I shipped out a PSP game earlier it was light and the person working asked me if it was a CD or not as videogames don't quality for media mail? Sometimes they do check for media mail products. Is this something new for USPS? He went ahead and rang me up for 1st class since it was cheaper. $1.35 to ship out.
videogames don't qualify for media mail?
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ManChowder
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I have this problem all the time at my local post office. They do everything within their power to not let me use media mail.
I get a different excuse everytime why my media item (be it games/dvds/CDs/computer software/game guides) will not qualify. One time I argued them into a corner and they all of a sudden claimed that media mail only works on educational cd's and schoolbooks.
I get a different excuse everytime why my media item (be it games/dvds/CDs/computer software/game guides) will not qualify. One time I argued them into a corner and they all of a sudden claimed that media mail only works on educational cd's and schoolbooks.
YMMV. Video games DO qualify for Media Mail if you read the postal regulations correctly, but each post office is allowed to interpret regulations for themselves. Hell, you'll get 10 different answers to every regulation question you ask of 10 different postal employees at the same branch, let alone when you go from post office to post office.
Of course, there's a reason that half.com uses Media Mail by default for video games. It's because VIDEO GAMES QUALIFY FOR MEDIA MAIL. Do you think a company as big as Ebay/half.com would encourage people to break federal law by abusing the Media Mail service and possibly open themselves up to lawsuits? I think not.
You also see the Media Mail debate come up a lot with comic books. Some post offices will let you ship comics via Media Mail and some will say that they don't qualify because they have advertising in them. This problem dates back about 15 years ago to when Media Mail was called "Book Rate."
By the way, schools and libraries get their own special rate for shipping books and media that is cheaper than Media Mail, called Library Mail.
Of course, there's a reason that half.com uses Media Mail by default for video games. It's because VIDEO GAMES QUALIFY FOR MEDIA MAIL. Do you think a company as big as Ebay/half.com would encourage people to break federal law by abusing the Media Mail service and possibly open themselves up to lawsuits? I think not.
You also see the Media Mail debate come up a lot with comic books. Some post offices will let you ship comics via Media Mail and some will say that they don't qualify because they have advertising in them. This problem dates back about 15 years ago to when Media Mail was called "Book Rate."
By the way, schools and libraries get their own special rate for shipping books and media that is cheaper than Media Mail, called Library Mail.
[quote name='Rictor']By the way, schools and libraries get their own special rate for shipping books and media that is cheaper than Media Mail, called Library Mail.[/quote]
Next time if you're shipping more than two games, tell them you'd like "Library Mail Rate" for shipping your game library.
Next time if you're shipping more than two games, tell them you'd like "Library Mail Rate" for shipping your game library.
[quote name='ManChowder']I have this problem all the time at my local post office. They do everything within their power to not let me use media mail.
I get a different excuse everytime why my media item (be it games/dvds/CDs/computer software/game guides) will not qualify. One time I argued them into a corner and they all of a sudden claimed that media mail only works on educational cd's and schoolbooks.[/QUOTE]
That is the EXACT BS my post office gives me. I gave up and decided to use FedEx instead for most things.
The say computer media. A CD or DVD is not computer media? A video game system is not a computer? Then I ask, wtf is it?!?!?
I hate the post office.
Is the post office owned by the government? Do our tax dollars pay for this BS?
I get a different excuse everytime why my media item (be it games/dvds/CDs/computer software/game guides) will not qualify. One time I argued them into a corner and they all of a sudden claimed that media mail only works on educational cd's and schoolbooks.[/QUOTE]
That is the EXACT BS my post office gives me. I gave up and decided to use FedEx instead for most things.
The say computer media. A CD or DVD is not computer media? A video game system is not a computer? Then I ask, wtf is it?!?!?
I hate the post office.
Is the post office owned by the government? Do our tax dollars pay for this BS?
For one video game, packed right, First Class is as cheap or cheaper, and better service.
A CD is a 'Sound recordings, " which does qualify.
I know they use 'computer entertainment system' in the descriptions of consoles, but it's pushing it, especially for non-technical people.
"Computer-readable media containing prerecorded information and guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such media."
Personally, given the way they can batch media mail, I usually spend the few extra cents and go first class, or I charge 5 bucks shipping and go priority with their boxes.
It's not worth being accused of committing a federal offense; same thing with using their boxes for non-priority stuff.
The USPS isn't necessarily 'owned' by the government, but by law, they are the only organization that can deliver first class mail and use mailboxes. So they've got a de jure monopoly, which of course lessens direct competition,which means they write the rules.
A CD is a 'Sound recordings, " which does qualify.
I know they use 'computer entertainment system' in the descriptions of consoles, but it's pushing it, especially for non-technical people.
"Computer-readable media containing prerecorded information and guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such media."
Personally, given the way they can batch media mail, I usually spend the few extra cents and go first class, or I charge 5 bucks shipping and go priority with their boxes.
It's not worth being accused of committing a federal offense; same thing with using their boxes for non-priority stuff.
The USPS isn't necessarily 'owned' by the government, but by law, they are the only organization that can deliver first class mail and use mailboxes. So they've got a de jure monopoly, which of course lessens direct competition,which means they write the rules.
There is a weight limit I believe for 1st class. After that, 1st class is priority mail iirc. FedEx is nearly the same price.
How is a console pushing the computer title? It is a computer, in a different case. There is a motherboard, RAM, CPU, etc. And even reads CD/DVD disks. If it's not a computer. What is it?
How is a console pushing the computer title? It is a computer, in a different case. There is a motherboard, RAM, CPU, etc. And even reads CD/DVD disks. If it's not a computer. What is it?
tangytangerine
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[quote name='b3b0p']There is a weight limit I believe for 1st class. After that, 1st class is priority mail iirc. [/quote]
First Class has a weight limit of 1 lb. packages. Even if it's 1 oz. over, it has to be sent priority.
First Class has a weight limit of 1 lb. packages. Even if it's 1 oz. over, it has to be sent priority.
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boyboy1080
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i just use paypal usps shipping, no gas, no long line, and i dont have to mess with them post office people and the great thing is. 14 cents for deliveru donfirmation
Most single disc games in DVD packages, including instruction books, weigh about 6 oz.
A standard DVD size Scotch brand Bubble Mailer, with an inside dimension of 6x9, will fit DVD size games. Jiffylite makes an identical product, that sells in batches of 5 or 6 (I forget), but breaks down to 56 cents per mailer at OfficeMax.
Under current postal rates, it is $1.59 for First Class postage for DVD size games, and if u create your shipping label via PayPal, u can get delivery confirmation fo 14 cents -- this is actually about the same price as Media Mail (or slightly cheaper), and it ensures much faster delivery.
If u have PayPal, it is worthwhile to try their shipping/postage label service. I think USPS also offers a similar service.
Then all u have to do it print out the mailing label, tape it on the package, and drop it in a mailbox.
A standard DVD size Scotch brand Bubble Mailer, with an inside dimension of 6x9, will fit DVD size games. Jiffylite makes an identical product, that sells in batches of 5 or 6 (I forget), but breaks down to 56 cents per mailer at OfficeMax.
Under current postal rates, it is $1.59 for First Class postage for DVD size games, and if u create your shipping label via PayPal, u can get delivery confirmation fo 14 cents -- this is actually about the same price as Media Mail (or slightly cheaper), and it ensures much faster delivery.
If u have PayPal, it is worthwhile to try their shipping/postage label service. I think USPS also offers a similar service.
Then all u have to do it print out the mailing label, tape it on the package, and drop it in a mailbox.
allyourblood
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whatever the outcome, they're wrong. officially, even game cartridges count under Media Mail's provisions. that doesn't mean they're gonna do it, it just means they're wrong when they don't.
allyourblood
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[quote name='jasonlives13']People should just stop using Media Mail altogether, 1st Class isn't that expensive and the other person gets their item a lot faster.[/quote]
VERY true. i always remind people of this, and have it noted in my trade list as well. once you get over 13oz, all bets are off, but until then, Media Mail won't save more than a few cents. and before someone jumps in to defend those few cents, don't bother. there's "cheapass", and then there's "dirty wretched, just-do-it-to-be-a-prick". pick one.
VERY true. i always remind people of this, and have it noted in my trade list as well. once you get over 13oz, all bets are off, but until then, Media Mail won't save more than a few cents. and before someone jumps in to defend those few cents, don't bother. there's "cheapass", and then there's "dirty wretched, just-do-it-to-be-a-prick". pick one.
allyourblood
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[quote name='Import']Media Mail is really for books and educational "media" like CDs, pamphlets, etc. I know this from working there. [/quote]
not according to at least a half dozen employees/representatives i've spoken to over the last 6-7 years. they all agree that bound printed matter and recordable media qualify, regardless of known content (barring anything illegal).
[/quote]not according to at least a half dozen employees/representatives i've spoken to over the last 6-7 years. they all agree that bound printed matter and recordable media qualify, regardless of known content (barring anything illegal).
[quote name='allyourblood']not according to at least a half dozen employees/representatives i've spoken to over the last 6-7 years. they all agree that bound printed matter and recordable media qualify, regardless of known content (barring anything illegal).[/quote]
well, i know last week the District Manager talked about it at my training and said it was written for a different time...and needs to be updated along with many other things...it was brought up when diff classes of mail were being talked about
well, i know last week the District Manager talked about it at my training and said it was written for a different time...and needs to be updated along with many other things...it was brought up when diff classes of mail were being talked about
ManChowder
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[quote name='Import']Media Mail is really for books and educational "media" like CDs, pamphlets, etc. I know this from working there. [/QUOTE]
unless they changed the usps.com website recently, the website says nothing of this. There is no mention of the media needing to be educational whatsoever.
[/QUOTE]unless they changed the usps.com website recently, the website says nothing of this. There is no mention of the media needing to be educational whatsoever.
ManChowder
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from the usps.com site:
Media Mail® service is a cost efficient way to mail books, sound recordings, recorded video tapes, printed music, and recorded computer-readable media (such as CDs, DVDs, and diskettes). Media Mail can not contain advertising except for incidental announcements of books. The maximum weight for Media Mail is 70 lbs.
There are presorted rates available for bulk quantities of Media Mail (minimum quantity is 300 pieces).
A barcode discount is available for Media Mail.
Rates are based on weight and size.
Media Mail® service is a cost efficient way to mail books, sound recordings, recorded video tapes, printed music, and recorded computer-readable media (such as CDs, DVDs, and diskettes). Media Mail can not contain advertising except for incidental announcements of books. The maximum weight for Media Mail is 70 lbs.
There are presorted rates available for bulk quantities of Media Mail (minimum quantity is 300 pieces).
A barcode discount is available for Media Mail.
Rates are based on weight and size.
[quote name='jasonlives13']People should just stop using Media Mail altogether, 1st Class isn't that expensive and the other person gets their item a lot faster.[/quote]
Actually, when shipping a large stack of games, your package will be too heavy for First Class, which leaves you with Priority (expensive), Media Mail, or Parcel Post. Parcel Post is around the same price as Media Mail until you get to a certain weight, then Media Mail is quite a bit cheaper. Some of us trade 10-20 pounds of games at a time, but yes, if you're sending one game in a bubble mailer, First Class is definately the way to go.
Systems, obviously, do not qualify for Media Mail as they are not media, so if you sell an Xbox and games, for example, your cheapest method is probably Parcel Post or one of the flat rate Priority boxes if everything will fit.
Postal employees can legally open any package sent via Media Mail to check and make sure it's actually media. They do this quite often and actually have quotas where they are required to check a certain percentage of packages. They are not legally allowed to open and check any other type of mail though, so if you don't want your packages opened, send them First Class. You will know if the post office has inspected your Media Mail or not as they will stamp it with a label that says that it was opened and inspected. I have received Media Mail packages that were searched. If your package is found to be in violation of Media Mail requirements, you will have your item returned to you instead of being delievered to who you sent it to and you won't receive a refund on your postage. Also, you may face fines or lose your Media Mail privileges if you are a repeat offender.
Actually, when shipping a large stack of games, your package will be too heavy for First Class, which leaves you with Priority (expensive), Media Mail, or Parcel Post. Parcel Post is around the same price as Media Mail until you get to a certain weight, then Media Mail is quite a bit cheaper. Some of us trade 10-20 pounds of games at a time, but yes, if you're sending one game in a bubble mailer, First Class is definately the way to go.
Systems, obviously, do not qualify for Media Mail as they are not media, so if you sell an Xbox and games, for example, your cheapest method is probably Parcel Post or one of the flat rate Priority boxes if everything will fit.
Postal employees can legally open any package sent via Media Mail to check and make sure it's actually media. They do this quite often and actually have quotas where they are required to check a certain percentage of packages. They are not legally allowed to open and check any other type of mail though, so if you don't want your packages opened, send them First Class. You will know if the post office has inspected your Media Mail or not as they will stamp it with a label that says that it was opened and inspected. I have received Media Mail packages that were searched. If your package is found to be in violation of Media Mail requirements, you will have your item returned to you instead of being delievered to who you sent it to and you won't receive a refund on your postage. Also, you may face fines or lose your Media Mail privileges if you are a repeat offender.
Here's the detailed list of items that qualify for media mail :
The last point is the one that stands out. Computer-readable media containing prerecorded information.
That's the gray area. A game does fit this, however I can see how they would argue that it does not if they are considering computer-readable media like a CDR burned with text documents.
The last point is the one that stands out. Computer-readable media containing prerecorded information.
That's the gray area. A game does fit this, however I can see how they would argue that it does not if they are considering computer-readable media like a CDR burned with text documents.
When I was a clerk for the USPS there was a lot of confusion on what to consider media mail. Nobody could agree on what was acceptable and what wasn't. Personally I interpret the rules as not to include games. I believe the intent of the rules were clear and were generally supposed to be educational and scholarly type materials. However, the clerk next to me may have had the opposite opinion. I wouldn't hold my breath on the USPS updating the rules to clarify any time soon though. They may only be quasi-governmental but they move just as slow on things. Until it finally died I used to cancel mail with a machine that was at least 30 years older than me.
We were allowed to open media mail if we suspected someone was abusing it but I never heard anything about fines or quotas. We generally either refused it at the window or marked it return to sender and forced them to remail it at their own expense.
We were allowed to open media mail if we suspected someone was abusing it but I never heard anything about fines or quotas. We generally either refused it at the window or marked it return to sender and forced them to remail it at their own expense.
allyourblood
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where do people make the connection between media mail and educational materials? the only provision that really seems to permeate the guidelines is the "no advertising" rule.
I love this thread! I totally just had this discussion the other day when I shipped Oblivion for PC via Media Mail. They asked me "Is this a cd or dvd?" and I told them it was a dvd video game. They dropped the discussion and let me send it, warning me that if it was a cartridge game, its not media mail.
I really liked how the woman knew what a cartridge was for some reason. I now want to ship Joe Montana Sportstalk football just to see if I can.
I really liked how the woman knew what a cartridge was for some reason. I now want to ship Joe Montana Sportstalk football just to see if I can.
allyourblood
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[quote name='RudyPants']I love this thread! I totally just had this discussion the other day when I shipped Oblivion for PC via Media Mail. They asked me "Is this a cd or dvd?" and I told them it was a dvd video game. They dropped the discussion and let me send it, warning me that if it was a cartridge game, its not media mail.
I really liked how the woman knew what a cartridge was for some reason. I now want to ship Joe Montana Sportstalk football just to see if I can.[/quote]
several years ago, when i was selling on Ebay a lot, my nearest Post Office pointed out to me that i could ship cartridges Media Mail. it was their suggestion! i guess i'll just count myself lucky.
I really liked how the woman knew what a cartridge was for some reason. I now want to ship Joe Montana Sportstalk football just to see if I can.[/quote]
several years ago, when i was selling on Ebay a lot, my nearest Post Office pointed out to me that i could ship cartridges Media Mail. it was their suggestion! i guess i'll just count myself lucky.
[quote name='allyourblood']several years ago, when i was selling on Ebay a lot, my nearest Post Office pointed out to me that i could ship cartridges Media Mail. it was their suggestion! i guess i'll just count myself lucky.[/QUOTE]
Hell, the woman at my post office let me ship CB Antennas via Media Mail.
Hell, the woman at my post office let me ship CB Antennas via Media Mail.
Ive sent a shit load of Media Mail this past 3 months selling off most of my collection, here and on Ebay. Ive never had gotten any complaints nor any of my packages come back. I use Paypal shipping so Ive never had to goto the post office except to drop off the packages in their bin so I never had to deal with postal employees asking me whats in my packages.
Games are CDs and DVDs so in my book they qualify for Media Mail. Whats shady are Ebay sellers that offers Cellphone accessories and such that mail them out using media mail. I bought a Battery charger for my DigiCam and a faceplate for my Nokia phone and both was shipped via Media Mail.
Games are CDs and DVDs so in my book they qualify for Media Mail. Whats shady are Ebay sellers that offers Cellphone accessories and such that mail them out using media mail. I bought a Battery charger for my DigiCam and a faceplate for my Nokia phone and both was shipped via Media Mail.
[quote name='Import']Media Mail is really for books and educational "media" like CDs, pamphlets, etc. I know this from working there. [/QUOTE]
I usually tell them im shipping out a dvd about how to grow weed for medical purposes! I get the strangest looks from people standing in line.
[/QUOTE]I usually tell them im shipping out a dvd about how to grow weed for medical purposes! I get the strangest looks from people standing in line.
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