USPS FIRST CLASS VS USPS MEDIA MAIL

[weldtronics]

I need the pro sellers advice here!

So I consider myself a new I made a few sells and sent them via USPS MEDIA MAIL, it seems to be cheaper than usps first class and arrives in time.

later I was reading and saw that media mail is only for specific products such as books and video items (not the items that I am selling) my question is: is that a problem? I am giving a standard shipping 1-5 days and I hope it will arrive in time, can someone give me some information based on his experience?

btw, when I saw that media mail is for media items and the media mail tends to be slower than usps first class I switched my shipping methods to usps first class I hope

it will be ok..

thank you for sharing with me your experience!

[chapeau-noir]

@weldtronics  These are the restrictions for media mail.  They are strict, and the USPS does open parcels and they do checks because it's so often abused.

Anything not on this list (i.e., you can ship DVDs/CDs media mail but NOT blank media), change to the appropriate class if you haven't already, or you WILL end up at some point having your buyer charged for incorrect classification. 

[lamber9347]

@weldtronics As a new seller you really need to make sure you read and understand the policies. This is for your own benefit and to keep your selling account without any issues. You are correct that media mail is ONLY for items considered falling under MM. Items which one would think would, such as magazines, do not qualify for MM. You should check out the website www.usps.com and read up on the shipping policies, very informative. 

MM can also take up to 9 days to arrive, sometimes longer. I shipped a DVD once and it took over one full month to arrive and wasn't considered late by USPS. In my opinion it's not worth the hassles and negatives from the buyers to save a few bucks, but only you can make that decision. Now I ship nothing using MM, even DVD movies. Buyers are now accustomed to receiving items quickly and will not wait because the seller wanted to save a few dollars. Best of luck to you....

[lamber9347]

@weldtronics 

From Pitney Bowes:
What can or can’t be shipped via Media Mail. The following items rank high in the “can BLANK be shipped via Media Mail” list:
• Puzzles: No, USPS classifies puzzles and books of puzzles as entertainment (regardless of how you view them).
• Video games: No, video games do not qualify and neither do traditional board games.
• 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.
• Flash cards: Yes, but school supplies like pencils and empty binders cannot.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@weldtronics wrote: ... I was reading and saw that media mail is only for specific products such as books and video items (not the items that I am selling) my question is: is that a problem? I am giving a standard shipping 1-5 days and I hope it will arrive in time, can someone give me some information based on his experience? ...

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Yes, the items that you have already sent out via Media Mail might turn out to be a problem.  If a USPS employee inspects the package and notices that the item isn't eligible, then you or the buyer will be charged for the Postage Due. So be ready to issue partial refunds to any buyer(s) who have to pay it.

Going forward, generic Standard Shipping is a reasonable choice for you to put in your listings; if you want more wiggle room on delivery time, set up generic Economy instead.

Here's a handy chart that USPS set up for staff reference regarding eligibility for Media Mail:

https://liteblue.usps.gov/news/link/2013/04apr/Media-Mail-Guidelines.htm

[m60driver]

You have nothing listed that even remotely qualifies as media.  You have sold noting that even remotely qualifies as media.  It is a very good thing you switched to first class before trouble found you.

[allthingssurplus]

Been doing this for almost 23 years.  If your item is shipping on time with media mail its only because the shipping location is close to you.  Media Mail is normally very slow.  I had Media Mail package sent to me from Colorado to Phoenix and it took 12 days.  At some point in time one of your packages will get x-rayed by USPS and they will inform the Buyer there is postage due.  The difference between First Class and Media just is not that much.  If that matters to you than you are selling too cheap.  Ship only the items allowed for Media Mail and anything under .99 of a Lb. First Class.  Don't be penny wise and pound foolish.

[fab_finds4u]

Ouch. If the PO discovers the contents aren't eligible for MM they'll charge you or your buyer the difference between what you paid for MM and the cost to ship it calculated Priority Mail.  

[chapeau-noir]

FWIW, I sell DVDs regularly and generally ship media mail - no problems with delivery.  If a DVD goes first class for maybe 20 cents more, I'll ship first class as most of my DVDs go for more than $25 so I feel it's worth it for just the extra day or two delivery.  Depends on how many I sell in a lot.

[richard1rst]

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@weldtronics wrote:

I need the pro sellers advice here!

So I consider myself a new I made a few sells and sent them via USPS MEDIA MAIL, it seems to be cheaper than usps first class and arrives in time.

later I was reading and saw that media mail is only for specific products such as books and video items (not the items that I am selling) my question is: is that a problem? I am giving a standard shipping 1-5 days and I hope it will arrive in time, can someone give me some information based on his experience?

btw, when I saw that media mail is for media items and the media mail tends to be slower than usps first class I switched my shipping methods to usps first class I hope

it will be ok..

thank you for sharing with me your experience!

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The cost of postage should NEVER EVER enter into which service you use. You may be the one sending the money to the post office but it is the BUYER who actually pays for the postage and it is their money not yours that is being sent. Charge them what is the correct amount and never cheat on the postage. You will get burned.

[bashe_4642]

Using USPS Media Mail for items that do not qualify may lead to issues, as it's intended for specific media products. It's crucial to adhere to USPS guidelines to avoid complications. Switching to USPS First Class is a good move for non-media items, as it generally offers quicker delivery. Ensure your shipping method aligns with the USPS regulations for the items you're selling to provide a smooth customer experience. Visit https://liteblueinsider.com/ if you need any more guidance

[soh.maryl]

Good reply, but original question was from 10/14/22.

[luckythewinner]

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@weldtronics wrote:

later I was reading and saw that media mail is only for specific products such as books and video items (not the items that I am selling) my question is: is that a problem?

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Yes it is a problem.

It is theft of services and it is illegal. 

The post office is raising rates this month, and sellers misusing media mail contributes to those rate increases. 

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@bashe_4642 wrote: .... Switching to USPS First Class is a good move for non-media items, as it generally offers quicker delivery. Ensure your shipping method aligns with the USPS regulations for the items you're selling to provide a smooth customer experience. Visit https://liteblueinsider.com/ if you need any more guidance

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How ironic that this poster recommends a way to stay on top of USPS policies, yet they recommend a service (First Class package) which was discontinued last July.  

The most economical USPS service for items that are not eligible for Media Mail would be Ground Advantage, although eBay's excellent discount on Priority Mail labels means that sometimes a shipping label for  Priority costs less than GA.

[lonebuck-books]

Necro-post.  This is from 2 years ago.