I just had to hand copy an address to mail off a book. It had said on the bottom since this book was under 7 oz that first class would be the better way to send it. Now i am going to try to go to the post tommorow, do i mail them media and write media on the package or just ask them which is cheaper since it said first class is the better choice on this site?

Here is what it said

Please Note: If your package weighs 7 ounces or less, FIRST CLASS will be the best way to send it. If your package weighs over 13 ounces and you are using postage stamps, you will need to hand the package to a PO employee to mail it (due to USPS regulations).

PBS generates an ESTIMATED weight. If you cannot weigh the book yourself (to the nearest ounce), take it to the Post Office and obtain the "official" weight for First Class. If you're told it'll cost $2.15 or less, go with First Class - if more, clearly say "Media Mail rate please. It's a book with no enclosures [the PBS invoice with the mailing label doesn't "count" if you included it]." Make sure the book is not marked for either rate; have the clerk mark the package for the rate of your choice when you're told the official First Class charge. Media Mail is $2.13 up to one pound.

Hope that helped!

Here's a link to the USPS postal rate calculator.  It's a pretty handy tool if you know how much your package weighs.

http://postcalc.usps.gov/

i was told by the post office ppl that when shipping just one book, first class is better because it is with lighter packages. media mail packages can be EXTREMELY heavy, which could damage your one book.

Ok,

Just to let you know that first class is best for books under 6 onces.  This is because media mail starts at 2.13 and first class is .15 cheaper and easier on the book.

Media mail is a discounted rate for books and is really good for the collection of books in your basement you are sending to your cousin.

The thing people need to understand is that media mail is mixed with parcel post and most of those super heavy items people are trying to send cheaply.

The thing people need to understand is that media mail is mixed with parcel post and most of those super heavy items people are trying to send cheaply.

And your flat rate priority mailings (which can be quite heavy--how about 60 lbs of lead in a flat rate box!?!) will be mixed in with lighter priority mailings! Parcels are separated by mailing classification--not separated by 'light' and 'heavy'. You need to make sure the item is packaged well enough to take the beating you can assume it may get.

Leading you to believe that by mailing your book First class it will 'travel' with lighter packages is less than honest, IMO.

Mailing a qualifying book First class means that it should arrive faster than Media Mail. That's why the First class suggestion is made, not because it travels with lighter parcels.