A member has requested 10 books off my shelf, including one hardcover.  What is the best way to package and mail these?  I want to use printable postage and PBS DC, so I don't risk losing those credits if the package is lost in the mail.  Can I use the PBS label and printable postage on a box?

Thanks,

Laura

Yes. I just did this with a box of books that I sent someone.

Laura, You can use PBS-DC on boxes. I like to watch them travel with the map and mailtruck function. I use shoeboxes or corrugated cardboard boxes, always have a protective layer of plastic somewhere around them inside and maybe bubble wrap. You can wrap a few at a time in brown paper (just a strip aroound the middle and taped) to bundle them up before packing so they stay together better. It is surprising inexpensive to ship that many media mail, too. My record is 41 books in an Ugg boot box- cost $7.99 with PBS-DC. I do enjoy making a project of this book swapping! Good luck and have fun.

Shoeboxes are my fave too. But if I'm mailing just a few books, I stack them in a brick, wrap them in plastic or bubble wrap, then in brown craft paper with plenty of packing tape. Then I cover the label (except the DC barcode) with clear tape.

I also save boxes from Amazon and Barnes and Noble (though I think you're supposed to cross out the company name with a sharpie).

And Lori is right -- the more books you mail, the cheaper the cost per book. And using PBS-DC is smart when you're mailing that many books. That way you're covered if there's a problem...

Yes you can Laura, I mailed two boxes yesterday with PBS DC.   To determine the correct postage, you will need a postal scale ... or use the Custome DC feature to print a PBS label and take it to the PO for postage (Mail to A Friend would work the same).  Mailing multiples is MUCH cheaper 

I also recycle small boxes, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  According to my USPS counter staff, it's important to deface (sharpie over) the existing USPS barcodes ... their equipment will not read other barcodes, but any previous USPS ones should be marked out with a permanent black marker (and/or tape your new label over it).

Definitely. I always use PBS postage in requests with multiple books (the savings in postage more than make up for the extra .47 paid in fees) and I get the credits right away.

For 10 books, I'd definitely say use a box. If you recycle a box, make sure there are no other barcodes around.