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Registered Mail Paper Tape question?

BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
I sold a couple of high value items this week which had to be sent via registered mail.

I noticed that I wasn't keen on getting these wrapped up asap like the other coins, as playing with a wet sponge and gooey tape has lost it's fun.

Does anyone know if there's a self adhesive variety of paper tape that the USPS has approved for Registered Mail usage image

Thanks in Advance!!!
To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!

Comments

  • MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 34,811 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I sold a couple of high value items this week which had to be sent via registered mail.

    I noticed that I wasn't keen on getting these wrapped up asap like the other coins, as playing with a wet sponge and gooey tape has lost it's fun.

    Does anyone know if there's a self adhesive variety of paper tape that the USPS has approved for Registered Mail usage image

    Thanks in Advance!!! >>



    Yes.

    One post office near me has it, the main one doesn't image (perhaps they have a stockpile of the old stuff)


    I've used it, but I've never tested it, though. I wonder how easy it is to peel off itself and the package as opposed to the old fashioned wet-n-wild tape. (I hope they thought of this first before providing it for use.)
    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • coinguy1coinguy1 Posts: 13,484 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I sold a couple of high value items this week which had to be sent via registered mail.

    I noticed that I wasn't keen on getting these wrapped up asap like the other coins, as playing with a wet sponge and gooey tape has lost it's fun.

    Does anyone know if there's a self adhesive variety of paper tape that the USPS has approved for Registered Mail usage image

    Thanks in Advance!!! >>



    Yes.

    One post office near me has it, the main one doesn't image (perhaps they have a stockpile of the old stuff)


    I've used it, but I've never tested it, though. I wonder how easy it is to peel off itself and the package as opposed to the old fashioned wet-n-wild tape. (I hope they thought of this first before providing it for use.) >>

    Are you sure that self adhesive tape is the type which is required for registered mail? I have seen self adhesive brown tape before, but it wasn't approved for registered mail use.
  • JustacommemanJustacommeman Posts: 22,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Our Post office's don't even sell the "wet and sponge" tape anymore. I have to pick it up at Staple's or a hardware store and it's actually getting harder to find. As far as I know this is the only authorized tape. MJ
    Walker Proof Digital Album
    Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
  • TomBTomB Posts: 21,959 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Some of the post offices in RI would give out self-adhesive tape for mailing Registered packages, but I never thought they were as secure as traditional paper tape.
    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,349 ✭✭✭✭✭
    All of the self-adhesive tapes that I've seen are waxed and shouldn't be allowed for Registered. I've gotten some packages with that tape, but I don't think the accepting PO was correct. If you ship enough, you may want to invest in a paper taping machine, which draws the tape over a wet brush and slices it perfectly to your desired length with the pull of a handle. I got one used on eBay a few years ago for $75 or so, and boy was it a great buy. Then again, I use the stuff all the time, as opposed to being an infrequent taper.
    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • ajaanajaan Posts: 17,550 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I use this that I buy at my local Office Max. Never had a problem with it at my PO.

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  • MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 34,811 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>I sold a couple of high value items this week which had to be sent via registered mail.

    I noticed that I wasn't keen on getting these wrapped up asap like the other coins, as playing with a wet sponge and gooey tape has lost it's fun.

    Does anyone know if there's a self adhesive variety of paper tape that the USPS has approved for Registered Mail usage image

    Thanks in Advance!!! >>



    Yes.

    One post office near me has it, the main one doesn't image (perhaps they have a stockpile of the old stuff)


    I've used it, but I've never tested it, though. I wonder how easy it is to peel off itself and the package as opposed to the old fashioned wet-n-wild tape. (I hope they thought of this first before providing it for use.) >>

    Are you sure that self adhesive tape is the type which is required for registered mail? I have seen self adhesive brown tape before, but it wasn't approved for registered mail use. >>




    The postal clerk provided it to me for a couple of separate registered mail packages.
    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • seateddimeseateddime Posts: 6,180 ✭✭✭
    I purchased some boxes from Mason Box company, they make shipping these easy.

    Also you can use an envelope with secure brown tape.
    I seldom check PM's but do check emails often jason@seated.org

    Buying top quality Seated Dimes in Gem BU and Proof.

    Buying great coins - monster eye appeal only.
  • mrpotatoheaddmrpotatoheadd Posts: 7,576 ✭✭✭
    DMM says:

    "To be used on Registered Mail, tape must visibly damage the envelope or wrapper if removed and must absorb the ink in a postmark impression."
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>All of the self-adhesive tapes that I've seen are waxed and shouldn't be allowed for Registered. I've gotten some packages with that tape, but I don't think the accepting PO was correct. If you ship enough, you may want to invest in a paper taping machine, which draws the tape over a wet brush and slices it perfectly to your desired length with the pull of a handle. I got one used on eBay a few years ago for $75 or so, and boy was it a great buy. Then again, I use the stuff all the time, as opposed to being an infrequent taper. >>



    Thanks Airplanenut as the watering tape dispenser or taping machine is something I didn't know about.

    I'm just glancing on EBay now and although as high as $1400 there's some for under $30 that would make this much easier!!!

    I like this one for $27 as I have a few more gummed rolls on hand which should last me another decade.

    image
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • Batman23Batman23 Posts: 4,999 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>DMM says:

    "To be used on Registered Mail, tape must visibly damage the envelope or wrapper if removed and must absorb the ink in a postmark impression." >>




    This is the key. I have sent numerous packages via registered mail for work. I started off with the wet sponge and paper tape. We then picked up some nice brown paper tape that was the sticky adhesive. This was really cool and quick. After a few times of use I was informed by the post office that I could not use that tape as it would not accept the postal ink very well. The next type of sticky adhesive brown tape I tried had a plastic feel and I know that would not work. We went back to the normal paper tape and wet sponge. It is not that much of a problem if you precut your tape and have the sponge lying flat.
  • coinguy1coinguy1 Posts: 13,484 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I use this that I buy at my local Office Max. Never had a problem with it at my PO. >>

    I think you've been lucky.image
  • BarryBarry Posts: 10,100 ✭✭✭
    The clerk at my PO always put the tape on for me, and it was the self-adhesive kind. I guess this isn't SOP for them...
  • BurnieBurnie Posts: 442 ✭✭✭
    I just use a shallow dish with a folded wet cloth. Simply cut the tape to size and slide it over the cloth. It's quick, mess free and easy.
    BST transactions Wondercoin, MCM, levinll, Zrlevin and ajaan. Been buying and selling coins on E-Bay since 2002 as Monk2580
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I just use a shallow dish with a folded wet cloth. Simply cut the tape to size and slide it over the cloth. It's quick, mess free and easy. >>



    Yes guess that sounds like it would be less messy then sponging it on the kitchen counter near the sink which leaves the counter all sticky image
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • JustacommemanJustacommeman Posts: 22,852 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I just use a shallow dish with a folded wet cloth. Simply cut the tape to size and slide it over the cloth. It's quick, mess free and easy. >>



    Yes guess that sounds like it would be less messy then sponging it on the kitchen counter near the sink which leaves the counter all sticky image >>



    Damn, that's my method exactly! I'm the worst. I always have unraveling tape curling up by time I get to the PO. It flips a switch on my A.D.D and O.C.D. They basically laugh at me at the counter of the Post Office. I was also a poor ""colorer" as a kid and couldn't stay in the lines. The irony is that I'm a designer now...........MJ

    Walker Proof Digital Album
    Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>I just use a shallow dish with a folded wet cloth. Simply cut the tape to size and slide it over the cloth. It's quick, mess free and easy. >>



    Yes guess that sounds like it would be less messy then sponging it on the kitchen counter near the sink which leaves the counter all sticky image >>



    Damn, that's my method exactly! I'm the worst. I always have unraveling tape by time I get to the PO. It flips a switch on my A.D.D and O.C.D. They basically laugh at me at the counter of the Post Office. I was also a poor ""colorer" as a kid and couldn't stay in the lines. The irony is that I'm a designer now...........MJ >>



    It's best to wrap them the day before as if it doesn't fully dry running out the door to the PO the shipping label falls off! image
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,091 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>All of the self-adhesive tapes that I've seen are waxed and shouldn't be allowed for Registered. I've gotten some packages with that tape, but I don't think the accepting PO was correct. If you ship enough, you may want to invest in a paper taping machine, which draws the tape over a wet brush and slices it perfectly to your desired length with the pull of a handle. I got one used on eBay a few years ago for $75 or so, and boy was it a great buy. Then again, I use the stuff all the time, as opposed to being an infrequent taper. >>



    Thanks Airplanenut as the watering tape dispenser or taping machine is something I didn't know about.

    I'm just glancing on EBay now and although as high as $1400 there's some for under $30 that would make this much easier!!!

    I like this one for $27 as I have a few more gummed rolls on hand which should last me another decade.

    image >>



    Link to the forementioned item - Water Activated Kraft Paper Tape Dispenser - up to 3
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  • Batman23Batman23 Posts: 4,999 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I just use a shallow dish with a folded wet cloth. Simply cut the tape to size and slide it over the cloth. It's quick, mess free and easy. >>



    Yes guess that sounds like it would be less messy then sponging it on the kitchen counter near the sink which leaves the counter all sticky image >>



    Are you saying that you place the paper on the counter and then use the sponge to moisten the glue and the counter???? If so, it is much easier and cleaner to moisten the sponge and place it face up on the counter, then run the tape over the sponge using a couple fingers to pull and a couple fingers to apply pressure to the back of the tape as it slides over the sponge.
  • ambro51ambro51 Posts: 13,930 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Good Grief seeing that tape machine brings back memories of working in trade binderies...we used these to hold the paper bands around the bundles of folded work.

    They are most fun when they drop on your foot. Also, a true delight when the tape roll gets wet and it all sticks togetrher

    ....meahwhile the folding machine is running at 15,000 pieces per hour.
  • richardshipprichardshipp Posts: 5,647 ✭✭✭
    I bought a giant roll of the get it wet kind from a EAC guy since I always had an issue at the PO I use since it seemed to be an inconvenience. Then I wrapped up one at home (getting the kitchen counter sticky image ) and was proud of my work. Then at the PO the lady laughed and suggested I learn to tape it better since she was required to put that red stamp mark on every edge of the tape... there were a lot of stamps on it when she was done. image
  • this issue , like so many Postal situations , is dependent on whomever at the P.O is accepting your Registered package.

    What flies at one P.O may be rejected at another ; what one clerk accepts may be declined as allowable by another.....even at the same P.O

    ...but I tell you what , it's getting harder and harder to find places that sell the paper gummed tape !
  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭
    First let me say that I think the paper tape is an anachronism and is really not necessary. It is required to meet the rules for registered mail so i use it. But I think it is a lot of trouble for nothing.

    Second, i hardly ever ship registered since they lowered the insurance rate for express mail and I found a private insurer for high value packages (higher than the express mail limit of $5k).

    But I used to ship a lot of registered packages. One year I sold several hundred PR70 gold buffalos and shipped them all registered. I got very quick at taping up boxes and padded envelopes. I almost never used the wettable paper tape. I came upon many rolls of the 3m self adhesive paper tape for free. It was much much quicker and zero mess. The ink stuck to it pretty well but not perfectly. about 1/2 the time the postal clerk would say "This isn't the kind you're supposed to use" and "Don't use this type next time." I'd say OK but that I wasn't worried about them losing it and that I felt the tape requirement was left over from a bygone era. We would both laugh and I'd keep using it. hundreds of packages later I can still report no problems.

    --Jerry
  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,349 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The clerk at my PO always put the tape on for me, and it was the self-adhesive kind. I guess this isn't SOP for them... >>

    I like you, Barry, but I can't stand people who aren't set when they get to the front of the line.



    << <i> First let me say that I think the paper tape is an anachronism and is really not necessary. It is required to meet the rules for registered mail so i use it. But I think it is a lot of trouble for nothing. >>

    The idea is that a package can't be opened and resealed without breaking the postmarks, and thus it would be obvious that something happened. It's no different than when my college transcripts came in envelopes whose seals had the registrar's signature to show evidence of tampering.
    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • SwampboySwampboy Posts: 13,092 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I just use a shallow dish with a folded wet cloth. Simply cut the tape to size and slide it over the cloth. It's quick, mess free and easy. >>



    I agree.
    Simple and effective.

    "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso

  • ColonelJessupColonelJessup Posts: 6,442 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I believe any paper tape which will absorb the "registered" stamp will work whether you lick it, sponge it or it's self-adhesive. It's the outside of the tape that's important. Bridging the edges between the tape and the rest of the box is the whole idea. It shows the tape has not been removed.
    "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - Geo. Orwell
  • LindeDadLindeDad Posts: 18,766 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I just use a shallow dish with a folded wet cloth. Simply cut the tape to size and slide it over the cloth. It's quick, mess free and easy. >>



    I agree.
    Simple and effective. >>



    I have also found that dipping a disposable foam paint bush in water and painting the tape works.
  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>The clerk at my PO always put the tape on for me, and it was the self-adhesive kind. I guess this isn't SOP for them... >>

    I like you, Barry, but I can't stand people who aren't set when they get to the front of the line.



    << <i> First let me say that I think the paper tape is an anachronism and is really not necessary. It is required to meet the rules for registered mail so i use it. But I think it is a lot of trouble for nothing. >>

    The idea is that a package can't be opened and resealed without breaking the postmarks, and thus it would be obvious that something happened. It's no different than when my college transcripts came in envelopes whose seals had the registrar's signature to show evidence of tampering. >>



    I agree with you wholeheartedly with item 1. If everyone were as prepared as I am (and I assume you are, there would never be a line at the PO).

    On the second point, I understand the theory behind the tape but believe it is of little value as a deterrent as the lock and key and threat of termination, along with modern scanning and tracking, not to mention video surveillance etc means the tape adds little if anything to the overall security package. --Jerry
  • I live in a small town and it's almost impossible to find the paper tape here. Our local PO has a roll of tape they allow ppl to use for Registered Mail but they don't sell it. I was able to find some equivalent tape at the local UPS Store that the PO will accept for Registered.

    BTW, the clerks at my PO told me as long as they can stamp on the tape without the ink rubbing off then it's okay to use.
  • CameonutCameonut Posts: 7,347 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>All of the self-adhesive tapes that I've seen are waxed and shouldn't be allowed for Registered. I've gotten some packages with that tape, but I don't think the accepting PO was correct. If you ship enough, you may want to invest in a paper taping machine, which draws the tape over a wet brush and slices it perfectly to your desired length with the pull of a handle. I got one used on eBay a few years ago for $75 or so, and boy was it a great buy. Then again, I use the stuff all the time, as opposed to being an infrequent taper. >>



    I tried the waxed self-adhesive tape from Staples once and only once. The poor postal clerk was stamping the seams and since the tape was non-absorbent, she got more ink on her and the counter than on the box. Last time I ever used it and I pitched the two rolls I bought.

    I don't ship that often so I just use a sponge to wet the tape. One trick I have used when the tape wants to curl is to crease the tape lengthwise - it will tend to stay much flatter.

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  • ambro51ambro51 Posts: 13,930 ✭✭✭✭✭
    http://www.uline.com/BL_3062/Kraft-Paper-Tape


    order ONCE from these folks and you will get a catalog in the mail until the sun goes supernova. Good products though if you like to get large quantites of the item.
  • Wasn't this a Shakespearian play, "to use self adhesive or not to use wet and sponge"?

    I could never be a rare coin dealer as I have not mastered that secretive and closely held skill of being able to properly fold paper tape over the package corners? Lacking that ability has forced me to sell only those inexpensive coins that can be thrown into a Priority box.

    Registered mail taping is still but a fantasy to me.
    "To know the road ahead, ask those coming back"
  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,349 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>On the second point, I understand the theory behind the tape but believe it is of little value as a deterrent as the lock and key and threat of termination, along with modern scanning and tracking, not to mention video surveillance etc means the tape adds little if anything to the overall security package. --Jerry >>

    Yes, but this makes it much easier to see a potential problem at delivery than have to fight later that the contents were rifled through. Either way, with a taping machine, it's a snap. And if it's just a small order, I simply throw the bubble mailer I'd normally use into a manila envelope, tape once around the seam, and I'm done.
    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • BarryBarry Posts: 10,100 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>The clerk at my PO always put the tape on for me, and it was the self-adhesive kind. I guess this isn't SOP for them... >>

    I like you, Barry, but I can't stand people who aren't set when they get to the front of the line. >>


    Sorry Jeremy. At this post office, the clerks like to do the Registered taping themselves. Other than that, I'm always prepared. image
  • aficionadoaficionado Posts: 2,309 ✭✭✭

    Lay down newpaper on the counter and use a napkin or paper towel for getting it wet.

    Those small flat rate boxes can be done with one piece of tape. CUt it to length, to wrap all around, crease the corners, cut each side of the creased corner, so you can bend it and stick it to the box correctly. Done.

  • CoinosaurusCoinosaurus Posts: 9,640 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I use the self-adhesive stuff they sell at Office Max, and have never had a problem at the PO.

    I don't know what the offical regulations are, but the PO seems to accept anything that is brown and not glossy.
  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,349 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>The clerk at my PO always put the tape on for me, and it was the self-adhesive kind. I guess this isn't SOP for them... >>

    I like you, Barry, but I can't stand people who aren't set when they get to the front of the line. >>


    Sorry Jeremy. At this post office, the clerks like to do the Registered taping themselves. Other than that, I'm always prepared. image >>

    Or, you could arrive with the package fully taped and then they wouldn't have to hold up the line.
    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research


  • << <i>http://www.uline.com/BL_3062/Kraft-Paper-Tape


    order ONCE from these folks and you will get a catalog in the mail until the sun goes supernova. Good products though if you like to get large quantites of the item. >>




    Thanx!!!!!! Been lookin for a place to get this tape!


    anyone else have a suggestion?
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  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,349 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>http://www.uline.com/BL_3062/Kraft-Paper-Tape


    order ONCE from these folks and you will get a catalog in the mail until the sun goes supernova. Good products though if you like to get large quantites of the item. >>




    Thanx!!!!!! Been lookin for a place to get this tape!


    anyone else have a suggestion? >>

    Office Depot, Office Max, and Staples all sell it. Lucky for me, my company has a deal with OfficeMax, so I can get a roll for under $6 shipped image
    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research

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