Afternoon Listers,
Just caught these couple of posts about the Priority flat rate envelopes and plates getting bent. To date, and this not an argument, just a statement, I have never received a complaint that a package arrived bent. I keep on hand a bunch of First in Flights worth at least a dollar each, nice plates, they made need a bath or have a scratch here and there, but plates that can be displayed, especially if you live 1000 miles from NC and you have never seen one. I "Give" the customer two plates with the shipping of a single 6 x 12" plate. One goes on each side and a thank you letter, plus a copy of TNS if they are not already a reader. Once I write the thank you note and am ready to wrap I can do this in a matter of a couple of minutes. The trick is in the wrapping...

1. lay the envelope flat on the table, flap to the top. Lift the edge where it is sealed to the left and slide your finger along the flap, it opens right up.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  2. Take a good pair of sheers and cut off the top piece of cardboard (Not both sides, just the top sheet) at about 6 1/2 inches from the bottom, all the way across the envelope.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3. Cut off the excess flap just above where you cut across. (A couple inches where you slit open the side)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

4. Put the sold plate between the two freebies and slip them in the envelope as far as they will go.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5. With a piece of tape ready, fold the edge flap back up over the package and tack it in place.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

6. Stand the package up on edge and make sure the plates are bottomed out, then lay it back flat again.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

7. Remove the covering on the adhesive strip and fold the top down over the cut off part, gently pushing down on the plates to force them together, this prevents making the package springy, tighter. Then seal it with the adhesive flap.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

8. Using the free Priority mail tape, have two pieces about 6 inches long cut and reseal both ends of the envelope, where you had it open and on the other end too. There is usually a slight gap from folding the flap over, you can pull it shut with the tape.
 
 
 
 
 
 

  9. Now using the tape, wrap it around the end of the package at least twice. Address the parcel on the envelope or the free labels you can get and its on its way.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The one and only time I was asked at the post office why I did this I told them because there was a license plate inside and I didn't want the sharp edges to cut through the thin cardboard. never was asked another question after that, almost three years of mailing that way now. I understand lines at the post office and I despise lines, but I have actually been complimented on how well I wrap my packages when I take them for mailing. The package is still 12 inches long and while you did pull the end flap up, if you do this right it will go right back into place and just tape it down. I use the boxes some too, but the flat rate is better. remember Priority is done by zones these days since the increase, a 55 Maryland I boxed with wadded up newspaper going to Nevada cost  over $7.00. Now when I price postage in an auction I try and hit on a price that will please me, 3.95 for flat rate and 4.95 boxed,,, or in the case of a CCC plate 5.95 and sometimes have to eat a bit of shipping.

 I hope that helps some of you understand how to use the envelope to its best advantage, it really works for me, and as I said I have had not one complaint of a bent plate. you can substitute cardboard if you wish, but the plates are stronger, or one plate and cardboard.

 I use tricks with the boxes too, will gladly share secrets off line...
                     Roger @ TNS

Photos & Text by Roger Haynes ~ TNS (Tags-N-Stuff Magazine)
webpage by Brian French ~ Brians Military Jeeps of WWII, Squadron Patches of WWII, License Plates of WWII
 
 

	BACK TO
	Table of  Contents	Post your Free Classified Ads	Link to this website	Navigation Help