Thanks to John Tuttle for adding info about USPS services, especially
the free packages and available confirmation, etc.

I would just correct one thing: the free shipping supplies for Priority
and Express items do not require an account with the USPS.  I have no
such thing, and can walk into our post office and get whatever I want
at any time, unless they happen to be out at the time.  Right now, in
anticipation of Christmas mailing, the supplies are stacked up all over
the place.  One can also go on-line and order them in bulk in varying
quantities, again free, and with no delivery charge to you.  I think
it's a great service.

Most of my shipping is for eBay sales, which includes direct access
to mailing label/postage payment for USPS and UPS.   When using that
on-line system with USPS (I seldom ship anything heavy enough to use
UPS anymore) the delivery confirmation is free for Priority, and
readily available within the form for Media Mail, First Class, etc.,
for 18 cents.  That is not Signature Confirmation, which costs more.

I am convinced that Priority Mail is given extra respect and careful
handling by postal employees, and their packaging is excellent, easy
to use, and sturdy.  I've noticed in our post office that even if the
clerks have outgoing boxes stacked up to the side, every time I bring
in Priority items they immediately turn around and put them on the
conveyor belt behind.  With reasonable distances I think it's close
to First Class delivery timing, but that may drop off for longer trips,
especially with boxes.  To all of these comments I add the caveat that
I do not ship outside the U.S., as John Tuttle does.  When I first
started with eBay I did, and found that between the increased costs,
usually requiring trips to the post office, and some fraudulent behavior
by overseas "buyers", it just wasn't worth the trouble.  You know what
they say about a few rotten apples.

Express Mail, by the way, is essentially Priority Mail _overnight._
And you pay a hefty additional fee for that service.  For both it and
Priority, one can call or go online to arrange pickup at your home or
shop.  Fortunately, most of my items will fit in our large Rural
Delivery Box out front and all that's necessary for me to do is to put
the mail in there and swing up the red flag.  As a record collector for
60 years or so, I learned way back to get the big rural box!  A box of
25 12-inch LPs (that's the way records are wholesaled to dealers) fits
just fine with room for other smaller things.

Now the next question that _I_ would ask is, has any reader run a test
as to what is the best and most reasonable clear shipping tape?  I've
been using Lowe's which is stronger, but note that even the regular
little Scotch brand tape on the desktop green dispensers or little rolls
is tougher these days.  I have access to Lowe's, Home Depot, Staples,
etc., and wonder what some heavy users think is best and most
reasonable.  John?

Thanks again, John Tuttle, for the backup partnership!  I hope we are
helpful to other folk -- you know, those Inquiring Minds that want to
know!  And kudos also to Robbie and Jody and all that make this MMD
service possible.  Huzzahs!

Best wishes to all my friends known and unknown for a happy Thanksgiving
and the coming holiday season.  I fear it will be increasingly tough
for many, thanks to greedy politicians and what I call the Enron
Emulators in business.  Fie on them!

Lee Munsick