I'd like to mail a book tomorrow, but can't actually get to the post office because of my work schedule.  Here's the question:

My book's weight is estimated at 12.8 ounces, so less than a pound.  I'm wondering if I can just put $2.13 postage on it and put it in the mail box?  Can I just write the words "media mail" on it myself?

Otherwise, I'll wait 'til Thursday when I can get to the PO.

Thanks,
Lisa

You can use stamps and drop it in a blue box or leave it in your mailbox.  Be sure it's less than 13 oz though.  If it's over 13 oz,  you've got to take it to the PO yourself if you don't use online postage for it.

The PBS weight is not always correct. If you can't weigh the book yourself to varify that it's under 13oz then I'd hold off another day or use the printed postage. 

Well, I suppose to be on the safe side I'll wait and take it to the PO.  The weight is pretty close. 

Thanks!

If you have paypal, the easiest thing to do is print postage using their labels.  I never go to the PO any more.

I can't get a link to work for this.  Maybe someone else can jump in here and put the link.  :-)

The way to get around the entire trip to the PO is to use the printable postage.  All you have to do is print and it can go in a blue box or your mailbox.  The extra benefit is that you get your credit as soon as you mark the book as mailed.

Kerry

If you used printable postage, you could drop it in the blue box and not have to wait till Thursday. I love it!

Lisa - I've found the PBS weights are often VERY innaccurate and never trust them anymore. The post office sells  postal scales that weigh up to 10 pounds. It's been such a great investment.  I just keep $1 and some other smaller stamps in the house - weigh packages and drop it in the box  - it's so easy!  well as long as it weighs under 13 oz, of course.

Valerie: I do the same thing. I bought an inexpensive scale at Walmart. I bought a bunch of $1, .90-and various smaller denominations.  I use the printed postage for audio books and anything over 13oz.  The stamps for the rest.  I only have to go to the PO every other month or so to restock on stamps.

I use a scale I bought in the kiosk here, and printable postage for anything over 13 ounces.

Printable Postage Link

Put it in your bookmarks, you can't get to it through the Paypal site.

As mentioned, it does work well for keeping you out of the PO.

It requires you to pay the $0.18 for DC but the Paypal DC won't work to get you credit here.

I count not having to go to the PO as worth the $0.18 and just don't worry about DC.