Busted on media mail

Sold a set of 45 empty cd cases for 13$, shipped with media mail as i always do when its an option. Took to post office and was 2 pds over, what ebay estimated so had to pay the difference, but when the lady at the counter noticed it was media mail she I asked what was in it. Not thinking it was an issue, I told her and she said it would have to be actual cds to go as media mail. Long story short I'm going to lose money on the sale. Just curious if any of you guys have had a similar situation or issues using media mail, I find its the only way to make money on things as doing free shipping on regular usps rates would cause my price to be too high for anyone to buy anyways. All advice appreciated.

Originally Posted by andyheim

All advice appreciated.

You are most likely NOT going to like it
BUT
Here Goes >>>
Stop trying to rip off the USPS by using Media Mail for items that don't qualify and this "Problem" will go away

I use a lot of Regional A Priority box's >> they ship at the 2 pound rate and you can have up to 15 pounds in them
and I also use the Regional B Priority box's >> they ship at the 4 pound rate and you can have up to 20 pounds in them

You would also be surprised what I can fit in a Priority Flat Rate Envelope, Legal Flat Rate envelope and the Bubble flat rate envelope

+1 for knowing and following the rules. buy a scale and know your weight and shipping costs before you list. if you're going to lose money, then don't list.

that said, I would think you could put a cd or two in the cases and ship it media mail. it's kind of like when you buy some computer hardware or an oem copy of windows, and they have to include a piece of hardware to go with it that is usually junk. just a thought.

Originally Posted by foobar

I would think you could put a cd or two in the cases and ship it media mail .

Each CD case would have to have a CD in it
Just adding a book to the package does not qualify for Media Mail
They entire contents of the package need to qualify
Otherwise everything sold on eBay could come with a FREE book and ship as Media Mail

Media Mail can be VERY slow >> I have not used it for several years
Most books will fit into a Priority Flat Rate Envelope
Bigger books >> Like Janes Fighting ships fit perfect in the Priority Regional A box
and even BIGGER Books like the Hollanders will ship in the Priority Regional B

MEDIA MAIL SERVICE

Media Mail shipping is a cost-effective way to send educational materials. This service has restrictions on the type of media that can be shipped. Media Mail rates are limited to the items listed below:
◾Books (at least 8 pages).
◾Sound recordings and video recordings, such as CDs and DVDs.
◾Play scripts and manuscripts for books, periodicals, and music.
◾Printed music.
◾Computer-readable media containing prerecorded information and guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such media.
◾Sixteen millimeter or narrower width films.
◾Printed objective test materials and their accessories.
◾Printed educational reference charts.
◾Loose-leaf pages and their binders consisting of medical information for distribution to doctors, hospitals, medical schools, and medical students.

Media - printed music, sound recordings, periodicals, CDs, DVDs, and books.

Media Mail packages may not contain advertising. Comic books do not meet this standard. Books may contain incidental announcements of other books and sound recordings may contain incidental announcements of other sound recordings. In accordance with standards in the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), Section 170, Media Mail packages must have a delivery address and the sender’s return address and are subject to inspection by the Postal Service™. Upon such inspection, matter not eligible for the Media Mail rate may be assessed at the proper price and sent to the recipient postage due, or the sender may be contacted for additional postage.

For more information about Media Mail service, please visit Welcome | USPS or call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). Complete explanations of qualified items can be found in the DMM.

PSN 7610-07-000-4037

Notice 121, October 2012

Originally Posted by JohnC4X4

You would also be surprised what I can fit in a Priority Flat Rate Envelope, Legal Flat Rate envelope and the Bubble flat rate envelope

Unless you are shipping small heavy items, flat rate can be a lot more expensive to use ...

I'm no crook, legitimately thought it qualified for media mail, now I know. Thanks guys

hobo, what is with the goats, how'd it all begin?

Honestly, up to a pound is first class. Even at three pounds, split into three separate packages, at worst would have broken even on shipping.