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USPS Media Mail
Summary: runukinfuts experienced an issue with USPS where they were charged additional postage for shipping audio cassette tapes via Media Mail. They were informed by the USPS manager that audiocassettes do not qualify for Media Mail rates, despite the USPS rules seemingly allowing it. selforfun suggested that prerecorded audio cassette tapes do qualify and advised not paying the additional fee. They recommended having the buyer escalate the issue with the delivery office and USPS Consumer Affairs while keeping the buyer informed. They also provided a link to the USPS manual that confirms sound recordings are eligible for Media Mail.
For many years, I have been shipping items such as books and videotapes and audiotapes via media Mail. Recently I sent a parcel of audio cassette tapes to Auburn Washington. The weight of the box was 6 pounds and the estimated postage was $8.08. When it got to Washington, the post office refused to deliver it unless they were the customer was charged $46.75 which means they would owe an additional $38.67 which was more than they even paid for the entire sale. The manager that answered the phone when I called to inquire about it said that audiocassettes did not qualify under media Mail rates. Has anyone else had this problem? I’ve researched the USPS website re-read the rules for media Mail. I can see no reason why they would deny this rate. for three days now I’ve waited for the Postmaster to call me back after I insisted theta she read USPS requirements. I file a complaint with the postmaster general. So far, I’ve heard crickets . No one wants to talk to me about it. The customer still doesn’t have the item and this shouldn’t reflect on me. Any suggestions or , has anyone else had this happen?
selforfun
Mentor1 week ago@runukinfuts
Prerecorded audio cassette tapes qualify for USPS Media Mail as sound recordings. The Auburn office appears to have applied the rule incorrectly, unless the package contained blank tapes or other nonqualifying items.
Ask your buyer not to pay the $38.67 yet. Have them take the postage-due notice to the delivery office and request that a supervisor or postmaster review DMM 173, section 4.1(e). Also call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 with the tracking and complaint numbers and request escalation to Consumer Affairs.
Keep the buyer updated through eBay. If USPS refuses to correct the charge and returns the package, refund the buyer through eBay and continue disputing the postage charge with USPS separately.
Official USPS rule:
https://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/173.pdf
USPS’s current manual expressly lists sound recordings as eligible for Media Mail; USPS may assess postage due only when inspection finds nonqualifying contents.