Question on P.O. Boxes
airplanenut
Posts: 22,149 ✭✭✭✭✭
Howdy-Do! (yeah, I'm in a good mood 
)
I was thinking today (shocking!
) that I might want to think about getting a P.O. box, especially since they're relatively inexpensive. Most of what would be coming would be Registered packages, and maybe the occasional bubble mailer. With that, I have a few questions:
1- How many days do they give you a "Sorry We Missed You" card before returning the package? If I go away, would I have to put a hold on the box, too, to keep the mail at my PO?
2- Since almost nothing I'd be getting would be going in the actual box (I'd have to sign for it), would I just be able to get the smallest size box? Occasionally, that would mean a bubble mailer wouldn't fit, but otherwise, everything would just be a card (or a letter if someone sent a check). Or, should I just upgrade to the second biggest size to allow for bubble mailers to fit?
3- The USPS site lists different fee groups for PO boxes here... yet I can't find one that matches the prices in my PO (or for that matter, the length for which you get the box). Should I just figure what's on the wall at my PO is what I'm paying?
Thanks!
Jeremy
)I was thinking today (shocking!
) that I might want to think about getting a P.O. box, especially since they're relatively inexpensive. Most of what would be coming would be Registered packages, and maybe the occasional bubble mailer. With that, I have a few questions:1- How many days do they give you a "Sorry We Missed You" card before returning the package? If I go away, would I have to put a hold on the box, too, to keep the mail at my PO?
2- Since almost nothing I'd be getting would be going in the actual box (I'd have to sign for it), would I just be able to get the smallest size box? Occasionally, that would mean a bubble mailer wouldn't fit, but otherwise, everything would just be a card (or a letter if someone sent a check). Or, should I just upgrade to the second biggest size to allow for bubble mailers to fit?
3- The USPS site lists different fee groups for PO boxes here... yet I can't find one that matches the prices in my PO (or for that matter, the length for which you get the box). Should I just figure what's on the wall at my PO is what I'm paying?
Thanks!
Jeremy
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0
Comments
2. If they feel you have a box that's too small for what you are receiving, they'll make you get a bigger box. And anything that they can cram into it, will be crammed into it. If you're concerned about delicate items, get a box large enough to handle them comfortably.
3. Whatever your local PO says is what you'll pay.
New collectors, please educate yourself before spending money on coins; there are people who believe that using numismatic knowledge to rip the naïve is what this hobby is all about.
These all sound like questions only your post office can really answer.
When I get a package that I must sign for, they simply put a card in
the PO Box so I know to go to the desk. I don't know how long they
will sit on these before sending them back.
PO Boxes are a really good idea for any coin-related mail. Much better
from a security standpoint than something with your physical address
on the package.
Ken
My old PO had "lockers" where they put things that didn't fit (and didn't need to be signed for) in your box. They would then put the key into your box.
Don't know about the rest of your questions which is why I suggest you talk to them. Also, talking to them, you may get nicer service if you are in a small town
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
New collectors, please educate yourself before spending money on coins; there are people who believe that using numismatic knowledge to rip the naïve is what this hobby is all about.
My friend has one of the small boxes at the Short Hills Post Office and they charge her, from what she said, $13 per month but all she gets is envelopes (this is the wall box you see at the Post office). If the box gets filled, she doesn't check it but once a month, they call her and tell her to come get the mail or they will charge a fee for holding the extra mail that does NOT fit in the box.
This is what SHE said but ask the local Post Office as they can tell you exactly what the deal is.
As for bouncing mail back if you don't retrieve it, I believe that only applies to registered mail but I could be wrong. I've never had it happen before.
When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary.
Thomas Paine
Mine, in small town, has lockers for largers packages also, and I have never had a warning either. They are small time folks, and are real 'workable' - ie. if they know you, they will work with you probably.
I would probably advise a medium box if you are expecting packages - at least that will appease them somewhat if you get a lot of the large pckgs. I have one size up from the smallest, and nothing fits except the smallest of bubble mailers - I use the lockers quite a bit, and they have never complained. They have even had to hold a few larger pckgs. that didn't even fit in locker - then they just nosily ask me what it is ........ again it's a small town.
Once they said - this feels like gold coins - I said close - it's pennies.
Most of what would be coming would be Registered packages
Oh no it won't! Most will be crap junk mail that just clogs up the box! You'll have to clear it out a couple times each week.
<< <i>Oh no it won't! Most will be crap junk mail that just clogs up the box! You'll have to clear it out a couple times each week. >>
Sorry, I meant most of what I will be expecting
Anyhoo, another question... can I get one since I'm under 18, or do I need my parents to sign for it?
Jeremy
I don't recall an "Age" box on the application. I'd just act like I owned the place and see what happens.