Help! Will I have trouble with this via USPS?
moursund
Posts: 3,207 ✭✭✭✭✭
I wrapped up a slab and a couple of extra coins in some bubble-wrap, sealed it nicely in an envelope.
Now I wonder if it a weird size, and if I can mail it just by sticking on a few stamps.
It is a business sized envelope, but one end folded back a couple of inches, and it's about 3/4 or 1 inch thick, and weights 2.61 oz.
( The roll of silver dollars and the slab are for size comparison, and to obscure the address... 
)
This envelope sized, but does not have uniform thickness.
I'm suspecting that 3 first-class stamps will do the job.
**Can I post with confidence? **
Thanks,
am
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Comments
I believe anything over .25" thick is classified as a First Class parcel and will be charged a higher rate ($3+ depending on exact weight).
The rate will based upon priority mail rates and not first class rates
Nonsense. Anything not greater than 16 ounces may be mailed First Class.
I think it’s 13, looking at the usps site
But
I think it may go as a first class large envelope or parcel as mentioned.
It certainly won’t be a stick 3 stamps on and be done with it, tho
You mean I really have to go to the PO to figure out how to mail this thing? Bother!
I seem to recall reading here that 13 oz. is the max for walk up items. I've sent stuff First Class prepaid up to 16 oz. on many occasions.
I recently mailed 7 slabbed coins in a bubble envelope First class with insurance to Fla. Whatever you do have the Post Office weigh it. 3 stamps is not enough most likely.
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hmm. This is exactly 2.61 oz. Well, plus the weight of 3 stamps which I stuck upon it...
No, the regulations (for max thickness) are posted on usps.com... somewhere!
You can prepay and print a label assuming you have a scale and a printer. At that point, just drop it into a mailbox unless you want proof that USPS received the item, in which case you'll have to wait in line for an acceptance scan.
EDIT: Once you know how much the postage actually is, you can also just affix enough stamps. You won't get tracking, however.
If i knew how much to pay, I wouldn't need to prepay and print a label, I would just put on enough stamps, right?
"Non-Machinable"
My wife > @drwstr123 said:
Hand-stamp?
Surcharge
Yep, see my edit. Almost no seller with experience would forgo the tracking, however.
First Class is 16 ounces or less, it can be in a box, envelope, doesn't matter.
Wisdom has been chasing you but, you've always been faster
Yes, but I fail to see the relevance... we are talking about a 2.6 ounce non-machinable letter.
I’ve mailed many coins this way. It’s a First Class package with rates starting at $4.00, you can determine the exact postage here: https://postcalc.usps.com/
If it has stamps rather than a printed label and it is more than a half-inch thick, it has to be brought to the Post Office and given to a clerk. Security regulations were changed in September 2019 and I had a few stamped packages returned.
I’ve had a couple slabbed coins successfully mailed to me as “non-machinable” letters, but I wouldn’t risk it.
Dude first you are too lazy to use flips for your coins and posted a zillion times protesting the answers you were given. Now it’s too much work to do it right and go to the PO.If you don’t care about what your mailing go ahead just think the postage on there or flip a coin. If you care then listen to what people are saying. But good God man what is. Is. Thanks 🙏
🎶 shout shout, let it all out 🎶
Don't cause yourself grief, go to the P.O. and do it right. All you may do is cause your shipto address grief.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
It's too thick to go 1st class. It can go 1st class parcel. The rate depends on the destination. Go to usps.com, choose "calculate a price", put in the parameters of the package and it will tell you what postage is required.
Danger Will Robinson! I delivered mail for 34 years and my first thought is Do Not Use An Envelope. The machines may tear it up and the contents become loose in the mail.
Instead use a small box or at the very least a heavy cardboard photo mailer. You must pay parcel rate anyway so why not ensure that it gets there intact and that you get what you pay for?
If you have an accurate scale you can weigh it and calculate the rate using quick tools at USPS.COM
It is NOT a non-machinable letter at that thickness.
First-Class Mail Letters
Price paid on a per ounce basis – based on First-Class Mail stamp price
Maximum Weight: 3.5 ounces – Additional ounces above one ounce have a separate per ounce price
Size Requirements:
Minimum Size: 3½ inches by 5 inches
Maximum Size: 6⅛ inches by 11½ inches
Thickness: 0.009 inch to ¼ inch
Pieces that do not meet the minimum dimensions are nonmailable
Letters that do not meet certain size and shape requirements may also be charged a separate Nonmachinable Surcharge
Pieces that exceed the maximum dimensions or weight are priced as Flat (Large Envelope) mailpiece
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-are-the-Types-of-First-Class-Mail
The way I typically mail (relatively inexpensive) coins is with a Safe-T-Mailer inside a bubble mailer. Note that I've never had a damaged slab with this method. For more expensive items, I usually use a Safe-T-Mailer inside a small Priority Flat Rate box. It provides extra protection and usually arrives faster than First Class.
Yeah, I've never had one damaged or lost. I usually put a bubble mailer inside a bubble mailer for slabs.
I hope i'm not really that frustrating...!
I think chewing on a subject and the options is moderately interesting. Am I beating a dead horse? Do I have that tendency? Do I go on long after diminishing returns have set in?**
I now appreciate better the USPS rules on non-machinable (due to non-uniform thickness) letters.
Took some searching, but I found the proper web pages (and mostly understandable, especially coupled with the info in this thread)
Ok, I'll call this topic quits, and repackage my package, and/or take it to the PO.
Thanks, good stuff here. Great craic.
**I heard they have an addiction recovery program for people who won't let go of a subject. It's a 16-step program, called "Onandon"
Pieces that exceed any of the maximum dimensions or are rigid, nonrectangular, or not uniformly thick are mailed as First-Class Package Service-Retail parcels.
Yeah. My first thought was no way you can ship it the way you first described in your OP.
If you are just starting out shipping coins it is best to spend the time and effort to go to your local post office and ask the front counter employees for their feedback and advice.
Why risk losing your coins? Good luck!😎
I would at a minimum tape up the outside.
Spend a few extra bucks and put that envelope into a Priority envelope, taping the edges and address.
First Class mail with tracking should be a little cheaper. Between $4 and $5 instead of $8.
As I said, pay a few extra bucks. It will be safer and not likely to be torn open or a target.
@moursund
I hope i'm not really that frustrating...!
I think chewing on a subject and the options is moderately interesting. Am I beating a dead horse? Do I have that tendency? Do I go on long after diminishing returns have set in?**
When you ask 3 questions in a sentence the answer is yes you are frustrated and could use a friend.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
I would still tape reinforce the edges
If you don't ship many packages then ok but the $3 adds up quickly if you ship every day😎
For a 3 oz. parcel, it'll be less than $4 prepaid.
Priority Mail is a waste of money for inexpensive coins unless the buyer is in a huge hurry.
I guess it depends on what you ship. If they are just slabbed moderns then it doesn’t matter.
I agree. However, some people on the forum insist on priority boxes.
I agree that more valuable coins should not be shipped First Class but he was asking if he could just put 3 stamps on the package so I assumed they were not high dollar coins😉
Three first class stamps will not do. It is too thick. You need to take it to the post office and have them calculate the proper rate.
While neither a box nor an envelope will protect against the damages posted here, a box will stand up to more abuse.
Yeah about 30 bucks. If valuable I would take more care.
I see you edited it🤣😂
😁
Edited before your quote of me!
First Class mail with tracking in a bubble envelope should work but again take it to your local post office for proper postage fee.😎
And hand delivering it will avoid even more potential abuse. Somewhere in here, there's a reasonable middle ground.
No.
🤨
Use a padded mailer next time. They’re cheap. In 20 years I’ve only had one fail, when I had a $30 coin in a PCGS slab arrive in several pieces.
Dave
You are aware that you can charge S/H fees?
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Unfortunately, Ebay and Amazon will not let you hand deliver as they require tracking number be posted in order to get paid🙄