Shipping books via bound printed matter
I've avoided using bound printed matter for books, but given the increase with shipping rates, it looks like a good time to start.
I understand that I would be using Amazon's permit. What I am not yet sure of is whether I can just drop off these shipments with my other shipments at the post office or if there are any extra steps that I need to take. The USPS site seems to indicate a separate drop off point?
Any insights would be helpful. Thanks.
@Seller_Hi7wbO2Kbo6bl(just going to tag the book expert here) ;-)
23 replies
Seller_nRFmxiQg4EGrw
I use BPM for most of my books; I just put them in with all of my other out-bound packages, either to be picked up by the mail carrier, or if they fail to pick up, drop off at the post office. Never had a problem
Be aware there are slightly different rules; and in theory, BPM does not get automatically returned to you if undeliverable, but I've had only one not be able to be delivered, and it was returned at no extra charge to me.
Amazon's coverage is the same. And since the price difference is now often well over a dollar, I see no reason to pay the extra.
Seller_xwzQL0khly72e
I am testing the waters with bpm now too with the big price difference. My post office manager indicated that it was fine for books and pamphlets. Right now I'm only using it for lower priced books that I can afford to not have returned if undeliverable; although as Nisha mentioned that has been a rare issue in the past anyway. Technically USPS would not have to return them, so it could be an issue with something pricey. I have had no problems with time of delivery nor acceptance with any I have sent this way and will probably start using it more frequently. I am using shipping by Amazon for all books unless the postage bot does not offer media mail or bpm, which it does randomly as everyone knows.
Seller_VQbP3pHGEgs6f
That should be fine--it certainly helps your bottom line--but I would continue to use media mail during the holiday season, when there's a surfeit of BPM and the post office is pushed to its limits. If it's BPM and it's lost then, odds are it won't come back to you.
Bryce_Amazon
Good morning,
Bound Printed Matter has been the subject of conversation on the forums many times. I recommend checking out this thread from a few months ago if you're looking for additional opinions!
- Bryce
Seller_dy0iaamuixQa3
I had that same question ... so I asked my post office. (I choose to use the smallest branch in town because of the personal service.) The branch manager told me to bring it in. About three months ago, I started using the "bound printed matter for books" and haven't had any issue at all. Just this week, it saved me from $1-1.50 per book. ***My suggestion: call the branch manager of the branch you use and make sure there's no issue.
Seller_ToPPYvOWlyp9j
We've been using BPM since @Seller_nRFmxiQg4EGrwmentioned using it to good effect. We use it as a way to cut costs when shipping to aggregators and FF because we still use Sig. Con w/ those orders. We see no delay in delivery at all.
Since most books up to two pounds, have jumped about a dollar using MM, since the mid-month USPS change, we may begin using it on most orders that don't meet our price floor for shipping upgrade.
Though not certain, AMZ. may be one of the few that offers BPM. Stamps doesn't(frankly, I'm sick of their software failures since they were purchased by a 3rd party).Not sure about Pirate Ship. With AMAZON shipping labels, always need a backup-or two.
Seller_O3Hj2a4R5Wu1D
If you use Amazon's Veeqo for shipping you can ship books BPM that you you sell on other platforms but sync with Veeqo.
Seller_SJRMV3s4mNrFA
Never had a problem with dropping them off at the Post Office. The one difference is that there is no return service with BPM. If it is undeliverable, it is disposed of.
Seller_90RNppgT4rIEZ
To qualify for Bound Printed Matter (BPM) rates from the USPS, mail must meet the following requirements:
Binding: Be permanently bound with staples, spiral binding, glue, stitching, or similar fastenings
Pages: At least 90% covered with printing
Content: Consist of advertising, promotional, directory, or editorial material, or a combination of these
Weight: Weigh 240 ounces (15 pounds) or less, but some pieces may have minimum weight or dimension requirements
Size: No more than 108 inches in length and girth combined
Other: Not personal correspondence, blank printed forms, loose-leaf binders, loose sheets, or temporary bindings
Permit: Have a USPS-issued permit
Layout: Use special layouts
Bryce_Amazon
Fully agree, I've read a wide array of experiences when it comes to shipping bound printed matter - checking with your branch is critical.
- Bryce
