I have some larger hardbacks and the postage is significant on them, even media mail.  I realize the way this PBS group works is that everyone is responsible for their own postage.  However,  it doesn't seem quite right that the bigger books equal the same credit as smaller paperbacks.  I would love to share these books with people here who are looking for them but I don't feel I'm getting the benefit of swapping because I'm paying higher postage.  Is there any alternative or should I just donate them to the library?

I have a larger HB book to wrap and send tomorrow and the postage is $3.11.  I don't think that is so much more then regular sized books. I'm sending it and I'll get the credit...someone else can have it as I'm not going to read it again.

If you don't think you're getting the benefit ... just request really heavy books.  :)

For most people, the price of postage for books sent and books received balances out (it does for me).  But if you don't want to pay for postage, than don't post the books.  I think there are other swap sites that do allow you to charge more for hardcovers, but I don't use them.

More than 2 lbs is pretty big - even for a hardcover! I sent a 1000 page paperback reference book last summer and it was a little over three bucks (3 lbs). I was happy to get a credit, rather than junking it in the recycling bin.

I mailed 4 hardbacks (all a pretty decent size, none of them large on their own, but together pretty heavy) to one sender who was kind enough to request all four in one transcation.  Even all four with PP/DC was only $4.16.  Even a 2-lb. harback book by itself is less than $3 with Media Mail.

Thanks for the responses.  I guess I'll pick a few and weigh/estimate postage before I post them.  Regular fiction hardbacks aren't an issue.  I'm talking about cookbooks/craft type books in case my initial question wasn't clear. 

John says "I sent a 1000 pound paperback reference book"  How'd you get that to the post office?  ;)

Wasn't easy!

I mailed a huge hardback cookbook recently.  I think it weighed around 3lbs and it still cost about the same as buying a credit would have.  I figure I can use that credit to get multiple books from someone doing a deal or order a heavy book if I see one I want. I also know I've mailed audio books for less than $2.50 many times and gotten 2 credits for them.  So it all balances out. 

(and yes I think audio books should be 2 credits-they cost much more than books and retain their value more than used hardbacks which I frequently find on clearance for $1)

I used to steer clear of posting hardback books on my shelf due to postage considerations.  Over time, I become less "against" hardbacks.  I have found that the average cost (all mailings) doesn't go up a great deal by shipping hardbacks.

I often send a PM offer to requestors offering a 3 books for 2 credits.  Whenever they take that offer, the 2 credits is a big help in offsetting postage costs.