This remnant will be replaced soon. The FAQ is back, with a new design! How should I mail tapes and CDs? Just some tips, from collective scores of decades of trading experience. These aren't rules, just what most people do; you don't have to do them, but if you vary from them and don't inform your trading partner, signals may not be clear, and things may go sour, not only for one of you, but maybe for both of you... maybe for the whole net. PACKAGING: Use padded envelopes, absolutely! They protect the tapes and cases, and don't add significantly to weight (ergo to postage costs). They're cheap, reliable, and easily reusable 10 or 15 times, especially if you address by scotch taping a small piece of paper to the front. Staple the ends sparsely, then wrap the end in a small bit of tape to protect from wet and the keep staples from poking the fingers of kind postmen. Don't use paper-filled envelopes: Get the ones with the plastic bubbly stuff inside, not the ones stuffed with newspaper -- the former are usually yellowish-brown, and the latter are usually darker brown and rougher -- the latter will, sooner or later, "leak" fibers of ground up paper, onto the tape cases, into the tapes, and ultimately into someone's deck. Bad news, that stuff. If you must use one (e.g. better to reuse than to throw away), put the tapes in a plastic "zip-lock" baggie. Reuse your envelopes!! Them suckers take up landfill space like... well... something voluminous! And, it's not like they spoil or go bad. Just slap a new mailing label on there (the Post Office will give you all the priority mail labels you want; they'll even deliver a stack to your house on a regular basis, if you ask.) Label addresses clearly: Include all information include, if available, the full ZIP-plus-four code. Include your return address. POSTAGE: Postage costs: Most netters mail first class -- 33 cents for the first ounce and 22 cents for each ounce after that, or see the USPS postage calculator or Eric Angel's table -- which means one tape or two without cases, if alone, might be $1.87, depending on envelope weight. Many netters prefer priority mail: 2 lbs (2 to 6 tapes) in 2 days for $3.20. (Each additional pound is $1.10.) Certified or return receipt are $1 more. Regular post: approx. $.90 for one (with case and small note), $1.21 to $1.76 for two, depending on what else is in envelope. Don't hedge on return postage: If you're mailing blanks and postage to be returned to you, go ahead and round to nearest dollar (or a bit above.) The extra change will cover slight changes in weight due to tape inserts, any short note, maybe a tapelist (so you can send more blanks, or trade later), and tape and staples (to reclose, and thereby resuse envelope). And, frankly, twenty cents isn't really *generous*, considering someone else is investing their time for you; it's just kind, repaying the kindness of their offer and time. Keep postage handy: Alex Grabinski reports that you may send a check payable to "Postmaster", with description of what you want (eg "(20) $3 priority mail" or "(50) 32cent, roll") to Stamps by Mail, c/o Postmaster, town state zip. The typical response is reportedly two days, and they'll send you the form to order more. WHAT TO INCLUDE: Include tape cases: Do mail tape cases, unless agreed otherwise. They add minor weight, even in large quantity, and they can break, but they serve a purpose: you'd much rather have that case shatter to bits than risk stress and strain on the tape housing itself, since the case is replaceable and the housing is delicate. Include a Note! Be sure to include a note, with at a minimum your name, email address, and snail mail address. If you're mailing someone blanks, that note should also detail what it is you want taped. Don't be Dull: Don't mail just tapes; make it fun and exciting and friendly! Send nifty tape labels (though don't write on the factory j-cards unless okayed with the recipient). Pass along your favorite political propoganda, perhaps info on hemp relegalization, with a small message to pass it on in the next trade. Send a photo, or a drawing. Max Points mean Nada: Maxell points are currently meaningless. Generally, however, you should keep proof of purchase / bonus system marks from your own purchases (i.e. keep the Max points if you want them), unless you're sending blanks, in which case giving the taper your points is a simple and kind tho measly gesture of thanks. Thanks also to Eric Angel <ejangel@ucdavis.edu>, <rlong24514@aol.com>, and Jason Howard <nicu@psn.net>. "Fifteen cents of every twenty-cent stamp goes for storage."" -- Louis Rekeyser" This page last updated January 24, 2007. All contents © 1992-2007 Ellis Godard. All rights reserved.