Can you put padded envelopes in a mail box?

pete6032

Diamond Member
Dec 3, 2010
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I am mailing an hdmi cable to a family member. I put it in an 7*10 padded envelope. I can calculate postage on the usps website using a scale and package dimensions. I have enough first class stamps to put on the package to cover postage. Can I just put it in a blue mail box or do I need to go into the post office and drop it off?
 

WilliamM2

Platinum Member
Jun 14, 2012
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I have sent dozens of boxes and padded envelopes from my mailbox when I was selling things on Ebay. Some were too big for my mailbox or I had too many, so I put them in my neighbors (with permission). Never had an issue. As long as it fits.
 

Pohemi

Lifer
Oct 2, 2004
10,714
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If it fits in the box, you can use the box. Be aware of this though:

"Mailpieces that weigh over 13 ounces and that bear only postage stamps as postage must be presented for mailing to an employee at a Post Office retail counter."
 

brianmanahan

Lifer
Sep 2, 2006
24,554
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you can put anything you want in a mailbox
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mindless1

Diamond Member
Aug 11, 2001
8,626
1,687
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Blue mail box? You don't even need to take it to one if it fits in the same mail box/slot you otherwise use for your outgoing mail. Consider slot width and height when coiling the cable so it'll fit.

However in some cases, it might be no more expensive (value of cable plus your shipping cost and bother (value of time) ) to just add that address to amazon and have it shipped there free by them. One-off item shipping for citizens through USPS has gotten ridiculous in recent years.
 
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Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
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www.betteroff.ca
When in doubt I usually just go to the post office. I think when an envelope hits a certain thickness it requires more stamps so instead of guessing they'll tell you exactly how many you need and just charge you there for them.

Worse case scenario though I think they just send it back to your return address. So you could just put it in anyway and chance it.
 

dlerious

Platinum Member
Mar 4, 2004
2,034
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I've done that before, but I usually go to the P.O. for larger padded envelopes or smaller ones that have fragile items in them. It's been a while, but I used to be able to get the clerk to hand stamp them so they wouldn't end up getting processed with regular envelopes (getting crushed in machines because of thickness).
 

Captante

Lifer
Oct 20, 2003
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It should be fine.... if in doubt add postage.

However if it's important I also prefer to go to the PO.
 
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