Discussion Forums - USPS Postal Regulations

I'd like to know what most members do to mail a requested book.  I see there are 3 different ways to print the wrapper.  I wrapped my last 2 books in brown grocery sack paper then taped the label on, the first one I just got an envelope from the post office, which is more costly.    Also should I be getting delivery confirmation??  I just wondered how some of you did this, is there a best way??  I'm a pretty new swapper...... only mailed 4 books so far.... :) Pamela

Grocery bags work well as long as they're the sturdy kind -- not the thin little won't-make-it-up-the-front-steps type. 

Personally I slip my book into a plastic bag first -- I use the ones my newspaper comes in.  I slip the "info for requestor" into the bag so that if the book is damaged in transit, there might still be an address in there.  If it's a small book, I use the two-page PBS wrapper.  If it's larger, or there are several books, I use the one-page wrapper and cut up grocery bags (or reuse a mailing envelope someone may have sent to me.)  The key is tape.  Plenty of good packaging tape on all corners, edges and seams.  Never scotch tape.  And the other key is... tape.  I often put a strip of tape over the printed address just in case the package gets wet.  Keeps the ink from running.

You can purchase envelopes alot cheaper...at drug stores, Walmart, dime store..what ever you have by you. Also there are several places you can order packing supplys on line. I have used calender pages or wallpaper. I also put in plastic first. As for DC, it is a personal choice. If you do, get it though PBS, as it gives credit assurance if there is ever a problem.

The PBS two page wrapper is adequate for a mmpb size book (or even a couple thin books).  Above that (hardcover and tradesize paperbacks), additional packaging can be beneficial.  Additionally, I place the second PBS sheet inside the plastic underwrap to serve as an emergency address...JIC there's a postal accident.  I replace the second sheet with scratch paper and use it as the outer wrapper.  PBS members also like to recycle mailing envelopes, calendar pages, small boxes, newspaper sleeves...whatever we find around the house that we can use to protect the books instead of tossing in the garbage.

As Sue posted, Delivery Confirmation is a personal preference.  I purchase PBS e-DC for my own peace of mind.  Many members feel it is not cost effective b/c the actual number of books lost in the mail is very small.  I've mailed hundreds over a thousand without an outgoing loss.  I've had 5 or 6 incoming books listed as lost (out of 700+), but I know some of those never made it to the mailbox and suspect a few others didn't either.  PBS DC also guarantees your credit (after a PO scan for the DC only option, after marking 'mailed' if using printable postage).  But DC is not required (except in games) Pamela, so choose what works for you.

Here are some tips you might find helpful! http://www.paperbackswap.com/Tips-Making-Paper-Mailers-Work/topic/224782/

My favorite wrapper is to use the wrapper from reams of copy paper.  Open the ream carefully, turn it inside out and cut if needed.  Place the book in a plastic bad with the bottom half of the one-page mailing lable from here (the part that says "Information for Sender" and "Information for Requestor"),  Wrap well with lots of tape, then tape the mailing label to the package. 

If I don't have a ream wrapper or if I'm mailing several books of different sizes in one package, I reuse a mailer or buy a padded mailer at the drug store near me.  Much cheaper than buying one at the PO.

I use poly envelope bags. I was introduced to them when I received a book from PBS a long time ago. Never saw it before. It is a very light material which adds nothing to the weight for shipping. I usually bubble wrap the book first 

before putting it in the poly bag. 

You'll only worry about this for your first book shipments. As you receive more books, you'll get ideas for wrapping from the books you receive, you'll collect envelopes that can be re-used, and you'll see how various forms of packaging stand up to the mails. You may be like others and start collecting all kinds of materials for shipping purposes. (There is a lot of talk on the forums about re-using things like bread bags to wrap books in, but I've never gotten anything in food packaging and I have to say I'm glad about that.)

I've started noticing how many things come into my house and get thrown away without our even thinking about it. Now, most large envelopes that come into our house get put in my book-mailing stash. (You should make sure the book isn't loose in there, though; fold it around the book and tape.) Every magazine that comes in a plastic wrapper - every neighborhood newsletter or advertisement hanging on my front doorknob in a plastic bag - is a candidate for wrapping books in plastic.

I've mailed out 150 books and I've never bought an envelope or wrapping paper - just stamps and tape. :-)

I think I may use too much tape, so that people after me have trouble re-using the envelopes, which I regret. I can never figure out quite where to stop (though I use much less than I used to). But I know I still use more than most people, looking at the books I receive. I'm working on it....

I save some, but not all the plastic that my newspaper  comes in. perfect for a1 oe 2 paperbacks. Surpising how many different  kinds of plastic comes into your life. I even used the zippered plastic a set of sheets came in. It fit several good sized books and the n zip it shut then wrap th book.

i normally wrap mine in plastic, and then am currently wrapping the outer package in construction paper. and i have to hand write all mine since i don't have a printer and that saves on printing costs at the lbrary too. when i'm out of construction paper ill either get more of that or get printer paper and just wrap in that.i normally use about 2-4 sheets of paper per book. depending on the size of the book. i've been saving envelopes books come in in case i need to use those as well. 

Pamela S.,

I just saw your post and did a little second take.....My name is also Pamela S. and I couldn't remember starting this discussion.  LOL.  

To answer the question, I wrap the books is saran wrap and paper of what ever kind I have around.  the thinner the paper, the more tape I use.  My favorite thing to use is recycling other packaging, bubble mailers, etc.    Doesn't need to be anything elaborate for 99% of us here.  There will always be the one or two books that go lost, get wet in the mail, or get damaged by the gorillas at the sorting facilities.  You can't do anything about that.  Just enjoy and don't be too uptight about it all.  I hope you love this place as much as I do....

Pamela S.  (Cosmina)

I always wrap in a plastic bag.  If more than four books, I put it in a box.  The last box I sent was actually the box to a dollar store coffee pot.  I did wrap four books in the computer paper on the last books i sent out.  But before  I did that, i put it in a plastic bag and took carboard from a box to make it secure and taped the heck out of it.  I guess it depends on what is lying around the house. :D But tape is my best friend. lots and lots of tape.