I just printed out my first label with the postage on it, and I'm a bit nervous.  It looks kinda funny!  It's got the usual addresses, DC barcode, but there is a big solid black square at the top, then the postage price, US Media Mail, date, zip and another black & white box with a number below it.  Is this all it's supposed to have? 

Thanks

Lisa P.

Yup.  It's good to go tape it well to the package, not over the Barcode though and pop it in the mailbox.

Ok, thanks for the info! 

Lisa P.

What you have printed is a proper, by the USPS rules, label that indicates the type of postage, which we've not had before. So, it just looks different to you, but it is all within the USPS guidelines.

Reviving this post with a question:  the OP said this:  but there is a big solid black square at the top,  but no one explained it....I've been wondering the same thing....what is that black square for?  It eats up ALOT of ink and I was just wondering if it's REALLY necessary?

That is where there woul be a big FC if the book is small enough to go First Class. It does use a bit a ink, but that is how they made it.  Why not just leave it blank if it is going media mail?

I tape over the barcode and have never had a problem.  I believe it says you can tape over the bar code.  It says not to tape over stamps.

What is the black box next to the postage square on the wrapper?  Can I choose NOT to print that?

• The black box indicates non-First Class Mail rate, and is also required by USPS.  There is no option not to print it on the wrapper if you are sending a package by Media Mail rate.
• If you are concerned about the amount of ink the black box uses, you should print your wrappers with Draft Quality, which uses less ink.
• First-Class wrappers will print without the black box.

• Yes, you can apply tape over the printed postage square.  Obviously it should be clear (transparent) tape.
• The DC barcode will be scannable with a single layer of transparent tape over it.  Wrinkles in the wrapper much more commonly interfere with the barcode scannability--tape is not usually a problem.

Thanks Mary...somehow I coudln't find that in the HC and I'm normally pretty good at finding that stuff, being a TG and all! LOL

Yeah, that sounds right.  Don't worry, they really work.

The only thing I wish is, I wish the address were bigger and more human-readable. I understand that the machines at the USPS can read it, but it's still unsightly and ick for anyone reading it on the other end! The old label was so wonderfully legible.

Is the small type mandated by the USPS?

Yes, it has to be that size...it is a USPS rule.