Buying stamps elsewhere helps the post office, postmaster says
Posted on Sunday, November 25, 2007
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS - Letters to Santa and God still don't require postage. Any other letters, however do need stamps - which the U. S. Post Office hopes patrons won't stand in line to purchase.
Bentonville Postmaster Jeremy Coffey said patrons are encouraged to purchase their stamps at one of many locations available other than standing in line at the main post office. Stamps are available through an automated machine at the front of the post office, through ordering them online and several local retailers also sell postage.
"We're preparing for a heavy season," he said. "With our growth it's sure to be the busiest we've had with packages. We're trying to help people get stamps elsewhere. There's no reason to wait in the Christmas package line for stamps."
The U. S. Post Office printed 2. 7 billion holiday-related stamps this year, according to its Web site. Stamps are needed for Christmas cards, but they also can make good gifts. Betty Crawford, resident manager of the Azalea Trails Apartments, told the Daily Record recently that stamps are a popular gifts for senior citizens.
Having stamps is just part of getting the holiday mail out - it must get to the post office as early as possible to be delivered in time for Christmas. Deadlines, according to the USPS are • Dec. 4 for military mail destined for Iraq or Afghanistan • Dec. 11 for military mail to other international destinations • Dec. 15 for First-Class mail • Dec. 20 for Priority Mail; and • Dec. 22 for Express Mail.
Getting the packages and mail to the post office on time is only one thing to remember. Post office patrons must also remember to be smart about how they package their gift items.
"How it's packaged is the most important thing," Coffey said.
Coffey said the post office sees a lot of recycled boxes that weren't made to ship, including boxes from stores that have perforated edges.
"Those weren't made to ship," he said.
Patrons also need to make sure they eliminate all markings on the box that indicate what was originally in the box. For example, if the box says it contains bleach, it won't be shipped, Coffey said.
Packages shouldn't be wrapped because there's a chance that the wrapping - with the address on it - will become separated from the package.
Addresses are important not only for the recipient but for a return address. It's a good idea to put the recipient's name, address as well as the return address on a piece of paper inside the package too, he said.
Use bubble wrap as the best bet for packaging instead of peanuts, Coffey advised. Once the package is ready to go, make sure to securely close it with packing tape not Scotch or duct tape.
One final tip is to make sure what is being sent is not only allowed by the USPS but it will survive the trip. A bottle of wine or other liquid, for example, is not a good idea. Perishable items are also not a good idea. If there is any doubt if an item is allowed or will be safe, patrons should contact their local post office.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
