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I didn't know where to post this exactly, but wanted to put it where there is usually a lot of traffic.
The Post Office has flat-rate priority mail BUBBLE envelopes that mail for the same amount as the regular flat-rate envelopes, but you can get so much more packed into the bubble envelopes.
The local PO's are not allowed to carry them on-site, but you can order them directly from the USPS website, no charge and free delivery. They are shipped in packs of 10, so if you order 1, you will receive 1 pack of 10 bubble envelopes. (I mention this because several years ago, I needed some flat-rat boxes, so I ordered 20; I ended up with 20 boxes containing 20 boxes each :rolleyes: )
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
Thanks, Linda. I thought I remembered having some of those quite a while back, but could never find them again at the PO. Glad to know I can order them.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Well, hopefully so. A while back there was a thread about the free Priority Mail boxes. A gal was boasting that she got a bunch of them every time she went to the post office, and then told about using them to make stack-furniture racks for her craft room. Quite a few people did not think that was right, myself included.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
And please do not use them for anything other than mailing priority mail.
Well, I'm not sure what you would use the bubble envelopes for other than mailing.
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
I ordered some items from a popular craft and stamping business a few years ago...they used the post office priority envelopes as packing material. So it would seem that people do sometimes misuse these. . .
I could be wrong, but I think the bubble envelopes are a few cents more than the regular flat rate envelope (or I could be thinking of legal size).
I will sometimes wrap items in the bubble envelope and then put them into the flat rate envelope. It gives it extra padding, and I'm still sending it priority. The USPS gets enough of my money.
I could be wrong, but I think the bubble envelopes are a few cents more than the regular flat rate envelope (or I could be thinking of legal size).
I will sometimes wrap items in the bubble envelope and then put them into the flat rate envelope. It gives it extra padding, and I'm still sending it priority. The USPS gets enough of my money.
Of course, you are free to do what you like. But I personally think what you are doing is a misuse of everyone's tax money which goes to support the post office. The envelopes are provided for the use of customers to mail items, not to use as packing material.
When "free" supplies are abused, they will sometimes stop being "free", and then none of us will have the use of them.
From a recent ebay discussion:
"USPS Priority Mail supplies are free from the post office. They may only be used for priority mail. Continued misuse may result in the post office charging for these supplies in the future. The disclaimer on every priority mail box and envelope states,
"This packaging is the property of the united states postal service and is provided solely for use in sending priority Mail shipments. Misuse may be a violation of federal law. This packaging is not for resale."
"Tyveks, Padded Flat Rate Envelopes, or Express Mail Envelopes Should Not be Used as Packing Material
Another common misuse of USPS supplies is using the envelopes for packing material. For example, wrapping a small breakable lightweight item in a padded flat rate envelope then putting it inside a plain poly mailer and shipping it first class. A big no-no. Using PFREs or Tyvek envelopes as dunnage or packing material for larger items in boxes is also not allowed. Ordering or taking supplies from the post office with the intention of using as packing material is not allowed, and really not ethical. This kind of behavior is what will lead the USPS to start charging for their priority supplies."
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Well, hopefully so. A while back there was a thread about the free Priority Mail boxes. A gal was boasting that she got a bunch of them every time she went to the post office, and then told about using them to make stack-furniture racks for her craft room. Quite a few people did not think that was right, myself included.
I could be wrong, but I think the bubble envelopes are a few cents more than the regular flat rate envelope .
Yes, padded priority envelopes cost $6.80 to ship while a cardboard flat rate envelope is $6.45. In my opinion, well worth the $.35 difference when you want to fit more inside.
__________________ I'm a ChemoAngel & SeniorAngel! Click HERE to learn more.
Yes, padded priority envelopes cost $6.80 to ship while a cardboard flat rate envelope is $6.45. In my opinion, well worth the $.35 difference when you want to fit more inside.
Thanks for clarifying; I apologize for my mistake. And I agree the difference is well worth it.
I first found out about these from a very nice postal clerk. I took a package in to be mailed and mentioned the contents were wood-mounted stamps. That's when she told me about these envelopes, and saved me quite a bit of money.
I think I need to make this lady a thank-you card!
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
Flat-Rate Mailing Envelopes
