Ebay has negotiated a special rate with USPS that applies to up to six coins, postcards and sports cards. It is called a Standard Envelope and comes with limited tracking acceptable to eBay and up to $20 in insurance, for about a dollar up to 3 ounces. It is a bargain and the only way I can sell inexpensive coins. But it only works if USPS employees know about it. I had one buyer charged full price postage due for First Class Package by his mail carrier, over $4. I reimbursed him. Today I had one returned to me postage due 39 cents for non-machine surcharge. The envelope complied with all USPS/Ebay Standard Envelope requirements. Instead of arguing I took it to the counter at my branch to pay the 39 cents and stupidly try to inform the counter clerk about the rate. No, I was wrong as she snapped her chewing gum. I explained I have most, 20 to one, recognized and delivered by USPS. "Oh no, they just did not catch them." She chraged me 42 cents for non machine (including the 3 cents more for first class ignoring the additional Standard Envelope discount) then REFUSED to do anything about the Return to Sender sticker. She let me remove it but refused to mark it Paid or similar. I plan to print out the Standard Envelope specs and tape them to the back of every envelope. For all the good it will do.....
