What qualifies for media mail shipping?
Using Media Mail
- Books (at least 8 pages)
- 16-millimeter or narrower width films.
- Printed music and test materials.
- Video and sound recordings.
- Playscripts and manuscripts.
- Printed educational reference charts.
- Medical loose-leaf pages and binders.
- Computer-readable media.
Can you send toys Media Mail?
Remember that toys cannot be sent by Media Mail.
Do educational games qualify for Media Mail?
While video games may be read on computers, unlike books or films eligible for Media Mail prices, which predominantly further educational or informational goals, games, including board games and games in an electronic format, are used primarily for entertainment and they do not serve the same purpose as books, films.
Can computer software be shipped Media Mail?
Media mail is intended for libraries to ship books and sound recordings to one another. Computer readable media (think software), printed music, sound recordings, educational materials such as printed educational reference charts, and loose leaf pages of medical information in binders are all OK.
Why is media mail so cheap?
It’s cheaper as the length of time to reach its destination takes longer. It is the only form of mail that a postmaster can rightfully inspect to determine that it is indeed, “books” or reading material without advertisements. If it was found to have a different content it would be returned.
Can you get in trouble for using media mail?
There are no fines for sending a item via media mail that doesn’t qualify, and a highly unlikely chance of prosecution unless you were mailing non-eligible items on a really large scale and the USPS took their time building a case against you.
What happens if Media Mail inspected?
2, Media Mail Packages are subject to inspection by the Postal Service™. Upon such inspection, matter not eligible for the Media Mail rate may be assessed at the proper rate and sent to the recipient postage due, or the sender may be contacted for additional postage (DMM 604.8.
Do VHS tapes qualify for Media Mail?
Yes, VHS tapes are media. Yes, they will qualify, but I personally prefer First Class mail for my VHS tapes. I had some early bad media mail experiences and switched, and haven’t had an issue since.
How often does USPS check media mail?
They do check it occasionally. One time a few years ago, for about a month they spent an entire month or so checking all media mail. This dramatically cut down on businesses that were cheating and sending non-media items. If they determine there is widespread abuse they will probably consider doing that again.
How do they know if its media mail?
If not obvious, you can always being this tracking number to your local PO and have the counter person check. Their internal tracking records are more robust than what we can see through the website. Media mail is generally opened for inspection at accepting PO.
Does USPS Media Mail get scanned?
Media mail does not guarantee “tracking” only delivery confirmation. Most of the time they do scan it en route, but there is no requirement they do so.
What is the difference between Media Mail and Priority Mail?
Priority Mail is usually delivered in two days, while Media Mail generally takes longer as it is not considered priority.
Is media mail cheaper than first class?
Generally, Media Mail is the cheapest USPS mail class for shipping heavy items up to 70 lbs. However if you’re shipping packages that weigh 6 ounces or less, First-Class™ Package Service offers the lowest cost along with delivery in 2 to 3 days. First-Class Package Service also includes free USPS Tracking™.
How long does media mail take 2021?
2 to 10 days
Does Media Mail have tracking 2020?
With USPS Tracking now included for free, USPS Media Mail still remains the lowest cost option for qualifying items like books, CDs, DVDs etc. If your package qualifies, you can save big with Media Mail.
How long is Media Mail taking right now?
Information
MAIL CLASS | DELIVERY STANDARD |
---|---|
Media Mail® | 2-8 business days* (not guaranteed) |
Bound Printed Matter | 2-8 business days* (not guaranteed) |
Parcel Select® parcels | 2-9 business days* (not guaranteed) |
Parcel Select Lightweight® parcels | 2-9 business days* (not guaranteed) |
Do magazines count as Media Mail?
Magazines typically cannot be sent by Media Mail, but because they contain ads – not because they’re not the right shape. Rigid mailers similar to a Priority Flat Rate Envelope are a good option.
Can old magazines be sent media mail?
Vintage magazines: No, magazines contain advertising and even old timey ads aren’t allowed. Cassette tapes: Yes, so long as they aren’t blank. Same goes for CDs and DVDs.
What is the cheapest way to mail magazines?
USPS Marketing Mail is the Cheapest Service for Sending Magazines (in Bulk) Hands down, the cheapest service for sending magazines or catalogs is USPS Marketing Mail. According to the postage rates sheet on the USPS website, Marketing Mail costs just 19 cents for each mail piece at Commercial Pricing Rates.