Media Mail

Hi,

It's there (for me) on the Domestic Shipping Services drop-down list (between USPS First Class and Parcel) for both the Flat and Calculated, as US Postal Service Media Mail. I just checked the lister and verified it still is on the list.

I used Media almost exclusively for listing books, reference material, and software media from last fall through the spring. It's also availabe for PayPal Click-n-Ship with the electronic Delivery Confirmation tracking (for only 18 cents, last I checked).

Danno

Thanks for your quick response. I double-checked myself, and I DO see it now if I choose Flat Rate shipping, but it's not there for Calculated shipping (for me). I'd much prefer Calculated shipping since that takes the guesswork out of how much to charge.

Any ideas?

quote:

Any ideas?

Hmmmm....I just checked again, and it's there for me. I didn't try to create a full listing, so I don't know if other selections, like an obvious non-media category, would block it appearing. In fact I did nothing but start New Listing, click-off Calculated Shipping for Domestic, and check the drop-down box for the first Domestic Shipping Service (and there it was/is).

Try and see if it's there from a New Listing page.

Danno

Edit: I use Calculated with Media and Combined Rules for most of my Spring Antiquarian sales.

I'm selling comic books. As far as I know, it's OK to send them via Media Mail. (Someone please let me know if I'm wrong!)

Still confused - still can't find it on Calculated shipping....

Comic books are books / media.

Did you try walking my quick path for a New Listing to see if it appears. It could be something else causing the block. Do ANY of the USPS rates appear, and if so, which ones?

Danno

I think I know what's causing the block.

Don't use "Envelope" for the Package Size. Use "Large Envelope" or "Package (or think envelope)". The later is what I always use for book-fold boxes.

Danno

Edit: BTW, you might want to consider using 1st Class instead of Media. For light weight items, the 1st class rate might be cheaper and faster for under 8 ounces.

Danno,

Your last post was the winner. If you choose "Package (or thick envelope)" rather than "Large Envelope," Media Mail magically appears! Woo-hoo!

I would have NEVER figured that one out!!

Thanks for the advice on First Class vs. Media Mail. I need to research where the breakeven point is so I list the least expensive shipping method first.

Thanks again for solving my problem!

Some comic books do not qualify for Media Mail. If they have advertising in them or were ever mailed as a Periodical, they do not qualify.

And since Media Mail isn't a zoned service (same cost to wherever you are shipping) it wouldn't have mattered if you chose Calculated or Flat.

allabouthhorses,
Thanks for the info about what qualifies for Media Mail. I didn't know that part about the advertising.

However, for whatever reason, on my screen, media mail does not show as an option when I choose calculated shipping unless I select "package (or thick envelope)."

Anyway, I'm set to go now. Thanks to everyone for their help!

Hi,

I agree with advertising being a problem, although an ad for incidental publications from the publisher does have exemption. Here's a quote from the content standard for Media:

"Books, including books issued to supplement other books, of at least eight printed pages, consisting wholly of reading matter or scholarly bibliography, or reading matter with incidental blank spaces for notations and containing no advertising matter other than incidental announcements of books. Advertising includes paid advertising and the publishers' own advertising in display, classified, or editorial style."

However, there may be a possible exemption for "vintage" collectible materials, e.g. a 1900 Sears Catalog. When I inquired about the classification for collectible publications, I asked about the ad rule and got conflicting opinion on very old collectible Magazines, Periodicals, and Catalogs.

If there are ads (unless incidental for more comics to come), probably best not to use Media. Actually, I think you'll like the 1st Class rate and so will a Buyer.

Danno