EVERYONE Please Read~ First Class vs. Priority~Turning Priority Envelopes INSIDE OUT!

[Sweet_Fantasy_Fox]

I wanted to get this information out as requested by our members to let everyone know this is becoming an issue for many members, please read and understand the laws regarding shipping packages and using the USPS. Turning ANY priority packaging inside out to ship anything BUT priority mail is Illegal, buyers often get stuck paying the additional fees just to receive their packages. If you need polymailers, they can be bought for very cheap on both amazon and ebay as well as through some of our wonderful ds mama's. If you have any questions, feel free to pm a mod or admin for further clarification.
From the USPS Site

Using Express Mail service or Priority Mail service envelopes for other mailIf any Express Mail service or Priority Mail service packaging or packaging supplies e.g., Priority Mail tape to seal a Parcel Post package, are used on any other class of mail, the applicable Express Mail or Priority Mail price will be charged.

• Misuse may be a violation of federal law.
• Turning the packaging inside out to conceal the Priority Mail / Express Mail insignia is specific misuse that is not allowed.

Any matter mailed in these free boxes is charged the appropriate Express Mail or Priority Mail price, regardless of how the packaging is reconfigured (including being turned inside out, cut, shrunk, enlarged, etc.) or how the markings are obliterated.
Mail dropped in a Collection Box receptacle using inappropriate packaging (including, for example, mailing Priority Mail items in an Express Mail box) is either:

• Sent on as insufficient postage mail
  OR
• Returned to the sender

Treatment of this mail is based on the specific case as decided by the Post Office facility handling the mailpiece.
NOTE: The USPS provides some packaging and supplies free of charge for:

• Priority Mail (Domestic) items
• Express Mail (Domestic) items
• Priority Mail International items
• Express Mail International (EMI) items
• Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) items

[diapermommy]

Wow I did not know this. thanks for posting

[Sweet_Fantasy_Fox]

[steggie87]

wow I didn't know this and sent something last week this way but first class I hope the mama didn't have to pay I feel bad now

[melissardh]

good to know. they tell me nothing at my post ofc. i'm lucky if i can borrow their scissors for the tape i buy right then from them!

[woodlandnymph]

When I lived out west you weren't even allowed to use tape there. They're not supposed to here, but it's a smaller place, so they do. I did know this, but I wish there was some way you could recycle them after you've already gotten a bag in the mail! I'm trying to recycle everything I can.

[cblurose]

Read the packaging everyone. It says right on the edge of the tyvek mailers "This packaging is the property of the U.S. Postal Service and is provided solely for use in sending PRIORITY MAIL shipments. Misuse may be a violation of federal law. This packaging is not for resale."

[shanmarie]

At my post office they have tyvek mailers for a quarter each. Also if you notice the new priory tyvek mailers have writing on the inside so you can't turn it inside out.

[lovin'motherhood!]

Thank you for posting this!! I was a postal employee for 8 years before becoming a SAHM and I can't tell you how incredibly frustrating it is for the post office to see how much revenue they are losing due to misuse of priority and express envelopes/boxes! As many of you probably know, the Post Office is now struggling with a massive debt in this declining economy. Please support them by following the rules - they are there for a reason! Thanks!

[luckyduckie0701]

The "newer" tyvek Priority envelopes actually have red print on the inside so that you can not turn them inside out.