There are lots of advantages to using Printable Postage, and I'm trying to decide if this is something that I want to start using.  The only negative that I see is the extra 62c charge per book (43c + 19c). 

My question is this:  Can I use PP selectively?  For example, can I opt to use it on just books that are over 13 oz, and print "regular" labels for other books?

Absolutely! Each time you go to print the label there are those radio buttons that let you opt to print a plain label, a label with just Delivery Confirmation or a label with the full printable postage.

Cheryl

What Cheryl said.....I love using the printable postage. I use it 99.9% of the time.

thanks for the info!

I only use it on bulk orders and if I don't feel like going ot the post office. I mail out a lot of books it's usually worth it to me to go to the post office. But sometimes I just have one book to mail. 

So once you start using it you don't have to keep using it.  I also keep some stamps on hand and will use those if I just have a lighter book to mail. 

If you use PayPal to print your postage, there is no extra charge except for the .19 for DC.  I would buy DC even if they didn't automatically include it because it is reassuring to myself and the person requesting the book knowing they can track where the book is at any given time.  You can print PayPal postage from this URL:

https://www.paypal.com/shipnow

If you use DC or printable from  PBS, you have the added benefit of your credit being guaranteed, even if your book goes lost.  I use it for all my heavier books -- 13 ounces or over.  That way I don't have to take them to the Post Office.  And I don't mind the 43 cent fee.  I figure that's part of what helps keep the membership free.

I use it selectively myself. If I want to be able to just toss a heavier book in a box because I am busy, I use PBS full postage. If I am sending a lighter Wish List book that I can use stamps on I just use the PBS -DC. I think the credit guarantee is what makes it worth paying more for the package. If I am not worried about getting credit guarantee, I just send with stamps and no DC. I know cost-wise I can lose one in every 4-5 packages and before it costs me more in lost credits if I used it all of the time. But I also think that it is a good way to help support the site costs to keep it free by paying a little fee here and there.