Ok, so I have been doing PBS Postage  (where it prints out postage and u get instant credit) . But was wondering if I do DC only and take the book to the post office to mail (or put stamps on it) Do I get my credit as soon as its scanned it (like for example the first place it is scanned is an hour away from where I live) or do I get credit when it is delivered to the person. And if I do not use DC at all, do I only get a credit when the person marks it recieved (or does the system do it after so many days) I'm still trying to get the hang of this. Thanks for helping!!!

PBS Postage - Instant Credit, credit as soon as you mark it mailed

PBS DC only - Quick Credit - credit when the first scan reported to the PBS system (usually within 24hrs of the scan at the PO)

No or non-PBS DC - Credit received when the receiver marks the book received.

ok thanks, I get it now.

Cindy, per the Help Center:   When USPS scans the barcode into their system and transmits this information to the PBS computer, you get credit! 

However, I used to use PBS DC before the Preprinted Postage was available, and often my post office didn't scan my packages and transmit the information until they delivered it.  It was never transmitted at the regional postal center at Brea.  So sometimes, your Quick Credit isn't much quicker than a regular credit.  However, it is a guarantee if the book goes lost, and you have some measure of tracking the package.

If you use Postage.com you get a DC from them, you don't even have a choice. Of course this does not effect credits at all. but it is nice for confirmation.

Do you have to have special paper to print PBS Postage?

No, just normal computer paper

Last week I was standing by my mailbox when a book was delivered to me and I saw the mail person scan it before she handed it to me.  Who knows if that was the first or last scan.  I just thought that was interesting that she scanned upon delivery.

Then I still had to mark it received.  Well, I assume I did because I brought it in and followed the procedure.