IMO.....I would still send it.  Another book you send will have postage less than the cost of a credit.....so it will balance out. 

I agree with Cynthia that things like postage costs tend to balance out in the long run.  There will very likely be some that you can send for significantly less than the cost of a credit.  I also look at things like the two free credits we get for posting the first 25 books as starting us off ahead on postage costs, but since you only have 1 book currently on your shelf, I'm presuming you haven't gotten those.  There is something in the rules (not looking at them this moment to quote it) about setting members up with an expectation of receiving a book & then not following through, but your concern doesn't sound unreasonable to me (keeping in mind that I don't run PBS:P), and I think as long as you don't make a habit of it, it will probably be okay.  As to rude - when you give the reason you can't send it, just be honest & hope for the best.  Around here, "rude" is frequently subjective:P

I've had this happen to me recently.  It took me aback.  I am really weighing all books now before listing them for trade.  But I think a lot depends on your budget as well as having put it out there already.  If you can afford it this time, then I'd send it.  If you can't, then be honest about it to the requester and I think most likely they will understand.

Ruth

I would send it because you could have figured that out before you posted it.  If a book is heavy you can just look up at the UPS website what the cost of mailing it would be before you post it. 

I would mail it and chalk it up to experience. We're not talking about big bucks here. ;-)

Pam

Honestly? I think it would be rude, yes.  Not the end of the world, but the requestor ordered it in good faith since you posted it and I think it should be sent. 

I think the part Kim might be talking about it this, from the Terms of Use:

Shipping

You agree to respond to all valid requests to ship posted items in a timely manner. Failure to promptly ship posted items may result in a forfeiture of credits for future exchanges. You agree to ship all items at your own expense.

You posted the book, it's a valid request and I think it should be sent.

I do sympathize about the postage costs.  I have my own account on Hold right now because I need to wait a bit before buying more postage.  :-p

If I were in your situation, I would mail it. I believe in book karma. =)

4lbs media mail = $3.55 which is 10 cents more than a credit at kiosk prices. If using PBS postage, you are only up to 72 cents (10 + 62 fee for using PBS postage)  over the cost of a kiosk credit.  It's not a significant cost for a lesson in not posting heavy books. 

You can also use that credit to order books from the Book Bazaar on a deal and maybe get 3 or 4 books for that 1 credit.

I don't mind that much in posting heavy books. I've sent several that were 4 lbs or more.

We're not talking about big bucks here

You posted it, so send it.

Like others have said, it's a couple bucks at the most. Then go to the Book Bazaar and pick up some freebies and it'll all even out in the wash.

"Shipping

You agree to respond to all valid requests to ship posted items in a timely manner. Failure to promptly ship posted items may result in a forfeiture of credits for future exchanges. You agree to ship all items at your own expense."

Beth - Yeah, that's what I was remembering, and then this too:

Posting a book to your bookshelf is very easy!

Before you Post:

• Please make sure to post only books that you are ready to part with. Posting a book that you are not prepared to send when it is requested creates a false sense of expectation in the member who requests the book.

I take that more as a friendly reminder than an actual "rule", but I pretty much agree with the sentiment there; it's good member etiquette to send what you post.... unless there's some sort of last minute issue that affects postability, like your kids spill milk on the package just before you mail it - which actually happened to me once:P

I think that would be a bit inconsiderate, especially since it looks like this is a wishlist book and that person might be very disappointed. If there were other copies available to order, it wouldn't be as bad. Cancel if you must, but make sure to check books in the future so that you don't post anything you're not willing to send!

It's at least a little rude.

I'd mail it, and chalk it up to a lesson learned, and check books before I post them in the future. You are out a little bit, but you make someone happy, and you learn so it doesn't happen again.

media mail for a book of your weight is only $3.16 so how is it over the cost of a credit?  or are you adding DC?  I never use DC and have not had a book go missing yet.

and don't base sending a book on the cost of a credit.  my guess is that you will send MANY books that cost $2 to mail (first class vs. media mail because it is a lighter book) and it will all balance out in the end.

Actually, it's $3.55 - the two oz rounds the rate up to the next lb, making it the 4lb rate.

I have shipped a heavy book (3 books in one kind) and while it did cost more, it has more than equaled out from what I have received from this site. I have requested and received more than one book that would have cost me $7-12.50 at the UBS. That is just the way I look at it. If I received a PM from someone telling me that they couldn't send the book because it cost a little more to mail, I would find it very rude.

I will accept and send it, I will just cough it up to a lesson learned

That's the spirit! : )   : )

However, bear in mind that not all books are listed at the proper weight.  I shipped a book a few days ago listed as 2 lbs 4 oz but this was a TINY book.  Weighing it, wrapped, it topped at 13 oz.  I am looking at trying to find my scale (since it is still packed from moving a couple years ago) to help ensure I stop paying more than necessary for shipped books.

However, I believe you did the correct thing.  I sent out a heavy book (Blonde) and it cost more to send, but I had also received it so someone else had to pay to send it to me. 

In the end, the total cost is two credits, techincally.  The credit coming in and going out postage (approx 1 credit).  That is still cheaper than most new books purchased today!

I've personally sent a book or 2 that cost $5.00 to send, but it balances out in the end and it was on someone wishlist (and a textbook) so I knew it would be helping them out.  I've gotten 1-2 people to say they can't ship a book because of lack of money ($2.19 to mail) however.

It's not more than the price of a new book!! If you went out and bought a paperback from Wal-Mart, you would pay at least $4.95 +tax. Plus, you can order a book thats 3 novels in one!! I sent one out today (Dean Koontz HC). I think even at $3.55, it's a good deal.

Christa:^)

"Since someone is waiting for my response on this book I will accept and send it, I will just cough it up to a lesson learned."

I thought there were rules about things like this!  Ewwww...
;-)