Hello Everyone,

I'm new here at PBS and I want to know if I could use regular stamps when sending books or do I have to go to the post office?

Feel free to use regular stamps.  I've been a member for over two years and only go to the PO when a book is light enough for first class or over the 13 ounce limit.  Regular mailings just go into my mailbox and the red flag goes up.  I buy the correct combination of stamps by the sheet so there are always stamps on hand to equal the $2.31 for normal media mail books.

Welcome!!!!  You will not find a better group of people anywhere.  I occassionally use stamps, but if I have a bunch of books to mail I actually find it easier to go to the PO (mine never has a line).  Or, if I have a little extra postage money I use printable postage. Any meathod that works for you is fine.

PS-I read your profile-Don't be scared!  Read all of the help docs, use plenty of packing tape, and 99.9% of your swaps will be fine!  If you DO screw up, don't sweat it too hard-we have all made mistakes.  Accept any constructive criticism and feel free to ask tons of questions on the forum (or ask you tour guide!).

Happy swapping!

biggest thing to remember is if it is 13 oz or more than you must give it to a postal worker if using stamp.

if you have an APC machine at your post office, you can buy many $2.13 stamps and not have to worry about the weight (if under 1 lb but more than 13 oz)

Welcome, Natasha!

The 'over 13 oz, stamped' rule requires you to take the package to the PO and hand to a retail clerk. Your letter carrier is not allowed to take it. (Just qualifying the 'hand to postal worker' advice.)

I don't use PBS postage, but a lot of member do simply to avoid the hassle of going to the post office.  You can print the postage from your computer and then drop it in a blue box.  As someone also said, you can print postage from a Automated Postage Machine (APC) if you have one at your post office, which is what I do.  I print off 10 $2.13 (the typcial cost to mail paperback) and 10 $2.47 (the typical cost to mail hardback) stamps at a time and then keep them at home.  When I get an order, I just slap the appropriate postage on and drop in a blue box. 

I love to use the APC machine and frequently print postage that way.

But I'm not sure about using it for the ones over 13 oz (without handing it to a clerk). I've had mine kicked back with the security warning and had to mail it a second time.

Welcome to PBS.  I too have read your profile and looked at your bookshelf.  I can see why you had books requested the first day, you have some great books.    Kristen had the right idea, relax and have fun.  Read the help docs, and don't be afraid to ask questions.  It's been my experience that the folks here at PBS are really great.

Welcome aboard.

Jo, if they kicked it back, I hope you asked to see the postmaster and did some educating ;~)

The new rule requires traceable postage, and since you have to use a credit card to buy APC postage, it's traceable.

Edited to moderate my snarkiness...