This guide is meant to help BUYERS of Records (33 rpm & 45 rpm's), cassette tapes, books & magazines decide whether or not to choose MEDIA MAIL as a shipping option during Holiday Season, Thanksgiving thru News Years.  And it will help educate BUYERS on the PRO's & CON's of using MEDIA MAIL during the HOLIDAY SEASON postal rush.

I have recent example of a MEDIA MAIL story:  I sell cassettes on eBay, I went on a trip to the midwest to visit relatives.  While I was there I hit the resale shops and bought 300 cassettes, which I packed in two boxes.  I mailed both boxes at the same time MEDIA MAIL to Las Vegas.  When I got back I saw my carrier (who happens to be a neighbor & friend) and warned him he would be seeing two large boxes coming for me.  I received the 1st one on a Monday and then I received the 2nd one on Saturday!  This is a perfect example of MEDIA MAIL taking a back seat to ALL other mail.  Since my carrier did not have room, because other PARCELS had Priority over MEDIA MAIL, it sat until he could "get to it".  And this happened in August, trust me, it gets WORSE during the holidays!  (Added 8-21-08)

#1 - MEDIA MAIL is cheaper because it is GROUND transport, that right there is SLOW!   But during the HOLIDAY rush (Thanksgiving thru New Years) more people send PARCELS, which takes up more room in the trucks that GROUND transport the mail and ALL those PARCELS have priority over MEDIA MAIL.

#2 - MEDIA MAIL will ALWAYS take lower priority than ANY other service offered; i.e., EXPRESS, PRIORITY, PARCEL, even FIRST CLASS.    This means MEDIA MAIL could sit weeks until they can COMFORTABLY get to it, this is why it is CHEAPER!

#3 - Since the Holiday's are VERY busy with EXPRESS, PRIORITY, PARCEL & FIRST CLASS......Media Mail will sit until they can get to it - COMFORTABLY!   PERIOD!   It is last to go, another reason as to why it is CHEAP.

#4 - It can take up to 6 WEEKS (30 to 40 days) of what should normally be NO more 7-9 days!   I am not exaggerating!   I've had BUYERS leave NEG feedback saying I've ripped them off and never sent their item, only to get an email 6 weeks later.............apologizing because it finally arrived!  

#5 - I have NO problem with ANY customer choosing MEDIA MAIL since it can save you a couple bucks $$$$ on shipping.    Just be aware of the longer transit times and ROUGHER than NORMAL treatment if you chose MEDIA MAIL, especially during the HOLIDAY seasons.   And keep in mind that during the HOLIDAYS it will take longer................ SLOWER than SLOW.

#6 - I have sold RECORDS on eBay for 7 Christmas Seasons now and I guarantee it WILL take LONGER to ship if MEDIA MAIL is chosen.   PLEASE don't write the seller UPSET & BLAMING them that your Christmas present purchase did not arrive before Christmas.   If you are BUYING something that qualifies for MEDIA MAIL - Records, Books, Tapes, & Magazines and you want it BEFORE Christmas.....DO NOT chose MEDIA MAIL.

#7 -  Another thing to consider is when MEDIA MAIL is shipped GROUND with other HEAVY boxes; i.e., BOOKS, TAPES, MAGAZINES, etc.,  your shipment will get bounced around more than normal.   And the packages will show the harder wear & tear.  If buying VINYL make sure your SELLER has a good track record with proper packaging.  

#8 -  Media Mail is the LOWEST form of shipment for the USPS & it's a GREAT service................but NOT during the holidays!

                                         

Have a GREAT Holiday Season & DRIVE safe!

Please go to my store to see my listings!

 

Cheez-Biz Vintage Vinyl Store