Mailing advice for everyone

[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

[KYS]

Lady's Human, I think I might have blown it?
Yesterday I mailed out a T-Shirt folded in a Big Manila Envelope,
Approx. 10x13 to England via Air mail. (no padding just put it in a plastic bag)
Do you think it will be ok?