The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) offers a wide range of services for customers who want to send mail and packages, and a lot of customers aren’t aware of how many of these services work or how to take advantage of them. Media mail is a useful option offered by USPS, and it can provide several benefits to postal customers. So, how does media mail work? Keep reading to find out more about this service and how to use it in Los Angeles, CA.
What is media mail?
Media mail is a service provided by USPS that allows customers to send books, videotapes, CDs, DVDs and other media through the mail at a lower price than other mail options. Customers can take advantage of affordable media mail pricing as long as the package weighs less than 70 pounds. The main downside of using media mail is that this service will usually take a little longer to arrive at its destination than other mailing options. The total time to ship your package can take anywhere from two to 10 days.
Media Mail benefits and drawbacks
While pricing for media mail varies depending on the weight and specifications of your package, customers can save over 50 percent on shipping costs by using media mail instead of priority shipping through USPS. The cost savings are the primary reason why people choose to use media mail. This is a great option if you’re not in a rush to get your package delivered and you want to save as much money as possible on your shipping costs. The heavier your package, the greater potential you have to save money over other shipping options.
In addition to the increased time required to ship via media mail, it’s also important to consider some of the requirements that packages shipped with this service must meet. Items shipped through media mail are subject to inspection by USPS to ensure they meet certain criteria. Because media mail is exclusively used for shipping media items, additional printed materials cannot be sent with a media mail package. Even small advertising flyers or birthday cards accompanying your package might put you in violation of media mail criteria, and you may be asked to pay more to ship your items.
If you want to mail something using media mail, make sure your shipment qualifies for the service. Your package must weigh less than 70 pounds and cannot contain anything other than your media items. If your package doesn’t meet these criteria, it’s best to use and alternative option through USPS or another carrier to send your shipment.
Sending media in the mail
If you need to send media mail and you’re looking for quality packaging supplies for the job, reach out to Imperial Paper Co. We provide an extensive selection of packaging options, including envelopes, cartons and boxes, so our customers can find exactly what they need when it comes to shipping. Whether you have to send a large order out to a customer or you simply want to send something to a friend or family member, we have the supplies necessary to keep your packages secure during shipment. Contact us today to learn more.
