Elanso

Since I’ve had a couple book giveaways (and more to come), I’ve learned of a much better way to mail books, by accident.

When I took in “Millionaire by Thirty” to the post office, the clerk asked me a round of standard questions about what was in the package. I mentioned off-hand that it was a book and the clerk asked if there were any other first class mailings included in the package. By “first class mailing”, I mean letters or things you would normally mail “First Class”. I said “No”.

The clerk respond that if you’re only mailing a book, you can use the “book rate”, or more formally known as “Media Mail“. If you’re not mailing any correspondence or advertisements other than perhaps an invoice or quick note, you can take advantage of huge savings.

How much can you save with Media Mail?

If I sent a book weighing 1lb through regular Parcel Post from my local post office to my parents in PA, it would cost $4.55.

But if I mailed via Media Mail, that same package would only cost $2.23!. That’s less that half-price! Calculate your postage rates here.

What’s the catch?

Other than only being able to mail a book and an invoice or short note, the main catch is the book will take 7-10 days to reach its destination (per the USPS statement). However, both books I sent to winners of the giveaways received the books in less time.

Also, the clerk informed me that the post office might open the parcel to make sure you’re not cheating. I’ve actually received a couple opened book packages, and now I know why.

So if you’re only mailing a book and you’re not in a rush, send it via Media Mail. It’ll save you money!

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