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Post Office says "Your Busted!" (I'm quaking in my boots)

Visited the local PO today to ship some coins to a forum member...and hand one of the boxes to the clerk. He immediately says this "I guess your going to be shipping this Priority since you stole our labels, how does it feel to be busted?!"

My response, Um, I'm sending everything priority anyway, what are you talking about? (I had cut down a Priority Label to fit better on the box)

His response: Well we are cracking down on people stealing our supplies and using them for their own, people just cant take the labels and clip off the Priority header and use them for regular shipping." So the new labels have watermarks, anyone who uses a label, even if they cut of the top header will be told to send the box Priority or put a new label on it"

I didnt want to get into it with him, but if im sending the package via the post office anyway....and Im giving you my business, is it such a big deal to cut down a handy-dandy label? I'm glad he doesnt know about my other evil schemes.

Heck, i take their boxes and turn em inside out! image (sadly, some post offices have priority boxes with watermarks on the INSIDe to prevent this practice. Fortunately i loaded up....hehe.

anyhoo, just killing some time and wanted to share stories from the front line shipping wars.

Ciao
Leo
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    <<Heck, i take their boxes and turn em inside out!>>

    The priority boxes I have here are printed "Priority Mail" on the inside. This is not a watermark but bold printing with ink.
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    LALASD4LALASD4 Posts: 3,602 ✭✭✭
    watermarks would not show if you wrap it with paper.image
    Coin Collector, Chicken Owner, Licensed Tax Preparer & Insurance Broker/Agent.
    San Diego, CA


    image
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    fcloudfcloud Posts: 12,133 ✭✭✭✭
    If you use their suppies intended for priority, you should pay for that service. Its just that simple.

    President, Racine Numismatic Society 2013-2014; Variety Resource Dimes; See 6/8/12 CDN for my article on Winged Liberty Dimes; Ebay

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    LALASD4LALASD4 Posts: 3,602 ✭✭✭
    If you use their suppies intended for priority, you should pay for that service. Its just that simple.

    And how about the time when you don't use their supplies and they make you ship it Priority anyways. So my thinking is that it just comes out even.
    Coin Collector, Chicken Owner, Licensed Tax Preparer & Insurance Broker/Agent.
    San Diego, CA


    image
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    "watermarks would not show if you wrap it with paper"

    Excellent advice image
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    PreussenPreussen Posts: 2,307 ✭✭✭
    Seems clear to me; The higher Priority rates allow the PO to furnish supplies (envelopes, boxes, labels, ETC.). Use of these supplies for anything other than Priority Mail is theft. - Preussen
    "Illegitimis non carborundum" -General Joseph Stilwell. See my auctions
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    fcloudfcloud Posts: 12,133 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>If you use their suppies intended for priority, you should pay for that service. Its just that simple.

    And how about the time when you don't use their supplies and they make you ship it Priority anyways. So my thinking is that it just comes out even. >>



    Ah, justification! Nice try.

    President, Racine Numismatic Society 2013-2014; Variety Resource Dimes; See 6/8/12 CDN for my article on Winged Liberty Dimes; Ebay

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    ConnecticoinConnecticoin Posts: 13,275 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I bet you rip the "do not remove" tags off furniture as well.
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    "The higher Priority rates allow the PO to furnish supplies..."

    Not necessarily true. I shipped a very heavy flat rate box of coins to Oregon for $8.10.

    If i sent it in my own box, it would have cost $24.00+ due to the weight and the distance. So are they losing money on this?
    Or are they just raping someone who doesnt know about Priority flat rate?

    In another case i had large box, filled with sportscards, weighed quite a bit, no way it fits into a Priority flat rate. It was cheaper to send several small flat rate priority boxes, then to send one heavy box. the alternative is to send it bookrate or mediamail. and simply lie about the contents image
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    LALASD4LALASD4 Posts: 3,602 ✭✭✭
    Well, forgive me Father for I have sinned.

    But also, let he who have not sinned throw the first stone.
    Coin Collector, Chicken Owner, Licensed Tax Preparer & Insurance Broker/Agent.
    San Diego, CA


    image
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    ColonialCoinUnionColonialCoinUnion Posts: 10,087 ✭✭✭


    << <i>So my thinking is that it just comes out even. >>



    I believe a similar rationale is used whenever people falsify their expense accounts at work.
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    PreussenPreussen Posts: 2,307 ✭✭✭


    << <i>"The higher Priority rates allow the PO to furnish supplies..."

    Not necessarily true. I shipped a very heavy flat rate box of coins to Oregon for $8.10.

    If i sent it in my own box, it would have cost $24.00+ due to the weight and the distance. So are they losing money on this?
    Or are they just raping someone who doesnt know about Priority flat rate?

    In another case i had large box, filled with sportscards, weighed quite a bit, no way it fits into a Priority flat rate. It was cheaper to send several small flat rate priority boxes, then to send one heavy box. >>


    Sorry, I can't agree; It is PO material, and they may dictate its use as they see fit. Using it otherwise is improper, just as you were told image


    << <i> the alternative is to send it bookrate or mediamail and simply lie about the contents image >>

    image


    Peace - Preussen
    "Illegitimis non carborundum" -General Joseph Stilwell. See my auctions
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    LALASD4LALASD4 Posts: 3,602 ✭✭✭
    and for people who don't declare their coin sale to the IRS. and for people who do not pay Sales Tax to their state when on their tax form it clearly states that they need to pay when they buy things from out of state.
    Coin Collector, Chicken Owner, Licensed Tax Preparer & Insurance Broker/Agent.
    San Diego, CA


    image
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    itsnotjustmeitsnotjustme Posts: 8,787 ✭✭✭
    I see no reason the PO can't or shouldn't set the rules for use of supplies they provide. You want First Class, buy your own labels and boxes.
    Give Blood (Red Bags) & Platelets (Yellow Bags)!
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    BigDaddyzBigDaddyz Posts: 1,306 ✭✭✭
    I received a large package a few days ago that contained a couple of small boxes and the rest of it was packed with wadded up "Hi dollar fiber priority envelopes". I guess the guy orders them by the case to use for packing materials. Kind of expensive, but free for him.
    Great BST experiences: abitofthisabitofthat, silvercoinsdude, gerard, coinfame, mikescoins, wondercoin
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    Another shining example of honesty and integrity in the coin world.
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    shirohniichanshirohniichan Posts: 4,992 ✭✭✭


    << <i>If you use their suppies intended for priority, you should pay for that service. Its just that simple. >>



    That should only apply to new packaging.

    I tried to use a used Priority Mail box to mail something first class and was told I had couldn't do so. If it's already been used once, what's the big deal? Is it the job of the Post Office to ensure we don't recycle materials?
    image
    Obscurum per obscurius
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    19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,503 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i><<Heck, i take their boxes and turn em inside out!>>

    The priority boxes I have here are printed "Priority Mail" on the inside. This is not a watermark but bold printing with ink. >>



    You gotta wrap them in a brown paper shopping bag from the super market to try and cover those up! image

    Actually, since the PO supplies customers with free Priority/Express boxes, labels, and envelopes, I have heard that some shipping/mailing companies had some kind of legal action going on! Can't validate it nor find it but............if we're gonna use their free supplies, we might as wel play by their rules.

    No??
    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
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    LALASD4LALASD4 Posts: 3,602 ✭✭✭
    Should you break the Law or should you save the earth? I like to heard the arguments on this one.image
    Coin Collector, Chicken Owner, Licensed Tax Preparer & Insurance Broker/Agent.
    San Diego, CA


    image
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    imageimageimageimageimage

    My neighborhood is covered with those things from taggers. I don't think they should make customers into enemy number 1 -- especially since their walk-in customers seem to be using big ticket shipping options more and more.
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    RegistryCoinRegistryCoin Posts: 5,129 ✭✭✭✭
    I too turn the priority boxes inside out, but that is because the tape for registered mail will not stick to the outside of a priority box. One time when I turned a box inside out, and wrapped with registered mail tape, the postal worker said that I couldn't use the priority box for that purpose. I reminded him that sending something "registered", included "priority" delivery. "Oh, you're right" he said.
    And for the most part I find it pretty interesting that they try to police only those that make an effort to support and use their services, when one could very easily and openly take their boxes, and then use them for any number of purposes that don't include "returning to the scene of the crime" TO PAY THEM MONEY. image
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    LALASD4LALASD4 Posts: 3,602 ✭✭✭
    I think they enforced the rule because of the lawsuits, other companies are claiming free supplies to be a unfair business practice. So if you burn them or trash the supplies, no one cares.
    Coin Collector, Chicken Owner, Licensed Tax Preparer & Insurance Broker/Agent.
    San Diego, CA


    image
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    If you are indeed taking the priority mail boxes and turning them inside out for your own personal mailing use that is not priority mail; you are a thief and stealing Post office products. You are also costing ever American more money through taxes for your actions.
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    RichieURichRichieURich Posts: 8,621 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I bet you rip the "do not remove" tags off furniture as well. >>



    I wait for a diversion such as a big fire or accident somewhere that has the authorities elsewhere. Then I tear off as many tags as I can find. image

    An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.

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    stimmy, that is essentially true. *BUT*, the USPS operates in the black in regard to their shipping services. They seem happy to leave all kinds of Priority Mail supplies out in the open, and place no restrictions on the amount that are taken. I suspect that having these products in peoples' houses is GOOD advertising, and that outside influence has at least something to do with the watermarking.
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    291fifth291fifth Posts: 25,183 ✭✭✭✭✭
    People who misuse the P.O. provided supplies risk killing the entire program for those who use them properly. I support the P.O. cracking down.
    All glory is fleeting.
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    notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭
    Here's my honest opinion formed before I read this thread: When I get a package from a seller who has used USPS priority mail envelopes and supplies for internal packing materials or turned a new box inside out (I have no problems with them doing this to a used box) and shipped it via some other method, that immediately lowers my estimation of the seller. I realize they will steal and commit unethical acts. That is what goes through my mind. --jerry
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    MacCrimmonMacCrimmon Posts: 7,058 ✭✭✭
    I once informed a little old lady with a heavy package that she could save $25 just by dropping her parcel into the large FLAT-RATE box. For some reason the clerk did not seem happy with me, but the little old lady thanked me nonetheless.image
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    I thought they were OUR Supplies!....seeing that we pay for everything, including the salary, 401K Plan with matching Contributions from our taxes, the opting out of the Social Security System that we are stuck with, the Union work Rules....shall I go on?
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    topstuftopstuf Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'll GLADLY pay the rate for priority just to not have to go BUY boxes at an office supply or UPS store.

    Them boxes is hecka neat.

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    << <i>

    << <i><<Heck, i take their boxes and turn em inside out!>>

    The priority boxes I have here are printed "Priority Mail" on the inside. This is not a watermark but bold printing with ink. >>



    You gotta wrap them in a brown paper shopping bag from the super market to try and cover those up! image

    Actually, since the PO supplies customers with free Priority/Express boxes, labels, and envelopes, I have heard that some shipping/mailing companies had some kind of legal action going on! Can't validate it nor find it but............if we're gonna use their free supplies, we might as wel play by their rules.

    No?? >>



    YES!!! Flat rate priority mail has got to be the greatest deal in town. I fit over 5000 Wheaties into one of those boxes and shipped it for $8.10! Now I should steal the boxes, labels, tape etc. because they make money. Hmmmmmmm..... and you got upset becuase they infered something about label usage when you know you use the stuff not as intended. And you want us to rally around that. Hmmmmmm....I must be missing part of the story or maybe I woke up in altered dimension where shame and decency do not exsist. OK, that does it, I am going back to sleep. Mommy I don't like it here.
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    291fifth291fifth Posts: 25,183 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I thought they were OUR Supplies!....seeing that we pay for everything, including the salary, 401K Plan with matching Contributions from our taxes, the opting out of the Social Security System that we are stuck with, the Union work Rules....shall I go on? >>



    No, they aren't your supplies.
    All glory is fleeting.
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    "I tried to use a used Priority Mail box to mail something first class and was told I had couldn't do so."

    ..ah but can you use a used priority box, to reship priority?

    also seems silly not to be able to reuse/recycle a box.
    more dead trees lol.
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    LALASD4LALASD4 Posts: 3,602 ✭✭✭
    Now that I know I might had been an unethical thief once, everything over 13 oz. is Priority anyways so we are actually arguring about nothing.image
    Coin Collector, Chicken Owner, Licensed Tax Preparer & Insurance Broker/Agent.
    San Diego, CA


    image
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    I seen them return a package shipped media mail because someone had turned the box inside out.
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    shirohniichanshirohniichan Posts: 4,992 ✭✭✭


    << <i>"I tried to use a used Priority Mail box to mail something first class and was told I had couldn't do so."

    ..ah but can you use a used priority box, to reship priority?

    also seems silly not to be able to reuse/recycle a box.
    more dead trees lol. >>



    Recycled boxes ain't free! Shame on me for trying to be ecologically sensitive (and cheap at the same time).
    image
    Obscurum per obscurius
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    << <i>I thought they were OUR Supplies!....seeing that we pay for everything, including the salary, 401K Plan with matching Contributions from our taxes, the opting out of the Social Security System that we are stuck with, the Union work Rules....shall I go on? >>



    You thought wrong......



    << <i>Taxpayers covered 23.3% of postal costs in 1971. A subsidy of that level in 2005 would have been approximately $15.9 billion. But direct subsidies to the USPS were phased out between 1972 and 1982. Today the USPS is funded entirely by revenues from postage. >>



    2006 USPS Financials

    You might notice that the revenue (generated from the different mail services they offer, not from our taxes), slightly exceeds the total operating expenses. That means if you choose not to use their services, they aren't getting a cent from you.

    But it's probably easier to justify theft the other way.
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    LALASD4LALASD4 Posts: 3,602 ✭✭✭
    I wondering how the Post Office stayed in operation all those years when it was operating in the red?image

    I wonder why no one answer my tax question? Don't tell me that no one paid Sales tax on their out of state purchases on their state tax returns except me.image

    Coin Collector, Chicken Owner, Licensed Tax Preparer & Insurance Broker/Agent.
    San Diego, CA


    image
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    I didn't know it was a crime to recycle Post Office cardboard ..Honest..image
    ......Larry........image
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    planetsteveplanetsteve Posts: 1,425 ✭✭✭✭
    Our tax payments cover none of the USPS' expenses. They have been self sufficient for the last three decades. (The militant protection of their free materials must help! image )
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    clarkbar04clarkbar04 Posts: 5,010 ✭✭✭✭✭
    By all means, do whatever it takes for you to convince yourself it isn't stealing.
    MS66 taste on an MS63 budget.
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    LALASD4LALASD4 Posts: 3,602 ✭✭✭
    Looks like some people are just collecting on their 30 year old interest payments.image
    Coin Collector, Chicken Owner, Licensed Tax Preparer & Insurance Broker/Agent.
    San Diego, CA


    image
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    Our taxes paid for the cleanup of an 800 million dollar anthrax prank... does that count?
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    speaking of stealing.... 39 cents for a stamp image talk about grand theft!
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    As for reusing the Priority boxes. Great! But they are still priority boxes.

    When I worked for the P.O. priority mail was a priority and the bright blue labels and boxes were one way of assuring us that we not missing the priority mail. It was automatic to see them. And Yes, we did give prority service.

    Same thing with the old green edge flats that said first class several places around the edge. Marking off first class did NOT take away the spirit of the green edges telling it the piece was first class, as the green edge meant something to us.

    Kudos to the person replying to the one saying taxes paid the saleries, etc. The P.O. is not supported by taxes.

    Same person mentioned the P.O. opting out of Social Security. WRONG. The do pay social security.

    Jim

    Delivery Confirmation has been a topic at times. I LIKE DELIVERY CONFIRMATION. For me the extra service I get is WELL worth the 45 or 50 cents. Just make sure if you send a first class letter with Del Confirmation it is thicker than 3/8" (as I recall) or it might get lost in the regular automated mail.
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    LALASD4LALASD4 Posts: 3,602 ✭✭✭
    Everyone here broke at least one of these commandments.image


    THOU SHALT NOT STEAL.


    "To steal means, to most men, to take a material thing that belongs to another. In reality, there are many facets to stealing. First, many men steal the dignity and respect that The Holy Trinity must have, that The Beloved Heavenly Queen must have, and that all men must have for the Church of My Choice.

    Men belittle the act of stealing, calling it instinct. In reality, men must know that to take anything they do not come by justly, is against My Will. They must be aware that to steal drains them of purity. Tell them, Moses, no man will steal Heaven, for I will stand in Judgment and no man will be allowed Here until reparation is made, whether the stealing be of material things, any part of man, or the manner in which men walk."





    THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST THY NEIGHBOR.


    "All men must be aware that to gossip or to darken another man's name or way will most certainly be accountable to Me. Each man is accountable for himself and will have to stand solely alone on the merits he earned walking the human role. Men who sin against this Rule will most likely sin against several of the others, for to bear false witness says ego, pride, jealousy, contempt, and a lack of self-discipline."

    Coin Collector, Chicken Owner, Licensed Tax Preparer & Insurance Broker/Agent.
    San Diego, CA


    image
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    Stealing is stealing. Doesn't matter how you tone it up, it's still stealing.
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    cladkingcladking Posts: 29,962 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Appropos of nothing in particular the PO has a $1000 fine for reusing stamps. It's
    rumored that they sometimes use invisable ink to cancel them to catch those who
    reuse them.

    They might institute such rules at any time.
    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
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    MrSpudMrSpud Posts: 4,499 ✭✭✭
    Of course stealing shipping supplies is wrong. How about if you use a great big free box that the liquor stores gives away and use helium baloons instead of bubble wrap so the box weighs very little. Then when they charge you by weight the postage is very little..... imageimage
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    CoxeCoxe Posts: 11,139
    A certain major auction company send me my lot winnings via USPS using one of their boxes. But inside that box, the parcel is inside a competitor shipping company's box. Since they do it as a matter of common practice, I have wondered how the shipping company whose boxes but not services were used would feel if they knew. Makes no difference to me, except that I need to wrestle open two boxes instead of one.
    Select Rarities -- DMPLs and VAMs
    NSDR - Life Member
    SSDC - Life Member
    ANA - Pay As I Go Member

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