I am a newbie to PBS and just mailed my first book. If this isn't the right spot to post this question, please forgive me. 

I chose the option to print a label only with DC, and pay the postage at the PO.

This is the estimate it gave me:

USPS Electronic DC Fee:
$0.18
First Class Postage Cost:
$2.19
Total Postage Cost:
$2.37
PBS-DC Fee:
$0.27
PBS-Postage Fee:
$0.43
Total deducted from PBS Money:
$0.27

When I got to the PO the book weighed far more than what was estimaged at PBS. It was estimated at PBS that the book weighed 6.4 ounces which would have qualified for First Class mail as the label said, but it actually weighed 1lb 1.40ounces and I know my 9x12 lightweight nonbubble manilla envelope didn't weight 11ounces!

So my only choices at that point was Priority Mail or Media Mail. I chose Media and because it wasn't going first class I had to pay the full DC fee of 75 cents bringing my total to $3.33 for media shipping and DC so I could get it sent off to the taker on time.

Can anyone tell me what I did wrong or how to correct the weight of the book with PBS.

Blessings, Dawn

I just figured out that it IS a weight problem. I did a search on the ISBN with several other retailers  including the publisher and found it weighs 16.8 ounces, so I sent in an edit regarding that information. I'll be sure and check the weights next time!

You still should have gotten the discounted DC rate of 18 cents.

Do you have a small scale around you could use to weigh your books? Even one of the little kitchen scales would work. Save you time and hassle later. You can check and change if needed when you are going to print a label.

I don't have one Patti. I did but it's broken, but do plan to get another so I can weigh things here and print full postage at home. Much more convenient. They didn't unfortunately go ahead and give me the discounted rate. They wouldn't even scan the DC that printed on my label because the label itself said first class and they said the discounted rate didn't qualify when using media mail. I knew that wasn't right, but didn't want to argue and just decided to lose the few cents and be more aware the next time. LOL

I did take another package in this morning for a PBS user as I knew the exact weight of the book and packaging because I still had what it came in when I bought it (yep I save envelopes to reuse and this one was too big for a wrapper)  and had no problems at all!

So I'll definately get another scale and pay more attention next time.

Took another book in to mail today. And talked to another postal worker, and when I told her about the other one not allowing me to use the preprinted DC because the label said First class instead of Media she was livid! She said all the first lady had to do was scribble over that! Umm yeah, I know that's what I've been doing since whether it's correct or not in case I got the first lady at the counter.

I knew the first worker was wrong, but nice to know someone else did too,  and she gave me my 75 cents back. I didn't even have to ask!  So basically I didn't do anything wrong...the fault was on their end.  I'm think I'm beginning to learn the ropes at PBS and it's so much fun!

Glad you found someonewho knows what they are doing there. I was going to recommend a different post office ;0

LOL well the next closest post office is 12 miles away. This post office is about 2 blocks and I have to go everyday to check the mail anyway. I'll just know next time to go during that first employees lunch break! *wink*. She's near retirement I think, but the rest are great!

Good for you! Sounds like you are all set.

I found another scale so now I don't have to mess with buying postage there at all! YAY!!

I have another quick question though if someone sees this. I had contacted the member on 6/12 when I mailed the book to give them the corrected DC number, and didn't get a reply from that PM...well enough I know people are busy but I did let them know.

I checked that new DC number they gave me at the PO and it showed the book was delivered on 6/16, and I contacted the member the next day to make sure it had, but haven't gotten any reply back from that either. 

I won't get credit for that book until she marks it received will I? Or do you automatically get your credit after it's been in processing for X amount of time? I've gotten credit for all the other books I've mailed already...13 in total because I either printed the postage or the PO scanned my printed DC.

I say breathe deeply and have patience. That is just this week. Some POs scan at the PO before sending it out on the route. They could be out of town, be in a flood or other bad weather and not gotten to their mail yet. I wouldn't start worrying until its at least 10 days past the DC delivery date. You won't get your credit until they mark it, but ya gotta just let the system do its thing.

Thanks Melanie! Today is day 7 since it showed it was delivered, but I'll just wait. Like I said I'm not in a hurry to get credit yet. I've definately got my money's worth in books so far!