This week I recieved a reused mailer with the end stapled and scotch tape applied over the staples.  By no means the end of the world but I did get a little poke when removing book.   I didn't see any regs against staples and even though Scotch tape appears to be a PBS no-no the book was undamaged so I marked it recieved in good condition.I was told years ago by my friends the local USPS clerks that stapled envelopes aren't permitted by their regulations, because they're a danger to postal workers.  However, all kinds of things slip by USPS so I wasn't surprised the book went through. My questions are these:

-Does Paperback Swap have a policy on stapled envelopes?

-How do Swappers feel about envelopes sealed with staples?

This is not a huge issue of course but it did irk me a bit.  Even with tape over them you're still either reaching past the staples to get the book out or risking damaging the book further when you dump it out.  Unless of course you peel the tape away and extract each staple individually. 

I hate it when I receive a package with staples.  Very irksome!  

The person doing the stapling must think they are securing the package but it's not worth the risk of getting pricked by the staples.  Next time I get a package with staples I will cut open a side that does not have staples or cut below the line of staples.   I will not worry about being able to reuse the package if it has staples.  Finger and hand safety first!  

I have never heard that staples were against postal regulations and have seen them plenty, I don't think PBS has ever addressed it.

I generally cut the flap off below the line of stapples and throw that away so I am not dealing with them.

I have been told my PO employees, "You shoulda stapled that", so I think it depends who at the PO you talk too. Staples are not a biggie to me, when I see them, I cut below them. No rules at PBS against using staples.

That's weird cause I have always been told by Postal workers that staples and SCOTCH tape are verboten! (And I worked in a field where we mailed out packages daily so wrapping was one of my job tasks/talents.)

This post is Timely  cause the  WL book  I received in the mail yesterday was stapled, but covered with packing tape that I couldn't remove to get to the staples.  It was stapled too close to the edge of the book for me to 'cut off' below the staple line.  It took me almost ten minutes to get that package opened!

When I worked at a library, we always stapled the interlibrary loan packages. Scotch tape is useless in the mail, but I occasionally use staples even now (with a thick coating of packing tape over it) and I've never been told by a PO worker not to.

I had no idea staples were encouraged in packages.  Lucky for me I have only received a few packages with staples.

Valerie, they're not. Just a rogue employee. USPS hates staples.

Valerie, they're not. Just a rogue employee. USPS hates staples.

You gotta watch out for those rogue employees!  

Here's the section of the DMM that discusses books: http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/601.htm

7.2 Books

Books and similarly-produced printed matter (such as catalogs) fastened together along one edge between hardback, paperback, or self-covers, that are more than one inch thick or one pound must not be accepted in letter-style non-reinforced flat envelopes or without packaging. Envelopes or other appropriate packaging must meet the standards in 3.0. Void spaces within containers must be filled with dunnage, or otherwise stabilized to prevent shifting or damage to the contents or container. Shipments are packaged according to the following weight categories:

1. Up to five pounds, sealing must be by multiple friction closures, completely clinched staples, heat-sealing, adhesives, tape, or nonmetallic banding. Although shrinkwrap is not acceptable as the only packaging for hardback books and similarly produced printed matter exceeding one pound or one inch thick, it may be used on the exterior of otherwise acceptable containers. Shrinkwrap (under 3.6) may be used as the only method of packaging for paperback books and similarly produced printed matter up to three pounds.

I've used staples once in while, especially when I'm reusing a thicker bubble envelope when I can't get it to flap and fold over easily. But I make sure they're fully bent and like Amanda I cover them up with tape. I had one the other day where the staples were from a previous mailing and holding one end of the package together; the sender had closed up the other/open side using tape. I could tell due to the way the tape and labels were layered.

I have been guilty of stapling some envelopes and had no idea some people took offense (or were stabbed! by them).  I tend to trust staples more than tape sometimes, and the combination of both seems ideal.  Now I will re-think that, and am glad to know now that this is not an appreciated method of mailing.

Every once in a while with a big book I use what is called a book burrito type package. The book is rolled inside cardboard and the ends of the cardboard are squeased together and stapled. This is a very old and standard type of package for hardcover books.

Interesting. I've always been told that staples 'catch' on the machinery. (reason I think many PBS members cover staples with tape.)

I don't believe I have received a stapled PBS package, but now that I am aware of the issue, I don't doubt I will receive one within the next week!

-Does Paperback Swap have a policy on stapled envelopes? 

 No, why would they? The Post Office recommends use of them for certain packages.
 

-How do Swappers feel about envelopes sealed with staples?

I'm Ok with it, just gotta be careful - and not just with opening the package but also ensuring all the Staples make it to the trash can and not unknowingly on the rug to be found (painfully) later with a bare foot! 

I don't use staples myself as I prefer judicious use of packing tape as PBS recommends - but some folks don't seem to like that too much as well -

"See you can't please everyone so you got to please yourself ...(Ricky Nelson - Garden Party)

I just try to make sure that "what's in the package - stays in the package!"