Curious question

[albertabrightalberta]

I know this has been discussed in the past but I'm not sure whether what was done in this buyer's experience is allowed (per USPS).

So what is the actual rule on this? 

While looking at handbags, I noticed this in a seller's feedback: 

[kensgiftshop]

From what I understand, it doesn't matter if it's recycled, used for packing, you can't use any part of Priority Mail boxes or envelopes if you ship ground.

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@albertabrightalberta wrote:

I know this has been discussed in the past but I'm not sure whether what was done in this buyer's experience is allowed (per USPS).

So what is the actual rule on this? 

Anyone choosing to use Priority Mail packaging, recycled or not as filler/packing (inside other box) material is asking for problems. It is not worth the hassle, and it only takes one person to mis represent what actually happened. Right or wrong. Stay away from using it regardless of if someone says it is ok to use recycled boxes only. IMHO

[albertabrightalberta]

@chevymontecarlo88 

To be clear, I was shopping as a buyer and looking at a seller's feedback and saw the comment. 

As a seller myself, I've don't use priority packing supplies when shipping by GA. 

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@albertabrightalberta wrote:

@chevymontecarlo88 

To be clear, I was shopping as a buyer and looking at a seller's feedback and saw the comment. 

As a seller myself, I've don't use priority packing supplies when shipping by GA. 

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I understood that you were not doing this and was just asking the question. 👍

[wastingtime101]

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@albertabrightalberta wrote:

I know this has been discussed in the past but I'm not sure whether what was done in this buyer's experience is allowed (per USPS).

So what is the actual rule on this? 

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https://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/601.pdf

6.1 USPS-Produced Packaging [4-7-25]

Using USPS-produced packaging for mailing items must meet the following standards:

a. All USPS-produced packaging (including Flat-Rate packaging) must be used only for the applicable product (e.g., Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail).

b. The mailer of any matter mailed in USPS-produced packaging, regardless of how the packaging is reconfigured or how markings may be obliterated, must pay the appropriate product price. 

[pikabo-icu]

I've never complained to a seller about this nor reflected it in FB but...

I can't tell you how many times I unpack an order and find padded flat rate envelopes when the item was not shipped priority.  Sometimes the item is wrapped in 2 or 3 of them. Obviously NEW, often not even sealed so I save them to use in the proper way. 

That said, it also happens when I receive shipments that are sent priority. It's a huge waste but I'm assuming since it was shipped priority that this is not a violation? 

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@pikabo-icu wrote:

I've never complained to a seller about this nor reflected it in FB but...

I can't tell you how many times I unpack an order and find padded flat rate envelopes when the item was not shipped priority.  Sometimes the item is wrapped in 2 or 3 of them. Obviously NEW, often not even sealed so I save them to use in the proper way. 

That said, it also happens when I receive shipments that are sent priority. It's a huge waste but I'm assuming since it was shipped priority that this is not a violation? 

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It is a violation if Priority boxes or Priority envelopes are misused to pack/buffer even if the shipment is being shipped Priority mail. 

[pikabo-icu]

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@chevymontecarlo88 wrote:

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@pikabo-icu wrote:

I've never complained to a seller about this nor reflected it in FB but...

I can't tell you how many times I unpack an order and find padded flat rate envelopes when the item was not shipped priority.  Sometimes the item is wrapped in 2 or 3 of them. Obviously NEW, often not even sealed so I save them to use in the proper way. 

That said, it also happens when I receive shipments that are sent priority. It's a huge waste but I'm assuming since it was shipped priority that this is not a violation? 

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It is a violation if Priority boxes or Priority envelopes are misused to pack/buffer even if the shipment is being shipped Priority mail. 

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@chevymontecarlo88   Thank you.. That makes sense to me.

It's an abuse of free shipping products. SIGH   

[chevymontecarlo88]

It can be confusing even if you ask postal clerks themselves. I witnessed someone (post office) bringing in a USPS Flat rate bubble wrap package that was not going to fit well to ship. The postal clerk ended up getting the customer to put it into a flat rate box but stuffed it (USPS Employee packed/stuffed it) with more empty padded Priority envelopes as packaging/padding. Go figure. 

[12345jamesstamps]

This reminds me of a buyer leaving me weird feedback because I used a piece of tape to secure the envelope and had to tell me and the world I did that in her feedback...LOL

The USPS made up rules and regulations a long time ago.

The employees( the old timers I talk too) of the USPS don't care what is used inside a box or bag...inside I mention...not the actual bag or box used.

And I hear them help customers what to use.

I visit my post office 4-5 times a week unlike other sellers who probably never been to their post office...LOL

I feel use whatever you want...no one obeys all the rules in the world...speeding in a road, jaywalking, littering, etc.

Packaging has nothing to do with high postage.

I mean, Amazon will use a 12 inch box to ship a piece of gum...talk about waste.

[chevymontecarlo88]

The point was not as much as why others don't care about the policy it is about what could happen if someone did and made a big deal about it. (found recycled or not Priority packing)

It is not worth the hassle even if your postal clerk says, don't worry about it. IMHO

[grand-and-glorious-purpose]

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@wastingtime101 wrote:

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@albertabrightalberta wrote:

I know this has been discussed in the past but I'm not sure whether what was done in this buyer's experience is allowed (per USPS).

So what is the actual rule on this? 

---

https://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/601.pdf

6.1 USPS-Produced Packaging [4-7-25]

Using USPS-produced packaging for mailing items must meet the following standards:

a. All USPS-produced packaging (including Flat-Rate packaging) must be used only for the applicable product (e.g., Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail).

b. The mailer of any matter mailed in USPS-produced packaging, regardless of how the packaging is reconfigured or how markings may be obliterated, must pay the appropriate product price. 

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Clear as mud.

[12345jamesstamps]

Nothing would happen in my opinion.

And would a seller use something free for packing or pay for packing materials(eBay packing materials are not cheap)...kinda think a penny saved is a penny earned...Just a thought of my 2 cents worth.

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@12345jamesstamps wrote:

Nothing would happen in my opinion.

And would a seller use something free for packing or pay for packing materials(eBay packing materials are not cheap)...kinda think a penny saved is a penny earned...Just a thought of my 2 cents worth.

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You are probably right but still not worth it. IMHO There are plenty of places to get free packing supplies.