Shipping an item to an inmate in a federal prison
shipping an item to an inmate in a federal prison
20 replies
Seller_sUfyk7ajzPzny
Have you investigated the specific prison’s policies to ensure that your package will actually get through? If you’re convinced that it will, I believe you’ll find it prudent to ship using Signature Confirmation.
Seller_KaqJ6KeaiM2K6
Most people who are looking for help find it prudent to actually ask a question.
If you are wondering if you can ship to a prison, the answer is yes. Just use signature confirmation for proof it was delivered, and be prepared for returns due to restrictions.
Seller_Pat3Loys54reO
If this is like most prisons, your item will never be passed along. Nowadays, prisons have certain businesses they deal with and if you are not one of those, your stuff doesn’t get passed along. If you have time, call the prison, otherwise, I would cancel the sale.
Seller_CW0P5hgbsiqWX
Call the institution and find out if the inmate can receive the article. Depending on the institution and reason for incarceration, some inmates can and some cannot. All mail is opened whether or not given to the inmate or not, so it will not be coming back to you. Call first, if it is not allowed, cancel the order selecting undeliverable address. as the reason. 
Seller_Yk1B0VFzzc7DA
Most prison systems have websites that have policies regarding acceptable deliveries for inmates. Very easy to check.
Seller_JKHdK9hkEBYc6
No institution in FL takes anything except from Amazon direct or publisher.
Some require invoices, so since we don’t get them, we write one on packing slip - it has helped.
If it’s a hardback, I may email the buyer to ask if they know they’re acceptable - it really is up to the buyer to find out.
If I have to cancel, I use “undeliverable shipping address”.
If they come back, you will probably be charged shipping - in these cases, I have never had a problem deducting shipping to and from on a return - I always am apologetic for the buyer’s sake.
Seller_a3AfZmK6rLBLC
Most state and federal prison facilities have very strict rules about items that can be mailed to inmates. (e.g. no gang symbols, glitter, glue, stickers, items from third party vendors etc.)
The prison facility’s web page usually sets forth those rules in the “inmate mail” portion of the web page. Just google the prison facility’s name or the address and look for “inmate mail” rules. If the order is for a book and you are not FBA, it is almost certain that your shipment will be returned as rejected, unable to deliver.
Those who order the item, should have done the due diligence, but they don’t so the seller is left with that task. When I know I cannot ship to a prison, I have to cancel the order for the item being undeliverable.
Seller_TooxN03jE4bTC
Depends on what you’re shipping. Hacksaw blades will probably not get through…
Seller_JKHdK9hkEBYc6
We just had one facility say they don’t accept books from local bookstores (even if ordered thru marketplace) because they can’t risk family members/friends having contact with it. So a bookstore selling from another state okay, but in nearby town not okay.
Seller_IzcPAaHw3N7Fx
If you sell hack saw blades and that is what the inmate ordered then there is a 50-50 chance the inmate will not get them and of course a very good chance you will be joining him shortly.
