Registered Mail packing questions

opportunity · May 9, 2014 5:20AM

First of all, is it best to cover the whole entire box with brown tape? When I sent a package before, the USPS person used their brown tape but only around the edges.

Second of all, what is the absolute most secure tape to use? I found this stuff but I think it's weird and annoying that all of it seems to be water activated instead of pre-stickied? Anyone find better stuff?

commoncents05 · May 9, 2014 5:23AM

Brown tape only has to cover the edges. Personally I prefer the gummed, water activated tape compared to the self adhesive, it sticks much better.

-Paul

airplanenut · May 9, 2014 5:27AM

Water-activated is by far the best. It sticks much better, is the only kind I've seen that is reinforced, and because it isn't sticky to start with, the no-gummed side is just paper, which means it accepts ink easily. This is important if you have to write an address over the tape or when they postmark over the seals. Often, the packages I receive with the pre-stickied tape have had all the postmark ink on the stamps rubbed off, which takes away some of the security.

Basically, the reinforced tape that requires wetting is FAR better than the other options.

jdimmick · May 9, 2014 5:34AM

I use water applied re-inforced , works the best.

If its a few grand, I usually just tape the edges and seams, but if its higher dollar, I cover the box over completely
jim

Jinx86 · May 9, 2014 5:39AM

Ive only used water activated and have had no issues. Here are work we wrap the entire box for situation dictates.

derryb · May 9, 2014 5:40AM

<< Water-activated is by far the best. It sticks much better, is the only kind I've seen that is reinforced, and because it isn't sticky to start with, the no-gummed side is just paper, which means it accepts ink easily. This is important if you have to write an address over the tape or when they postmark over the seals. Often, the packages I receive with the pre-stickied tape have had all the postmark ink on the stamps rubbed off, which takes away some of the security.

Basically, the reinforced tape that requires wetting is FAR better than the other options. >>

This. I buy my tape, similar to that in the OP, from staples. Ironically, most post offices don't sell it.

All registered mail goes either first class registered (under 13 oz.) or priority registered (over 13 oz or if requested for under 13 oz shipmentsd). It all travels the same snail pace so don't pay extra for priority unless you are over the 13 oz. limit. Don't forget if your registered shipment is over 13 oz. and going the required priority registered you can use priority boxes/lables and take advantage of flat rate priority box shipping discount. Of course they will add the "registered" fee and insurance to that just as they do with "first class" registered. First class registered is always a bit cheaper than priority registered.

USPS requires registered tape to be paper so that postmark won't rub off (no plastic tape). Only requirement is that all seams on box be covered. If necessary on a heavy shipment I will first run a band of half inch reinforced clear tape around it and then cover that with the paper tape.

Another tip. Instead of "signature confirmation" (that requires a post office form) verbally request "electronic return receipt" while at the counter. This requires no form, provides on-line verification of actual signature of the receiver (PDF file that is requested from the usps tracking page) and satisfies ebay and paypal tracking requirements for "signature confirmation." The only gurantee with registered tracking is that post office receipt and delivery will be promptly updated. Scans in between are unpredictable and sometimes non existent.

BAJJERFAN · May 9, 2014 5:44AM

<< First of all, is it best to cover the whole entire box with brown tape? When I sent a package before, the USPS person used their brown tape but only around the edges.

Second of all, what is the absolute most secure tape to use? I found this stuff but I think it's weird and annoying that all of it seems to be water activated instead of pre-stickied? Anyone find better stuff? >>

The stuff in your link is the best tape to use. You can buy it at Staples for less than that Amazon price. You only need to cover any seams or anything written or stamped on the box that you wish to cover up. If you only do a package infrequently, wetting it under a little faucet water is fine. If you do a lot of packages, there are manual and electric powered dispensers that you can buy which cut the tape and wet it for you. Also registered mail gets handled with kid gloves so you don't need to tape it Fort Knox tight.

If you use the Flat Rate boxes from the USPS, you aren't supposed to cover the words "FLAT RATE BOX".

Coinosaurus · May 9, 2014 5:47AM

I use the self-stick stuff, the water one is too messy. Two pieces on the back of the envelope and you are done. Occassionally the PO person is suspcious of the self stick tape but in the end they take it.

derryb · May 9, 2014 5:49AM

Paper tape at Staples - $10.99

This is perfect for the job, have used it for years. You don't need a dispenser, just cut to length and wet the back with a sponge or cloth unless of course you are a heavy spitter.

BAJJERFAN · May 9, 2014 5:53AM

<< Paper tape at Staples - $10.99

This is perfect for the job, have used it for years. You don't need a dispenser, just cut to length and wet the back with a sponge or washcloth. >>

+1,000

The place I used to work was one of the largest package shippers in Iowa and they bought that tape by the pallet-ful. The auto dispensers were really nice.

Tiny · May 9, 2014 5:54AM

<< Brown tape only has to cover the edges. Personally I prefer the gummed, water activated tape compared to the self adhesive, it sticks much better.

-Paul >>

What Paul Said

LindeDad · May 9, 2014 5:54AM

Postal regulations require it to be reinforced and to be a non smear type.

GRANDAM · May 9, 2014 6:21AM

In the link the OP posted,,,,,, check-out the 2nd to last mini-link below the reinforced tape he linked.

I use it all the time,,,,, no problems,,,

Self Adhesive tape

GrandAm

opportunity · May 9, 2014 6:33AM

Ok interesting. I was thinking about how to package something that absolutely MAXIMUM security...for something that just can't get lost/messed with.

So that stuff in the link in my first post wrapped several layers entirely around a box would be the best bet? Maybe a white address label over the top?

Could any of you maybe post an example pic of one of your Registered packages all wrapped up?

mozin · May 9, 2014 6:38AM

I just bought another roll of the Staples brand reinforced tape that looks like in the original post. Cost here in Portland OR was just under $9. It is a very large roll, 125 yards in length, same as the Amazon roll.

Since I have only TPG coins, I put the coins inside a PCGS box, with any padding that seems needed. I use heavy plastic tape in two places to hold the lid on. The USPS Flat Rate Middle Size 11X9X6 inch boxes are generally cheaper for me than smaller boxes. This is a good place to get rid of some of that big bubble packing material, or even popcorn. My PCGS boxes are wrapped in bubble wrap before they are placed inside the big box. I use the Staples tape only on the edges, doing the ends first, then all around the center of the box. My return address gets written on the tape.

I receive so many of the oversized shirt boxes, the ones about 14 inch by 12 inch by 3 1/2 inch, from USPS, and other carriers, that come way too smashed for my liking. I will not use them.

Cameonut · May 9, 2014 6:52AM

I use the water activated reinforced tape. Works great.

I tried the self adhesive tape and not only is it a lot more expensive, but I nearly made an enemy of my favorite postal clerk. Turns out the self adhesive tape I used was not very compatible with the ink stamp they use to stamp the seams. The ink tended to sit on the surface and not soak in - this resulted in smears and lots of ink transferred to the clerk's hands. I vowed never to use the self adhesive again and pitched it.

291fifth · May 9, 2014 7:04AM

Use the reinforced, water activated tape. It is best to cover the whole box as the post office will then postmark every potential opening. (Possible exception - the flat rate Priority Mail Boxes.)

BAJJERFAN · May 9, 2014 7:14AM

<< Ok interesting. I was thinking about how to package something that absolutely MAXIMUM security...for something that just can't get lost/messed with.

So that stuff in the link in my first post wrapped several layers entirely around a box would be the best bet? Maybe a white address label over the top?

Could any of you maybe post an example pic of one of your Registered packages all wrapped up? >>

Putting a ton of tape on it won't help against theft. Just cover the seams and go registered. You can get 5 or 6 rolls of silver eagles into one of these little suckers.

Here is a small flat rate box about half done. just do the other end to match. Cover the sealable flap too.

MGLICKER · May 9, 2014 7:17AM

Never had luck with the water active reinforced tape. I use the plain brown paper tape. Never a problem.

howards · May 9, 2014 7:30AM

One of the clerks at my P.O. refused a registered package because I used self adhesive paper tape.

Nowadays, I just ask the clerk to tear off a length of their acceptable registered tape. I don't send registered packages often, and this provides me with a free source of guaranteed acceptable tape.

pruebas · May 9, 2014 7:46AM

Some good info in this thread.

I buy my packing tape in bulk from ULine and use it for everything.

BryceM · May 9, 2014 9:00AM

The clerk at my local PO handed me an enormous roll one day for free. I think they got tired of me having craft time at the counter. I thought it quite friendly of them. Stuff works great.

fishcooker · May 9, 2014 9:34AM

ULine used to have some archival grade bags (i.e. intercept shield).

Registered Mail packing questions

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