For anyone that uses the Automated Postal Center (APC)

[hive17]

Did you know that once you print that postage out, you're not allowed to take it home for later use? I found this out today when the APC mis-printed some of my postage and I had to go to the desk. They asked me for the items, and when I told them I didn't have them, they asked what I was doing with the other stamps.

Whatever. I'm still gonna do it. I like to print a bunch out and then just slap them on envelopes at home. I go to the APC so I don't get that desk worker who gives me crap about using 1st Class and the thickness of the package (I don't feel the need to keep packing peanuts always on hand).

I just thought that was interesting. What's funny is that you even have the option to print random-amount postage at all. I know they want you to use it when you're bulk mailing a bunch of the same thing. But I'm gonna do it my way.

 

[Uofo2212]

Wow, good to know as I use the APC all the time. I print though and stamp them on right there.....wonder why they would care whether those stamps (issued from the APC) went home or not? Wouldn't those be just the same as stamps? Is it the DC part that makes them do that?

 

[vwnut13]

I don't get it.

Make sure your packages are thick enough and print the postage at home. Save over $1 on everything you send.

 

[HPC]

I'm sure you already know, and choose to use the APC, however, just in case you dont know, PayPal has a shipping service you can use too, even for non-eBay stuff.

www.paypal.com/shipnow

You never/rarely/if ever have to worry about the USPS screwing with you using the PayPal version.

 

[byronscott4ever]

I think the post office is like that for any non-stamp postage whether from them or from the machine. I don't think they want something with a date attached to it being used down the road as I'm guessing it could be a problem for them if someone tries to tell them something took a long time to arrive when in reality it didn't.

 

[rico08]

You would only need 2-3 packing peanuts AT MOST for an envelope--I doubt a small bag would take up much space (unless you're shipping a lot).

Also, why not use Paypal shipping? Besides you want to do it "your way."

 

[katieneack]

I think the post office is like that for any non-stamp postage whether from them or from the machine. I don't think they want something with a date attached to it being used down the road as I'm guessing it could be a problem for them if someone tries to tell them something took a long time to arrive when in reality it didn't.

This is exactly the reason. I had someone send me a SASE with one of those printed stamps on it and it had a date on it from like 3 months prior. I asked them why it mattered and they said because it makes them look bad. If the person receiving it sees a date that is prior to when it was actually mailed, it makes it looks as if the post office sat on it before mailing it out. Technically, they don't even have to accept it.

I am not sure why anyone would not use Paypal shipping anyways. It is so much cheaper, and it automatically updates the tracking and feeds it to the buyer. Plus, it makes yur life a whole lot easier and hassle free when buyers can see when it was sipped automatically. It is the same way with the date with Paypal shipping though. You are supposed to mail it on the date you print on the shipping label.

 

[David T.]

This is exactly the reason. I had someone send me a SASE with one of those printed stamps on it and it had a date on it from like 3 months prior. I asked them why it mattered and they said because it makes them look bad. If the person receiving it sees a date that is prior to when it was actually mailed, it makes it looks as if the post office sat on it before mailing it out. Technically, they don't even have to accept it.

I am not sure why anyone would not use Paypal shipping anyways. It is so much cheaper, and it automatically updates the tracking and feeds it to the buyer. Plus, it makes yur life a whole lot easier and hassle free when buyers can see when it was sipped automatically. It is the same way with the date with Paypal shipping though. You are supposed to mail it on the date you print on the shipping label.

Makes them look bad? Yea like that's what makes them look bad. LOL
I use the APC all the time.
Yes I know using Paypal through my printer is easier and cheaper.
Problem is, my computer has been giving me fits, not wanting to communicate with any printer I've tried to install.
I'm too cheap to buy a new computer at the moment.
The main reason I use the APC is because I'm faster with it than the postal workers are with their equipment.
Now THAT makes them look bad!
David

 

[markakis8]

Makes them look bad? Yea like that's what makes them look bad. LOL
I use the APC all the time.
Yes I know using Paypal through my printer is easier and cheaper.
Problem is, my computer has been giving me fits, not wanting to communicate with any printer I've tried to install.
I'm too cheap to buy a new computer at the moment.
The main reason I use the APC is because I'm faster with it than the postal workers are with their equipment.
Now THAT makes them look bad!
David

If you use Paypal shipping 300 times over APC, you'll have saved enough to where you can find a nice used laptop. I bought my wife's laptop brand new for $400 so I'm sure there are well-kept used ones for half that price.

 

[David T.]

If you use Paypal shipping 300 times over APC, you'll have saved enough to where you can find a nice used laptop. I bought my wife's laptop brand new for $400 so I'm sure there are well-kept used ones for half that price.

I appreciate the info but will have to pass.
I hate laptops.
I'll be getting a new computer soon enough.
David