General Forum

Maximum thickness of envelope is 1/4 inch, so the number of cards varies depending on card thicknesses.

captkirk42 wrote:

I'm not sure of the total count that can be included but I have often received cards inside of greeting cards that were sent in the greeting card PWE usually with just a stamp maybe two. Sometimes I think the postage was paid another way but still fairly cheaply.

I have thought about sending cards via the greating card w/it's PWE route but haven't yet.

just today i shipped 15 cards in a 9 pocket page between two pieces of cardboard from a beer box, and cost me 70 cents to go from iowa to wisconsin, usually it is around a dollar or just over, depending on weight and distance

An envelope from Canada just arrived and someone either here or there had to inspect it.

No cards were damaged from the inspection.

As a postal employer (a rural carrier), I have to admit that I am just as confused by the actions of the window clerks. I quit going to clerks at the office I worked at when one began charging me package rates for cards I was putting in 6 1/4 x 4 1/2 inch photo mailers. I had been being charged .70 for a one ounce non machinable envelope. I even had another clerk dispute her, right in front of me, telling her she was charging incorrectly! Now I go to a smaller office on my way home where the single clerk that works there is more consistant and helpful. I was always under the impression that if an envelope was more than 3/8 of an inch thick, it became a package and went at those rates. If you didn't want a PWE to be machined, (as this puts the mailpiece through spinning rollers, that can sometimes hang up on a lump in the envelope, and tear it up),  then you needed a rigid mailer or a piece of cardboard as a stiffener. The clerk would then charge first class mail rate with .15 surcharge for non machinable item. I currently use the photo mailers for up to six cards, sometimes paying for an extra ounce. I have been using the PWE business envelopes with a portion or whole nine pocket page, surrounded by thin cardboard for between 7 and 18 cards. Padded envelopes at package rates for more cards. There are probably better and more econimical ways to ship, but this works for me and I have had no complaints from other traders. Sorry for the long winded post (probably my longest), but I was in the mood. lol

My usual method is using a 9 pocket card page. I usually average 9-15 cards, fold it up and put paper around it. Mine usually go for $1.15. 

This is what I do and will go to 18 cards, 2 in each pocket. Never had a problem or a complaint. It bends between the cards so it makes it through the sorting wheels just fine. Sticking cardboard in it, only cost you more to post it. Why pay more when you don't have to.

I'm with RJ. I use a full 9 pocket and no cardboard and have had no issues. 18 cards for $.70. I do moistly PWE trades like this.

i've had 2 trades from canada that this has happend to. the tape on mine was imprinted with us customs and border patrol. 

It was inspected because of all the stamps used; known as the Unabomber rule.

Kaline6 said it best in a post earlier.  I (as a rural carrier, also) have found the last 6 months somewhat frustrating.  The inconsistancy at varying post offices and employees can be maddening.  That also extends to the postmaster working the window.  The USPS clerks I work with are some of the best and most knowledgable ever with experience at the post office and at the plant (IMF).  They have painstakingly tried to teach me each and every way to safely, securely, and efficiently mail trading cards (every day)  

But depending where, who, and when you go, the prices are NEVER the same.  Letter, flat, or parcel?  Machinable or non-machinable?  Tracking mandatory or optional?  And that goes for the receiving station as well.  Just because you paid a price at the sending station doesn't mean the receiving station will accept it (they will return it for more postage.  Really whcih other business can do that?)   I actually use the same metal template that the USPS uses at the window and still get different prices.   

Way to go, now you got me started....