REMOVED - posting guidelines - LOCKED - disruptive thread - USPS double box method "illegal"? 0

[newshane]

I'm just amazed that people have the time or the will to worry about such trivial things. 

Shows how good we have it in this country...

half the world still has to worry about where they are going to get their next meal. 

[icefires]

18 minutes ago, Logan510 said:

I honestly think the way it's stated isn't clear. Yes we're technically using the second box for "padding", but we're also using it to ship...as opposed to using free bubble mailers for packaging inside the box, plus, it makes the box heavier so it costs more to ship.

I'm going to try and call them on my lunch break and see if I can get anyone on the phone who knows exactly...for curiosity sake.

Don't call your local post office. The low-level employee who answers the phone will tell you what they think the rule is.

To be sure, send letters registered mail to Megan J. Brennan, Ronald A. Stroman, David E. Williams, Kristin Seaver, Joseph Corbett, Jacqueline Krage Strako, Thomas Marshall, and Jeffrey Williamson. This is the Postmaster General and Executive Leadership Team.

Be sure not to tell them you have already done this, as it may be a felony, and they may alert the FBI. And you know how efficient the FBI is from their stellar work relating to mentally ill persons who collect assault weapons and threaten to do bad things.

[revat]

I think somewhere I saw the word 'may' be prosecuted.  I think technically there may be some type of violation, but I'm also pretty sure USPS is happy to be getting ANY money for the use of two boxes, and literally the boxes can be (and are) taken and used for anything.  Like anything.  If they could get $8-$13 of revenue on every two USPS boxes they make, I'm sure they'd be very happy.

[jcjames]

32 minutes ago, Logan510 said:

I honestly think the way it's stated isn't clear. Yes we're technically using the second box for "padding", but we're also using it to ship...as opposed to using free bubble mailers for packaging inside the box, plus, it makes the box heavier so it costs more to ship.

I'm going to try and call them on my lunch break and see if I can get anyone on the phone who knows exactly...for curiosity sake.

 

Even Flat-rate?

 

 

Oh and if you call them, you're only inviting "the man" into your life.

Edited May 3, 2018 by jcjames

[ADAMANTIUM]

 

[Logan510]

4 minutes ago, jcjames said:

 

Even Flat-rate?

 

 

Oh and if you call them, you're only inviting "the man" into your life.

I never ship using flat rate, so I don't know 

[Callaway29]

51 minutes ago, jcjames said:

No, you're using "free" boxes only because you're supposed to pay for them when you ship. Again, same as using all the "free" bubble-envelopes for extra padding in a priority box.

Read what it says on the box: "This packaging is the property of the united states postal service and is provided solely for use in sending priority Mail shipments. Misuse may be a violation of federal law. This packaging is not for resale."

It's not for "padding", it's for shipping.

 

However, if you really want to live a thug-life, cut up the priority mail boxes and use them for padding on comics sent by media mail.

This isn't a smoking gun. Double-boxers ARE solely using the boxes for sending priority mail shipments...period. It doesn't say HOW we are to use them... Regardless, this discussion is silly...unless the receiver reports this how would the post office know the internal contents of your box? And even if they did, nobody is going to spend the time enforcing this...

Maybe the buyer is a postal worker on a power trip...very very odd for this to evoke an emotional response in someone...

[SkOw]

1 hour ago, Logan510 said:

I've been having an interesting conversation going back and forth on eBay with a buyer who accused me of "stealing from the government" and of "being a thief" because I use the method of placing a 1092 box into a 1095 priority box for protection. I ship using Priority service, so I'm not like those sellers who cut up priority boxes to use as packing when they ship First Class or Media Mail.

Am I doing something against the USPS regulations? It seems if I'm using their free boxes to ship using the service they require for those boxes I should be OK, right?

I found a picture of the buyer:

In all seriousness, doesn't he have anything better to do?

[Logan510]

15 minutes ago, Callaway29 said:

This isn't a smoking gun. Double-boxers ARE solely using the boxes for sending priority mail shipments...period. It doesn't say HOW we are to use them... Regardless, this discussion is silly...unless the receiver reports this how would the post office know the internal contents of your box? And even if they did, nobody is going to spend the time enforcing this...

Maybe the buyer is a postal worker on a power trip...very very odd for this to evoke an emotional response in someone...

Which is why I offered a full refund including shipping on my dime. he even said in his last message to me..." I may be a nut job but at least i'm not a thief".

It's madness.

[jdennis3]

You were just providing a return shipping box to the customer in case they needed to do a return.

[SkOw]

15 minutes ago, Logan510 said:

Which is why I offered a full refund including shipping on my dime. he even said in his last message to me..." I may be a nut job but at least i'm not a thief".

It's madness.

Life of hard crime awaits you I'm afraid.... if you don't change your ways.  I'm signing you up for this:

If you don't listen to me, maybe you will listen to this guy:

[Jordysnordy]

1 hour ago, Junkdrawer said:

Interesting to know that once you receive a Priority box, yes you’ve paid for shipping and it is now your box. Can you recycle it slash cut it up and use it to ship another item? I was caught and told that’s a no no. So now I bring all my used Priority boxes back to the P.O. and fill their trash cans with them. 

How did you get caught? Did you do the packing at the post office?

[F For Fake]

5 minutes ago, Logan510 said:

Which is why I offered a full refund including shipping on my dime. he even said in his last message to me..." I may be a nut job but at least i'm not a thief".

It's madness.

Some people just love to complain. If they can't find a reason to complain about how bad the shipping is, they'll cook up a way to complain about how good it was. I wouldn't waste another minute worrying about it. If you were using a Flat Rate box inside of a cheaper box to ship, maybe, maybe, maaaaaaaybe (and still not really) he'd have a point, but 1092 and 1095 aren't flat rate boxes, they're just boxes that are priced based on weight and dimensions. I don't see how it's any different than the MANY packages I've seen over the years where two priority boxes are taped together to accomodate a larger item, and those are MUCH more obvious (obviously). 

[Junkdrawer]

13 minutes ago, Jordysnordy said:

How did you get caught? Did you do the packing at the post office?

Because the box was used and had stickers and writing on it, I wrapped it in brown kraft paper and made it look nice. She could tell when she felt my package that it was familiar. She made me show it to her. I was embarrassed cause there were other people watching.

[icefires]

If USPS really cared, they would sell each box, then credit the amount back when you use it to ship.

[Mayor006]

From here on out when you ship in double boxes simple include a simple message that this second box is being included in your shipment for your convenience should you need it! 

Having read this now, I'm interested to hear what the true answer is.  I know a few businesses that do this, much less individuals.

Edited May 3, 2018 by Mayor006

[domuhnator]

14 minutes ago, Junkdrawer said:

Because the box was used and had stickers and writing on it, I wrapped it in brown kraft paper and made it look nice. She could tell when she felt my package that it was familiar. She made me show it to her. I was embarrassed cause there were other people watching.

 

I Always wondered about the double boxing. I typically try and use a "used" box for the interior. But it dosent ways happen.

[Mayor006]

16 minutes ago, Junkdrawer said:

 I wrapped it in brown kraft paper and made it look nice. She could tell when she felt my package that it was familiar. She made me show it to her. I was embarrassed cause there were other people watching.

So does that thread with the wildly out of context sayings still exist here somewhere? I'm thinking this is right up that alley! 

Edited May 3, 2018 by Mayor006

[Mr.Mcknowitall]

1 hour ago, revat said:

I think somewhere I saw the word 'may' be prosecuted.  I think technically there may be some type of violation, but I'm also pretty sure USPS is happy to be getting ANY money for the use of two boxes, and literally the boxes can be (and are) taken and used for anything.  Like anything.  If they could get $8-$13 of revenue on every two USPS boxes they make, I'm sure they'd be very happy.

"May", in this case and use, does not mean what you think it means.

[icefires]

EBay Sellers' Misuse of USPS Supplies can Lead to Angry Customers and Fines

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BY SUZANNE WELLS

 

Updated March 28, 2018

 For many eBay sellers, a home eBay business is their first experience with any home business at all. They may not realize all the nuances and legalities involved in a home business such as tax implications or liability issues for selling recalled or defective products. One area that newer sellers often misunderstand is the use of USPS mail supplies when shipping. There are several misconceptions about the free USPS mail supplies.

All sellers should do their due diligence to understand how these free supplies are used. Misuse of USPS supplies can result in fines from the US government, as well as unhappy eBay customers and bad feedback.

USPS Priority Mail supplies are free from the post office. They may only be used for priority mail. Continued misuse may result in the post office charging for these supplies in the future. The disclaimer on every priority mail box and envelope states, 

"This packaging is the property of the united states postal service and is provided solely for use in sending priority Mail shipments. Misuse may be a violation of federal law. This packaging is not for resale."

 

USPS Priority supplies may not be turned inside out

Oh clever eBay sellers, you aren't as clever as you think. This has been going on for years - eBay sellers thinking they can outsmart the post office by turning the free priority mail supplies inside out.

 

This is why the post office began stamping the inside of boxes and Tyveks on the inside - so if the box is turned inside out it is very obvious what's been done. Countless sellers still recommend to others to use this strategy for shipping items first class, parcel select, or first class international.

Just get the right supplies you need to start with. If money is tight, there are several ways to get free shipping supplies around your own community. 

Tyveks, Padded Flat Rate Envelopes, or Express Mail Envelopes should not be used as packing material

Another common misuse of USPS supplies is using the envelopes for packing material. For example, wrapping a small breakable lightweight item in a padded flat rate envelope then putting it inside a plain poly mailer and shipping it first class. A big no-no. Using PFREs or Tyvek envelopes as dunnage or packing material for larger items in boxes is also not allowed.  Ordering or taking supplies from the post office with the intention of using as packing material is not allowed, and really not ethical. This kind of behavior is what will lead the USPS to start charging for their priority supplies.

Flat Rate boxes and envelopes may not be altered

"Frankensteining" boxes is a common practice and is allowed when using any non-flat rate box. For example, let's say a seller is shipping a lamp. The lamp is too large to fit in any size priority box. Several 8x8x12 boxes can be "telescoped," or fashioned together to make a long tubular box. This process is completely USPS legal.

Just not with flat rate boxes. Why? Because priority mail shipping charges are calculated using weight. Flat rate prices have already been calculated for that specific size box. Same situation with the padded and cardboard flat rate mailers. The item must fit inside completely and the mailers must close on its own without extra tape. 

Priority Mail Boxes Can Not be Covered in Paper 

Another big no-no. In fact, covering a box in paper is not a good idea at all because the paper can get caught in the processing machines and ripped off. The package then goes to the undeliverable package graveyard and can't be returned to the seller or delivered to the buyer because there is no information on the package. As for priority supplies, covering them in paper is a blatant attempt to circumvent paying the fees for priority mail.

Don't do it.

Fines and unhappy customers are the results of shoddy shipping practices

The USPS can fine customers who misuse priority mail supplies. This is clearly stated in the disclaimer on the supplies. Ok, so maybe you won't get caught when your improperly packaged item is dropped in the mail or picked up by the mail carrier, but the buyer might pay the price. When priority mail supplies are misused, the item can be delivered to the customer with postage due. The buyer will receive a notice to pick up the package at their post office, and they will be charged a fee for the upgraded postage to priority. So by taking this tacky shortcut, sellers are inconveniencing buyers with a trip to the post office and requiring the buyer to pay extra to get his item. A great way to get a negative feedback and low DSRs on your eBay account. 

Bottom line - get the supplies you need ahead of time when selling on eBay. Figure out what supplies are needed when listing the item, and either order them online or go to WalMart and buy them. Being prepared is a huge part of being a successful entrepreneur.