Save Money on Mailing: Extra Postage for Envelope Clasps

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the additional postage costs associated with mailing envelopes that have clasps, as well as alternative mailing options like flat rate envelopes. Participants share their experiences and opinions on mailing practices and postage solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions being informed at the Post Office that envelopes with clasps incur an extra charge of $0.17.
  • Another participant suggests using flat rate envelopes for convenience and cost-effectiveness when mailing larger items.
  • Some participants express confusion about why clasps specifically incur extra charges, questioning the rationale behind this policy.
  • One participant shares their practice of taping over the clasp to avoid issues during mailing.
  • Several users note their preference for flat rate envelopes, highlighting the convenience of printing postage at home and including delivery confirmation.
  • One participant discusses the challenges of mailing heavier packets and the necessity of visiting the post office for items over a pound.
  • Another participant mentions that the weight of catalogs has increased, making flat rate envelopes a more economical choice.
  • Some participants inquire about the process of printing postage online and the requirements for labels.
  • One participant shares a method of removing the clasp from envelopes to avoid extra charges.
  • Several users discuss the option of ordering stamps and supplies online, including pre-paid flat rate envelopes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the necessity of additional charges for clasped envelopes, and while some participants favor flat rate options, others express varying preferences based on their mailing needs.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences related to mailing practices, including the use of different envelope types and postage methods, without implying any official guidelines.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on cost-effective mailing practices and postage options may find this discussion relevant.

P
photochef
Messages
68
I was at the Post Office the other day, actually mailing out some photos, but my manilla envelope had a clasp on it and the teller told me that any envelope now that has a clasp is an extra

$0.17

to mail... that will add up very quickly.
 
Use the flat rate envelopes.
They are $4.80 for as much as you can stuff in there.
 
Did she say why they are charging extra for the clasp? I understand that if it weighs more then the cost would be higher, but why just charge because of the clasp?
 
That is silly - I usually tape over the clasp so it doesn't come undone or catch or scratch anyone
 
Ugh. Next time I buy envelopes I'll make sure I buy the non-clasp ones.And flat-rate is cool, Chozen, if you're sending that much. I don't always.
 
One of the good things with flat rate is the convenience also. You can print the postage at home, attach it to the envelope, and stick it in the mailbox. No need to go in the post office. A lot of times for me, this is worth paying the extra $. If I am sending a host packet, this is the way I always do it. The flat rate includes delivery confirmation, so that way you know that they got it.

Sorry - was that a hijack? didn't mean to.
 
I prefer flat rate too - Although I am not sure about printing the postage at home - do you have to have specia labels or something
 
Nope. Just go to usps.com and register. You can create an address book, which comes in handy for repeat customers. I'm always sending care packages to my DS, and I love being able to do everything online. Just a note: You can arrange free home pickup, which is great. However, if you're dropping it off at a post office, and it weighs more than 1 pound, you're going to want to make sure a postal employee sees you. I'm told you don't have to wait in line, just get someone's attention and leave it on the counter.
 
raebates said:
Nope. Just go to usps.com and register. You can create an address book, which comes in handy for repeat customers. I'm always sending care packages to my DS, and I love being able to do everything online.

Just a note: You can arrange free home pickup, which is great. However, if you're dropping it off at a post office, and it weighs more than 1 pound, you're going to want to make sure a postal employee sees you. I'm told you don't have to wait in line, just get someone's attention and leave it on the counter.
Click to expand...


Rae~

I was just going to mention this! If it's + one pound, you can't just drop it in a mail box, either...unless your carrier knows you and is OK with it. When we lived in a larger town, I had to take my host packets in (kitchen shows my packets are less than one pound...catty shows have more catties so it's more...) When I would try to mail them from my house, they would always get returned to me.

Now that we live in a smaller town, my carrier knows me and will put the metered postage on for me so it will go through.
 
Also, now that our catalogs are bigger they weigh just a tad more. I usually send 3 or 4 catalogs with my host packets and it was always cheaper for me to send them First Class. Now that same packet weighs more than a pound so it's cheaper to use the flat-rate envelope. So save your manilla envelopes and get a stack of the flat-rate ones from the USPS.
 
So how do you get the postage stamp (sticker) to stay on when printing from online? Just glue it on or do you need a special size label? :confused:

If its a pound or more then why do you have to take to PO? To have it weighted?


Kelly V.
 
Are you saying that I can print out postage for invites right here and not have to continue buying stamps??? :confused:
 
check out stamps.com as well. I just signed up at the urging of my Director. free 4 week trial and free stuff if you stay on. 14.99 a month
 
KellyRedHead said:
So how do you get the postage stamp (sticker) to stay on when printing from online? Just glue it on or do you need a special size label? :confused:

If its a pound or more then why do you have to take to PO? To have it weighted?
Click to expand...

Clear packing tape, or buy labels.

If it's over a pound, it's per post-9/11 regulations - to make sure you aren't sending something nasty.
 
chefkristin said:
Are you saying that I can print out postage for invites right here and not have to continue buying stamps??? :confused:
Click to expand...

Shipping labels can be done from your computer but not stamps.

Unless you sign up for stamps.com - but you have to send a lot of stamps to make it pay - and I don't know if it'll print postcard stamps.
 
jenniferp417 said:
Shipping labels can be done from your computer but not stamps.

Unless you sign up for stamps.com - but you have to send a lot of stamps to make it pay - and I don't know if it'll print postcard stamps.
Click to expand...
Shipping Labels? So is this just the address? Or does it have the flat rate postage on it too? I am so clueless. :o
 
You can print labels to ship packages. Address AND postage. All from usps.com
 
chefkristin said:
Shipping Labels? So is this just the address? Or does it have the flat rate postage on it too? I am so clueless. :o
Click to expand...

I do this through my Paypal account and have used USPS. com.
It works like this....weigh your item....I have a small postage scale at home. Put in all the info, weight, zip code, address, name. It prints out a shipping label with the metered postage on it. It prints this out on a regular sheet of paper from your printer. You then cut it out on the dashed lines and tape it onto your package. Just don't tape over the metered bar code area. Or you could use a glue stick. I mail tons of stuff thru ebay this way. Very convenient and it's a secure web site.
 
Instead of throwing out all those envelopes with clasps just rip the clasp out. That is what I do. Then I lick the envelope and tape it with packing tape. Then there is no clasp to cost extra. Be careful not to cut yourself.
 
Thanks everyone, I might have to get a postage scale!
 
I order all of my stamps off of USPS.com... You can also order pre-paid flat rate envelopes that already have the postage on them! I think it's either free or maybe $1 shipping....way worth it!
 
You can order stamps and supplies through usps.com, but shipping labels are for priority or express mail only. I use packing tape to affix my labels. Just be sure that you don't tape over the bar code. It makes it difficult for some of the machine readers.I think you're fine with a package over a pound in your mailbox if you do the extra step of arranging a pickup. Otherwise, the regulations won't allow your carrier to take care of it.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are envelope clasps and how do they affect mailing costs?

Envelope clasps are the small metal or plastic fasteners that secure the flap of an envelope. While they can provide a more secure closure, they may require additional postage due to their weight or thickness, which can increase mailing costs.

How can I save money on mailing costs related to envelope clasps?

To save money, consider using envelopes without clasps or opting for lighter materials. Additionally, check with your postal service for specific guidelines on postage rates for different envelope types to ensure you are using the most cost-effective option.

Are there specific types of envelopes that are more cost-effective for mailing?

Yes, using standard-sized, lightweight envelopes without clasps or additional features can help reduce mailing costs. Flat envelopes or those made from thinner materials are often more economical compared to padded or clasped options.

What should I do if I have already purchased envelopes with clasps?

If you have already purchased envelopes with clasps, consider using them for important documents that require extra security. For regular mailings, you might want to switch to more economical options to save on postage.

Can I use stamps to cover the extra postage for envelope clasps?

Yes, you can use additional stamps to cover the extra postage required for envelopes with clasps. Just make sure to weigh your envelope at the post office to determine the correct postage needed to avoid any delivery issues.

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