Is it ok if most of my packages go in a USPS blue drop box on the side of the street

[pigeonpicker]

I have about 5 to 10 sales a day usually. 

What happens if I fill up the drop box too much?

[lamber9347]

You really should take your packages to a post office in order to get the accepted scan. Dropping off your packages in a drop box will not get that scan and will make you look like you aren't shipping your items on time. It may lead to buyers sending additional messages asking when you are going to ship their item, and you already did. That first accepted scan is as valuable as the delivered scan. Best of luck to you....

[wastingtime101]

Do you realize how slim those openings are? Those baseball caps (if properly packed) will not fit, nor will many of the other items you've sold recently. Pickup times are posted on the drop boxes, but not always strictly adhered to so you're risking late shipments.

Packages should be taken to the PO and put in one of the larger bins there or left on the counter with the clerk's OK - or wait in line if you have the time. You can also do a carrier pickup and not worry about bringing the packages anywhere.

[divwido]

If you fill it up, then it will be full and not hold anymore.

My post office has a barrel (for lack of a better word) in a wall that you just open and stick packages in.  At least those are inside and closer to where they will be sorted.

[simba6]

Google the term "going postal" for an idea.  No just kidding but if one or more is a priority package they will pick them up. You can request a pickup from USPS.

[wastingtime101]

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@simba6 wrote:

 if one or more is a priority package they will pick them up. You can request a pickup from USPS.

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They'll pick up any premium service package on its own. That includes: Priority, Express, First Class, International and Return services. The window where First Class was not considered a premium service was very short-lived - only a few months if memory serves.

For other classes of mail like Media and Ground, they require the inclusion of at least one premium service package.

[1786davycrockett]

If the USPS blue drop box which you are using is in a section of town prone to flooding, probably not a safe way to do your shipping.  Those interiors are not water-proofed.

Same thing with blizzards -- if USPS is unable to make pick-ups from those boxes, your shipments will be late.

And don't even get me started on vandalism done against these boxes (including fires).

Better to use the USPS 24 hour lobby drop-off (if available), or stand in line to get a time scan from a USPS employee.

Good luck.

[buyselljack2016]

Each drop box has a "bar code"  inside that has to be scanned no earlier than the scheduled pick up time when mail is collected from that box.

That info is transmitted, and monitored higher up. If the scan is not done, or is done before the scheduled time (even 1 second) someone will be dispatched to scan/rescan the "bar code".

[a_c_green]

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@1786davycrockett wrote:

And don't even get me started on vandalism done against these boxes (including fires).

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Here in the Chicago area there have also been recent problems with thefts using stolen keys to simply open the curbside boxes and grab everything inside.