Postage for Host Packs - Post Office Vent

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread discusses various experiences and methods related to mailing host packs through the post office, particularly focusing on challenges faced by participants in managing postage and delivery. Participants share their frustrations and solutions regarding mailing logistics, especially for heavier packages.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration about the difficulty of mailing packages due to post office hours and weight restrictions.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using USPS.com to print shipping labels and schedule pickups, noting the convenience of this method.
  • Several users mention the benefits of using a digital scale to weigh packages at home, with one participant stating their usual package weight.
  • One participant discusses a personal connection with a postmaster who allows them to drop off packages without waiting in line.
  • Another participant highlights the usefulness of Automated Postal Centers (APCs) for mailing packages outside of regular hours.
  • Multiple participants confirm that using USPS.com provides free tracking and delivery confirmation, enhancing their mailing experience.
  • Some participants share their methods for printing postage labels, with a preference for using regular paper and tape instead of special labels.
  • One participant notes that their mail carrier accepts packages without issue, while another recalls being informed about needing to hand packages over or schedule pickups for heavier items.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best methods for mailing packages, with some participants advocating for online services while others share mixed experiences with local post office policies. No clear consensus emerges regarding the handling of packages over a certain weight.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and methods related to mailing host packs, reflecting a range of practices and insights based on their local post office experiences.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for Pampered Chef consultants looking for alternative methods to manage postage and mailing logistics for host packs.

  • Thread starter
  • #31
I JUST thought of something....

What about those shipping places that handle Post Office Business - I am not sure about the UPS store (they add a surcharge to USPS prices) - but there are other shipping stores that handle Post Office items - and they are open later! I guess I could just drop off a packet at one of those places! I just need to find one close by!

Does anyone know if they have a problem just taking USPS packages (without actually having you buy anything from them?)
 
Ok - silly question...

Do you just set up an account at USPS and enter a CC #? I assume they just deduct it like a debit transaction?

I love my automated friend at the PO - it's nice to weigh, pay and drop my packages after hours. It would be even nicer if I could just DROp them in the little schute and jump back in my car.

PO's are not really very cozy after hours ya know...
 
PCGINA said:
Ok - silly question...

Do you just set up an account at USPS and enter a CC #? I assume they just deduct it like a debit transaction?

I love my automated friend at the PO - it's nice to weigh, pay and drop my packages after hours. It would be even nicer if I could just DROp them in the little schute and jump back in my car.

PO's are not really very cozy after hours ya know...
Click to expand...
Yeah, that's all you do. So easy!!

All three of the PO's in my town have a drive thru to the mailboxes so you don't even have to get out of your car! I never realized how lucky we are! Oh, and the lobby's stay open until 8pm!
 
Wow- my PO has a 24/7 lobby. And there's another branch about the same distance from my house (other direction, though) that's actually manned 24/7.
 
Only an hour lunch? The PO near me is closed 1 to 3 every day for lunch. Though the area where the post boxes are is open 24/7, the counter part is not so if you want postage or even an envelope, no deal between 1 and 3pm. Hours of 8:30 to 1pm then 3pm to something... probably 5, if not earlier.
 
I know I probably shouldn't be doing this, but I have a UPS account and you can get free white labels from their website. I use them for both USPS and UPS. I also use plain paper and tape when I don't have the labels from UPS.
 
lkprescott said:
Only an hour lunch? The PO near me is closed 1 to 3 every day for lunch. Though the area where the post boxes are is open 24/7, the counter part is not so if you want postage or even an envelope, no deal between 1 and 3pm. Hours of 8:30 to 1pm then 3pm to something... probably 5, if not earlier.
Click to expand...

Yes, the PA post offices are WAY too Old School for me! :D
 
cathyskitchen said:
Yes, the PA post offices are WAY too Old School for me! :D
Click to expand...


It's sad when 'banker's hours' are more reasonable thank post office hours. LOL...
 
lkprescott said:
It's sad when 'banker's hours' are more reasonable thank post office hours. LOL...
Click to expand...

LOL - Banker's Hours are now like Retail Hours these days! The post office is the only one who is still closed on Sundays anymore!!
 
Thanks for all of this information. All of my questions got answered before I posted (sometimes it pays to read the whole thread before posting!).
 
Be thankful for USPS. I mailed an envelope with a veggie peeler, a catalog, and a spreader in it to an address that I can drive to in 35 minutes, here in Ontario Canada. I paid over $9.00 to mail it. I couldn't belive it! The kicker? In Ontario, you pay taxes on postage!!!
 
yankeeinontario said:
Be thankful for USPS. I mailed an envelope with a veggie peeler, a catalog, and a spreader in it to an address that I can drive to in 35 minutes, here in Ontario Canada. I paid over $9.00 to mail it. I couldn't belive it! The kicker? In Ontario, you pay taxes on postage!!!
Click to expand...
OMG! I am definitely thankful for our USPS!
 
pamperedharriet said:
Thanks for all of this information. All of my questions got answered before I posted (sometimes it pays to read the whole thread before posting!).
Click to expand...

Don't you just love it when that happens! ;)
 
kam said:
I JUST thought of something....

What about those shipping places that handle Post Office Business - I am not sure about the UPS store (they add a surcharge to USPS prices) - but there are other shipping stores that handle Post Office items - and they are open later! I guess I could just drop off a packet at one of those places! I just need to find one close by!

Does anyone know if they have a problem just taking USPS packages (without actually having you buy anything from them?)
Click to expand...

Well, it's certainly not a "shipping place", but at least two local Meijer stores in my area can sell stamps, print postage, ship certain type/size packages and a few other "basic" PO services. THAT is so helpful because I can combine my PO, shopping and banking (my bank has a small branch in Meijer as well) into one trip. With my three kids typically in tow, that makes life SOOOOO easy. Plus, I can bribe the kids with the 1 cent pony rides at Meijer and a chocolate shake from the McDonald's we pass on the way out of the parking lot.:rolleyes:
 
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