USPS Bound Printed Matter Vs Media Mail
Hello,
I would like to use the Amazon Buy Shipping service, but I have noticed there are two shipping rate options: one for USPS Bound Printed Matter (1 lb $3.87) and another for USPS Media Mail (1 lb $4.63). I am unsure of the differences and which option I should use for shipping books.
I contacted the post office, and they informed me that USPS Bound Printed Matter cannot be used to ship books. Currently, I am using Media Mail to ship books.
If I purchase shipping through Amazon, will USPS pick up the package, or will I need to drop it off at the post office? Additionally, could you please provide details about the expected delivery times when using the Buy Shipping service?
Your assistance in clarifying these details would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Seller
4 replies
Seller_Hi7wbO2Kbo6bl
Bound Printed Matter may be used to ship books.
Media Mail covers various media including DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, and books.
Bound Printed Matter is just what it says, and of course books are bound printed matter. Magazines are also okay for this service, though not okay for Media Mail. But the other media types are not okay.
Bound Printed Matter is not returned if undeliverable unless marked as return postage guaranteed. And Bound Printed Matter requires a permit. When you use Amazon buy-shipping you are using their permit.
Seller_nRFmxiQg4EGrw
I now use BPM almost exclusively. It is picked up along with all of my other packages; never had a problem.
I've had a grand total of two books not get delivered; one was returned even though that's not guaranteed. Considering that I've saved hundreds of dollars, losing one book is not a big deal, and since Amazon still covers for INR, very little risk.
As for using it for books; this is directly from the USPS website:
Bound Printed Matter is a cost effective way to mail single-piece or volume presort permanently-bound sheets of advertising, promotional, directory or editorial material such as catalogs, books and other printed material.
There are some additional rules, but it would seem that Amazon has negotiated the way around those.
Note also that the item must be BOUND; loose-leaf or similar books do not apply. Also max weight is 15#; compared to a lot higher for MM (I think 70#, but not sure), so you can't use it for shipping that set of encyclopedias.
Seller_rGcQW1yb6ZWbC
You can request a pick up from your local post office. I do it as a coutesy to my mailman if I have a lot of books to ship out, like on Mondays. You do need to select a premium shipment method, though for at least one package. So, if you have a priority, then just add the rest as BPM
When I have a few packages, I just stick them on my mailbox in a grocery store bag and make sure he can see the shippng label. He picks them up when he delivers my mail.
Dominic_Amazon
Hi @Seller_GKQNzzlDlLRP5,
Dominic from Amazon here, happy to try to help! @Seller_Hi7wbO2Kbo6bl is correct:
Bound Printed Matter may be used to ship books.
Media Mail covers various media including DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, and books.
Bound Printed Matter is just what it says, and of course books are bound printed matter. Magazines are also okay for this service, though not okay for Media Mail. But the other media types are not okay.
Bound Printed Matter is not returned if undeliverable unless marked as return postage guaranteed. And Bound Printed Matter requires a permit. When you use Amazon buy-shipping you are using their permit.
Best,
Dominic
