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Media Mail is being MISUSED by some sellers on eBay and buyers need to be aware that they could be presented with a package from the Post office along with a request for MORE MONEY to cover the shipping - if they want the package!
Media Mail is the newer version of what was called Book Rate. Book Rate covered any printed material - such as book, magazines, etc... and with the coming of video games, computer software and other magnetic material - the Post office changed the name to reflect these new materials that are now covered under this cheap shipping method.
(The theory on the cheap shipping is to give schools and libraries along with the general public a low shipping rate to increase distribution of various media to increase our country's general knowledge - a way to encourage us to become smarter!)
Books, software, game disks & cartridges, VHS tapes, magazines ... again, any printed or magnetic material DOES qualify for Media Mail.
Unfortunately, more and more eBay sellers are listing various Non-Qualified items such as computers, game systems, car parts, clothes, etc ... as being shipped via Media Mail!
(Some of these sellers don't know any better ...others are trying to scam Post Office.)
This low shipping cost gives those sellers an advantage over other sellers that have a realistic Parcel Post or UPS Ground listed for the same type item.
As a buyer, some of these non-qualified items will be delivered to you no problem by Media Mail ...
.. but if a Postal employee discovers the item is Not Media Mail acceptable, then you WILL be facing extra cost and delay in getting your items... the dreaded little note left in your mailbox that states you need to come pick up the item at the post Office along with $$$ to cover the additional shipping cost!
Yes, the Post office can open that "Media Mail" package to verify that it qualifies for that shipping rate!
If you are considering bidding on an item that has Media Mail listed as shipping rate and it is NOT qualified (Not printed or Not magnetic material) ... either ask the seller what Parcel Post of UPS Ground would cost ... or go to another auction ... or keep your fingers crossed!
Remember the old saying ... BUYER BEWARE !
If you find this helpful, please Vote YES ! Thanks!
Media Mail is the newer version of what was called Book Rate. Book Rate covered any printed material - such as book, magazines, etc... and with the coming of video games, computer software and other magnetic material - the Post office changed the name to reflect these new materials that are now covered under this cheap shipping method.
(The theory on the cheap shipping is to give schools and libraries along with the general public a low shipping rate to increase distribution of various media to increase our country's general knowledge - a way to encourage us to become smarter!)
Books, software, game disks & cartridges, VHS tapes, magazines ... again, any printed or magnetic material DOES qualify for Media Mail.
Unfortunately, more and more eBay sellers are listing various Non-Qualified items such as computers, game systems, car parts, clothes, etc ... as being shipped via Media Mail!
(Some of these sellers don't know any better ...others are trying to scam Post Office.)
This low shipping cost gives those sellers an advantage over other sellers that have a realistic Parcel Post or UPS Ground listed for the same type item.
As a buyer, some of these non-qualified items will be delivered to you no problem by Media Mail ...
.. but if a Postal employee discovers the item is Not Media Mail acceptable, then you WILL be facing extra cost and delay in getting your items... the dreaded little note left in your mailbox that states you need to come pick up the item at the post Office along with $$$ to cover the additional shipping cost!
Yes, the Post office can open that "Media Mail" package to verify that it qualifies for that shipping rate!
If you are considering bidding on an item that has Media Mail listed as shipping rate and it is NOT qualified (Not printed or Not magnetic material) ... either ask the seller what Parcel Post of UPS Ground would cost ... or go to another auction ... or keep your fingers crossed!
Remember the old saying ... BUYER BEWARE !
If you find this helpful, please Vote YES ! Thanks!
Guide created: 02/03/07 (updated 11/27/11)
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