weight of your shipment.

If you suspect that the "recommended postage" on the PBS Wrapper is incorrect:

• Please weigh your package and check the weight on the Wrapper Settings page (you see this page when you click Print Wrapper or RePrint Wrapper on the request). 
  • The postage corresponding to the estimated weight will also show on the Wrapper Settings page.  Look here for  current Media mail and First-Class Parcel postal rates
• You can also have your package weighed at the Post Office, to be sure that correct postage is applied.
• The estimated weight on the Wrapper Settings page includes a small amount for packaging materials
  • If the estimated weight on the Wrapper Settings page is 7 ounces or less, First-Class Parcel rate will print out.
  • You will see the postage amount on the Wrapper Settings page before you print the wrapper.

I would be more than happy to do editing but I don't have a postal scale and I've just spent $50 in shipping today between PBS and SwapaDVD so I don't plan on buying a scale anytime soon.

I had a hardcover that came out as first class so I know it wasn't packaging materials that skewed it, it defintely came out as media at the PO, that was just a given.

Just a comment ... you don't necessarily need to buy a fancy postal scale.  I use a digital food scale, the one my diabetic hubby uses to measure his food portions, and it works just fine.  My weights and those at the post office match.

Cheers,

Catt