Mailing advice for everyone

[Karen]

Donna, was the catnip loose in the envelope, or how was it packaged within the envelope?

It's worth reminding people that, if they're packing anything breakable, remember that the box is going the be moved and rattled a whole lot of different ways, so just using something like wrapping it in newspaper or papertowel doesn't really do anything. I had to resend a part of a gift swap once because I did that instead of using bubblewrap and peanuts, and the dog's dish broke in transport.

[QueenScoopalot]

My hubby also works on machinery at the P.O and it never ceases to amaze him what people will send. Chocolate bars...great fun when those go through the machines.. instant hot fudge! And pens by the dozens, often sent out by companies. I have sent gift cards in the past, and knowing the pressure those machines can exert, I always put them into a card first.

[Lady's Human]

MM,

It all depends on how oyu package the Catnip. If it's in something like a ziploc bag, then the recipient is probably going to get an envelope full of loose catnip. If you used the puffy envelopes it would probably be fine, as that mail gets run on different machines. (though marking it as catnip would probably get around any scrutiny you might get for mailing small envelopes of dried leaves...LOL)

Buckner,

If you want it to get there before Christmas, give the package a MINIMUM of a week. You should be well within the three-four day zone, but I'd check with the clerk when you bring the box to the PO.

QS,

All I have to say about pens, mini calendars, magnets, etc. is I HATE INSURANCE COMPANIES! They seems to be the worst offenders, other than our own Bulk Mail acceptance people. Chocolate isn't the worst thing I've had to clean out of a machine by a longshot.

[Cataholic]

Hmmm...is there a difference between 'hand sorting' and 'hand cancelling'? I swear I have had special things 'hand cancelled', and spared the trauma of going through the machine. I had my brother's wedding invitation specially postmarked the day he got married, and returned to me that moment. Then, I had some different shaped envelopes 'hand cancelled', again, not going through the machine.

And, I guess my luck at sending things in an envelope is good! While I can't confess to sending a chocolate bar, I have sent some other items in an envelope!

[Lady's Human]

It is possible to get an item hand cancelled, however that requires going to the PO and seeing the clerk in person. Most of the time people don't do that.

As far as the "different shaped" envelopes, those don't go through the machines. The machinery only handles "normal" envelopes. round, oval, etc envelopes don't run through the machinery. A while ago there was a group that was determined to cause the PO as much grief as possible by mailing things in wierd containers to defeat the machinery.
Haven't heard from them lately, but I'm sure they're still trying

[catnapper]

Yikes, I mailed a few CDs yesterday in a greeting card envelope I hope they get there ok.

My hubby used to work for the post office, but he never told me any of the interesting things they found in the machines... I'll have to ask him!

[cyber-sibes]

good tips, thanks!

[sandragonfly]

other 'machiner' reading here..

actually, few years ago I volunteered there (about four months) but it was fun for a while. you get to see so many different kind of (decorative/colorful) envelopes and see withhere, which states they will go .. you have to be so quick!

one time, oh my, I felt bad! there was a cute little envelope drew full of crayons.. it (the wax) got smudged and ruined the kid's drawing. well, not too bad but I liked it better before it went through the machine! guess kid had coats, coats of crayons on it - I wanted to write a note for this kid's and his family who colored the envelope and explain but their policy..

lady's human.. thank god me in my bubble wrap, wrapped by you is too big for the machine so you can't send me off to anywhere!

[Lady's Human]

bump