Ok, I just got another book with $5.95 paid to mail it to me!  This one was sent priority. Unless the person was desperate to get their credit quicker than using media mail, I don't know why they would spend this much to mail a used book! 

(it is a thick paperback so didn't qualify for 1st class)

Recently I got 2 mailed together where they spent over $10 to mail them, how sad....... I use this site to get my books much, much cheaper than buying them new.

Some people mail from work so they don't care. I usually include a note about them being able to use Media Mail and save money on sending it and forget about it. They may have a reason for doing it, they may have used the packaging without knowing they'd have to pay the rate, or they may just not realize that media mail exists and they should use it.  A simple note in the receiving process lets them know they can use MM without being intrusive on their reasons for not using it.

Also, there's one member I know here who mails out one book in his group priority so that the mailman will pick up all his packages.  If there's not one going at a "higher" rate, they won't pick up just a bunch of media mail packages from his front porch ('cause they won't all fit in his mailbox).  That couple of extra dollars saves him a trip to the PO.

Also some of these tend to be, "I sent my husband to the post office to mail the book and the clerk never told him there was a cheaper rate."

 

I received one of those awhile back.  Used Melodie's method and sent a quick pm that I appreciated the quick service, but Media Mail would have been more than acceptable and much cheaper.  As already mentioned, her hubby may have mailed it?

I hadn't heard the one about pick-up service, how clever

I recently received one where the member, using PBS postage, paid the 3 lb rate when the book weighed 6 oz. Obviously, they don't have a scale and the weight was wrong in the database. I do not understand why anyone would use PBS postage without being able to correctly ascertain the weight! They could pay for the scale with the savings from paying the correct amount for postage!

There is another possibility that you have to consider.   Some people mail their books from work, so their employeer is paying the postage.   Look at the meter stamp and you may see a company name on it.  On some of the overpaid mailings I have received, this was the case.  Not all company postage meters have the companies name on it.

My theory is that some people can afford to pay the rate for however they choose to mail out the book, so the receiver benefits. They must be philanthropists bookstyle.  Many don't appreciate unasked for advice either.