I just had a seller on Ebay tell me the post office doesn't accept records for media mail

I'm at the Post Office right now...

Vinyl records in packaging exceed 13 ounces, which is the limit for first class mail. Therefore, vinyl records cannot be sent first class. They can, however be sent Priority Mail.

Just for curiosity, I got a comparison quote from the post office clerk for one LP properly packaged, shipped within the US. The package was weighed by them on their scale. Here are the costs, based on the current fees:

$3.12 Media

$10.55 Priority Mail (includes $50 worth of insurance)


These numbers are typical, in my experience. I almost always opt for Media Mail, unless it is a particularly valuable LP, or the person needs it to arrive a faster.

 

LPs are collectable antiques. Not a CD or DVD.

A local clerk constantly yells at one customer for using Media Mail. Questioning him, if he's putting other items in the boxes. Course, the clerks are allowed to open the boxes for inspection. Just received some LPs that were shipped in a Jiffy Bag that were opened by USPS. It's 'stamped' on the package that it was inspected by USPS.

 

Yikes!

 

I never knew it was limited to "educational materials" in that case that postal clerk who refused someone's records might have been correct.

 

"Just shut up and do your job."

 

Of course phonograph records are educational. Don't you remember that passage in "Smiling Faces" by Undisputed Truth?: "Take my advice, I'm only tryin' ta school ya?"

 

I had to Google " Jiffy Bag. " Bubble mailer 'round here.

 

so the seller only shipped some of what you bought?