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Great idea. Too bad it's illegal. You agree to USPS terms when using those supplies and that is to ONLY use them for priority. Yes, even if it's already been used in shipping previously. You can "recycle" by using it again, but again, only using it for priority mail.
Seems a lot don't know (or don't care?), but turning any priority envelopes, boxes, etc. inside out and using them for something other than priority is against USPS rules and regulations. Those supplies are given free from USPS b/c they are included in the cost of shipping priority.
Thankfully USPS is now printing some things on the inside so people cannot keep doing this, but I guess if you wrap it in paper, they won't see it. Just don't complain when they open your package and then confiscate it and/or majorly delay it so that your buyer ends up with a box of rotten eggs and a fee for the remainder of shipping above what you paid that it should cost you for priority.
Asher, I am sorry I upset you so much!
I am guilty, but I can say that I did not know that! I have spent hours on the USPS website, and never seen that info. I feel dumb for not realizing it on my own though, because in hindsight it makes good business sense.
Many of my buyers do not want to pay for Priority anymore, so they request Parcel. I think I will start buying boxes and raise shipping to HELP with the cost- I never charge for all shipping materials, but it is partly factored into prices and/or shipping costs. That's good business sense too, it's part of my overhead expenses.
I try to do business honestly, (which is one reason I no longer sell on FEEbay) and had no idea that was a condition of the Priority boxes- I should have given it more thought. I am pretty surprised no one from the USPS has ever mentioned it, since all the local employees know, and I ship 5-7 packages 5 days a week!
Anyway, Asher my apologies for upsetting you so, and I will behave from now on!
When you go shopping at the Dollar Store or Fred's , make it a habit to pick up all the little odd boxes and such- Some will still give you boxes and some won't. If you make this a habit you might never have to buy a box. Also most of the liquor stores have boxes with dividers to give aways all the time- YOu can use the dividers to strengthen corners and such or even divide out stuff like glasses , cups or bottles .
YOu can also break down the bigger boxes for storage and just tape then back up when you get ready to use them. Also you can cut down the bigger ones and make you own flaps by just cutting down the sides the same distance .
I've also found that The old Teddy bear and stuffed animals you can get at yard sales or thrift stores are great for packing things. you can use them whole for a nice touch or take the styrofoam pellets out and put them in plastic bags to make a nice packing material. We also cleaned out some rentals houses and I got cases and cases of Unopened Adult Depends - I've sent stuff all over the world wrapped in diapers. !!! I also used to sell on
Ebay some. I always sent a note to my buyers that I recycled everything and not to be surprised what their purchases were wrapped in. All my customers got a big kick out the things wrapped in Depends!!
