From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Western PA

I think this is a question that we will see many different answers on.
The season for sending bubbles out will be happening soon.

How many stamps for a 6 x 9 inch bubble mailer, does your Post Office say you will need on it ?

Mine told me that I would need 4 stamps for that size, as long as it is not stuffed with stuff. I know I have read 2 stamps is enough, but after I told my PO that I used 2 stamps before, she said the cost was probably caried over to the receiver. If that was the case last year, I am sorry to whomever that may have happened to, if it even did at all.
I honestly don't know if all the PO workers even know the proper postage for the bubble mailers.

It would be nice to see something written in stone, near the top of the seed exchange board telling everyone how much postage to put on the bubbles (standard 6 x 9 inch).Maybe just a seperate thread at the top. We DON'T want to hurt anyones feelings when they open the envelope and then THEY have to add stamps for someone else.

10/12/2010 12:58:08 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

This comes up every year and there is never a concensus. To
make sure you have the correct postage you're better off going to the post office and get the bubble weighed.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=334654

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=322425

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=274953

10/12/2010 1:48:00 PM

El Paso TX.

If they are only sending you a few seeds then 3 stamps is usually enough -- I sent out a few packages to new growers with a couple dozen seeds in each and the first class package (considered a package due to the thickness) postage came to $1.39 on each (they weighed 1.2oz.) - so just over 3 stamps (3 x.44 = $1.32)and that was with quite a few seeds in them so in normal cases I think 3 stamps would be sufficient.

Also the cost will vary depending on if the USPS person calls it a letter or package - Here is a listing of the current rates ( http://www.usps.com/prices/first-class-mail-prices.htm ) as you can see for a package under 1 oz. is $1.22 and between 1 and 2 oz. is $1.39 so if they are sending just a few seeds $1.22 would be enough but if you think there is a possibility of them sending several seeds then $1.39 would be the way to go (since that is enough for up to 2 oz. ) -- Some personnel will ship the bubble as a large letter instead of a package (which is where the larger discrepency in price will come up as 2 stamps is then usually enough and the $1.22 would cover up to 3 oz. instead but due to the thickness of the bubble I'd play it safe and figure they'll call it a package and include postage accordingly !

10/12/2010 2:04:25 PM

South Hero, VT

The last bubble I sent out cost $1.22. The window clerk I spoke to said because of its size and shape, it was classified as a package, hence the extra postage.

If you want to avoid any problems, go to the post office, stand in line, have everything weighed out, and have it sent out with the correct postage on it.

10/12/2010 2:50:12 PM

South Hero, VT

I stand corrected. I sent out a bubble today inside an envelope--both cost 88 cents.

The cost really does depend on the postal clerk.

Duh

10/12/2010 6:24:33 PM

El Paso TX.

Yep - and the problem with that is when you send it with the .88 cent postage that one clerk tells you is the correct amount - the clerk on the return mailing may decide it is too thick and needs the $1.22 or $1.39 instead !

10/12/2010 6:30:55 PM

South Hero, VT

lol,lol

10/12/2010 8:00:14 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

3 stamps

10/12/2010 10:34:57 PM

Mercersburg, PA

JDFAN....i want to send you a bubble if you send a couple dozen to new growers.

10/13/2010 7:13:05 AM

Western PA

That is what I am talking about VTSteve ,LOL !! Different clerks mean different postage.

And sure, I don't mind adding another stamp, it is just the fact that this happens.

I guess I better stop at the Post Office and see what they say this year.

10/13/2010 8:29:47 AM

El Paso TX.

@bigbear09 - Not a problem if you need some seeds for germination practice etc. I'd be glad to send you some from my pumpkins this year -- I had a 320 and 187 lber grown on my 851 Fowler plant - which is pretty good for here in the desert heat with a first year grower. (320 was selfed and 187 was crossed with the 763 Young) and also a 107 and 94 lber on my 421 Drum plant that had several vine splits from getting caught in one of our dust storms this year ( 107 was crossed with the 763 young and 85 was selfed )

The 320 and 187 each had around 400-500 seeds and the other 2 are waiting to be carved for halloween so not sure of the seed count yet. but if you do need some seeds just send me an e-mail JDFanning@SBCGlobal.net and I'll send you several from each (Figure I'm just returning a bit of what I was given last year by other members of this site !!) -- and I'll never be able to use 1000 seeds and doubt they will ever be in high demand - so why not share ( I know I was worried about having enough to experiment with last year and didn't want to waste any of the seeds I had recieved from others, so if sending a couple dozen seeds to some one that is just starting to give them a chance to make a few mistakes to learn by helps then I figure it's the least I can do to return some of the help I've been given here !

10/13/2010 9:59:08 AM

El Paso TX.

Correction the 85 should be 94 (85 was chart est. for the 152OTT and it went 10.5% over chart) - really should proof read before hitting enter when typing before the first cup of coffee !!

10/13/2010 10:14:23 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Wait until you run in to the postmaster that challenges the legality of sending seeds.

10/14/2010 1:27:59 PM