HI All!

Is anyone else having a problem with their books getting mangled by the USPS? I ordered 2 books, from 2 different areas. 1 was delivered just as the wrapper, no book;  the other was mangled pretty badly. When I reported it to PBS, they reoffered me another copy of the mangled one. That arrived today, with the paper wrapping torn and taped, and the whole thing wrapped in a postal bag. At least this time, the book seems intact.

Not sure what to do...? Im almost afraid to order any more.

Carla

it also depens how the shipper wrapped them as well

it might not been usps  problem but the shipper

Exactly Mark. It's not always the post office's fault. The sender has the obligation to package properly, and that includes taping the wrapping with sufficient tape so the wrapper can't be torn or ripped off. about the only thing you can do if you are so inclined is to make an RC specifing proper wrapping. 

I received a book order (3 weeks late) that was damaged by the USPS to an extent beyond belief. It was enclosed in a bag with an apology from the USPS. The book was covered in a dark red splattered substanced that covered the entire wrapper, making the sender information illegible. It is damaged so poorly that I was afraid to open the bag for fear of contamintaion. The sender did nothing wrong, as I can see that it was wrapped sufficiently. The only think I can gather is that maybe "media mail" is NOT the way to send books. It is a downer to receive such a completely damaged item, I am almost in awe that the USPS would actually send the item as it looks like it is contaminated. frustrating!

I've safely sent and received hundreds of PBS books via Media Mail.  Very little incoming damage, and none outgoing (that I've been notified of). 

If you are seeing a pattern, you should consider discussing the situation with your local postmaster...the problem may be local or regional.  If you continue to receive a high number of damaged books, go online and file complaints (USPS.com). 

Rachel, I'm sorry your package got damaged. Sounds to me like another shipper didn't package something containing liquid properly and it leaked out onto your package. It sure sucks when it happens to you, and it's easy to blame the post office, but not everything is their fault. They placed your package in a bag, so it didn't damage any other packages, and delivered it to you so you would know that it got damaged and not just "lost"

It sounds to me like it might be a sorting machine in your area. I'd talk to the local post office and let them know that your packages are all showing up mangled and ask them to do some investigating.

Well I know one of the books arrived in the local area empty, because there was a stamp on it for their records I guess. The other books were wrapped pretty much the same way I wrap mine, and have never had a problem.

That is an interesting thought Rachel...I will have to compare what was media and what was not. I know some of mine have printed out and shipped as media, while others were first class..

I did take a chance on another book...had to, since it was the next one in the series LOL...and warned the shipper of the problems I was having, and asked that they be really careful with the wrapping. He sent it in an extra sturdy envelope...had to be a special buy..and it got here fine. YAY :)