I have decided, after an it-almost-didn't-get-there scare, that I want to start using PBS DC. I send all my books except mass market paperback with bubble mailers, so I don't have to think about it. Until now, I've written the addresses out by hand. My bright (?) idea was to use a FedEx pouch to attach the PBS documents to the mailer. I used one of our scanners and the DC labels are perfectly scannable through the pouch.

What do other people do? Anyone had success/failure with this method? Thanks for your feedback!

I wrap everything in plastic and then in the paper that the address and such is printed on.  I doubt I'll ever use a envelope unless it were a very small/thin book.  maybe I'm lucky but I have not had any problems yet (knock on wood!)

you could always print out the address & DC and tape it to the envelope

I just wrap my books in plastic and send them in the paper like hugbandit7. Though i have recieved books in a bubble wrapper with the address taped on the front. I actually taped an address over on top of that one and reused it too!

My problem is that I've been sending almost all bigger books, like hardbacks, that don't fit in the PBS wrapper. :(

Just make sure that there are no Fed Ex markings anywhere on it or the book will arrive at the destination with postage due.

Just make sure that there are no Fed Ex markings anywhere on it or the book will arrive at the destination with postage due

that doesn't make sense...if there is a Fed Ex marking, why would the USPS charge extra for shipping? 

My problem is that I've been sending almost all bigger books, like hardbacks, that don't fit in the PBS wrapper.

ahhh, makes sense now.  what about wrapping in brown paper (ie grocery bag) and sending that way vs an envelope?

Lisa - the pouch is clear but the back of the pouch says FedEx, so if the PBS wrapper slides around, they might be able to see it.

Leslie - A postal employee who was here at work about an hour ago said USPS used to have some kind of monopoly on overnight shipping, so UPS and FedEx's overnight packages had to go through them. Maybe that's what she was referring to.

ETA: I bought these envelopes when I first started, so I have a whole bunch. Also, if I used something else to wrap the book, I'd still have to attach the wrapper with the DC barcode somehow.

How about a re-phrased question: Will packing tape hold the PBS wrapper on good enough? I'm just afraid it (and the DC barcode) will tear off.

cover the label wtih the tape, it'll be fine!

I had never heard about UPS & Fed Ex having to go through the USPS...but then I learn something new all the time so there is no telling.

Using FedX and UPS packaging won't cause a problem at all.  Where the problem comes in is if someone gets something sent to them via another shipper and they do something like write "refused" on it and dump it into the USPS mail flow. 

Here we just call FedX or UPS and they stop by and pick it up but I'm sure the proceedure can vary depending on local arragements and logistics.

I ran out of tape so I had to use the FedEx pouches. I'll be the guinea pig. :) I did so many new things this round of shipping - I used PBS DC, APC, and FedEx pouches. I hope none of them come back to me!

I always use the PBS wrapper, no matter what size package....if it's bigger than a small paperback, I will wrap in brown paper or a bubble mailer first, the tape the PBS address portion of the wrapper onto the front.  I cover the entire wrapper with tape in strips, to make sure the paper won't rip in transit.  No problems so far!

I thought we weren't supposed to tape over the barcodes, because tape impedes the scanner.  I use tape all around the edges of the label, then run a strip through the center of the label to cover the return addy and receipient addy.  Haven't had any problems yet.

I use a bubble mailer and tape the label on it.  And I mean I tape it on!  I also wait on several customers a day who do the same thing.  Just make sure it is a quality clear tape, don't use some old tape you found in the basement that is turning yellow.

Just wanted to clarify that UPS & FedEX are seperate from USPS there packages do not go through us.  USPS doesn't care about you using their shipping products.  Your package will get marked up postage due if you use USPS Priority Packaging for any other class of mail. It does not matter if you turn it inside out and it does not matter if you are reusing it.

Am I the only one that thinks it's unethical to help yourself to FedEx or UPS supplies and then use them to mail through the USPS? 

Now, if you go to FedEx Kinko's and *BUY* a box, ship it how you want.

But if you go *TAKE* their pouches and other supplies and use them for USPS?  The USPS won't care (I assume) but don't you think that's borderline stealing?  Am I the only one who thinks this way?

No Marjorie, I agree with you. 

Edited: That wasn't very nice of you to say.

I've cut out the PBS label and taped it onto other packaging many times with no problems at all.  I DON"T tape over the bar code, but along all edges and over the address.  Most of the time, though, I use small manila envelopes (6x9) and print the label directly onto them.  Works GREAT!!  I wrap the book in plastic wrap or a plastic bag, tape along the edges of the envelope and across the address, drop the book in the envelope, tape it closed and away it goes.  I've not had one complaint!  

Marjorie, I agree with you, also.  However, I have no problem with reusing the plastic pouches (sometimes they DO come right off the package) or purchasing a batch to use however you choose.....

I work in a shipping center that does hundreds of thousands of dollars of business with FedEx. So if you're all going to call me a thief, please be technical and tell me I am stealing from my workplace.

If someone could delete this thread, such as a moderator, it would be appreciated. I have ceased to get help, only insults. :(

I work for Fedex and just to borrow our pouches  I dont think fedex cares if you use the pouch for something other

then fedex.. (I work for Fedex/kinkos) and its seems that we seem to run out of the domestic pouches pretty

fast (we do have international pouches as well

 hmm maybe thats why we run out of the domestic pouches faster

Just tape the printed-out paper PBS wrapper (or just the address part of it) to the front of the bubble mailer -- no problem, as long as you use good packing tape.

You should be using good packing tape to fold out any extra 'give' and extra envelope-size, anyway.

I tape over my DC barcode.  The PO told me that it was fine.  They said as long as the tape is flush over it with no bubbles, then there should be no problems scanning it.

I put all of my books in a manila envelope, enclose the wrapper, and tape the ends. I hate when I can't get a book out of the wrapper, and when far too many materials are used in sending them.

I needed one of those plastic covers to ship my Fed Ex pacakge this weekend after hours and there were none on anyof the places I stopped. I had to wait for the center to be open to finally mail my package. I was told they may start charging for their supplies, that will suck. I guess their supplies being used for mailing with USPS might be the reason?