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Coventry RI USA

Just a notice to growers who are sending us bubble packs. Our local post office has been charging $1.95 for US and $3.25 for out side the US. I sent out 18-auction bubbles yesterday and 12 did not have enough postage. I also received 5 bubbles today and all five where short of $1.95. ( most had $1.00-$1.25 )Please make sure you have enough postage to cover mailing. On a normal year we will receive close to 200 bubbles, after a good season it gets north of 350. So, having the correct postage helps. Also, if you are sending a bubble for a club auction, please mark "auction" on the out side envelope and we will get them turned around in a day or so. I am trying to get all bubbles returned for mid winter this year, so please have your bubble to me no later than February 1. When requesting seeds if you have a specific seed in mind to plant, please let me know and as always we will do our best. With the amount of requests, auctions and club promos there is simply not enough to send entire lots of 2012 seeds.

Ron

11/28/2012 9:21:40 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Great thread Ron.

11/28/2012 9:57:48 PM

Lodi, California

oops, not enough postage on mine. ill send money if you dont mind adding postage. thanks so much.

11/29/2012 1:33:33 AM

Lodi, California

oh, also look for my name, ashton, on mail

11/29/2012 1:35:49 AM

formerly RGG

Ron, I think my bubble had only 1.80 on it. May I send you the difference through Paypal ? Or do I need to mail you a stamp ?

11/29/2012 8:09:39 AM

Northern Cambria, Pa.

What may be causing confusion is that when you mail the bubble inside of a manila envelope, it goes out for the large envelope rate of 90 cents. The bubble inside though is considered a parcel so it goes for $1.95. Also, 5" x 8" bubbles seem to cost less than the smaller ones. Of course, none of this may be true at your post office.

11/29/2012 8:15:08 AM

Hinckley MN

I dug into the postal regulations last night. The issue with postage is that with seeds inside, a bubble envelope is greater than 1/4 inch, but still less than 3/4 inch, yet it is not a consistant thickness, so it has to go as a parcel at $1.95 for upto 3 ounces. Empty it is a consistant thickness and goes at the $.90 rate for 1 ounce.

if you spread the seeds out and attach them to a sheet of paper so they can't shift, you can get the post office to mail them at the rate for flats. Then it will go through the rollers of ther postal processing machines instead of hand sorting. 40lbs of pressure around an 11 inch diameter drum. That is why we put them in bubble envelopes, but do you really want the seed that will grow you the next WR going through that?

I put my own return address on the bubble envelopes. If I am short postage on the bubble, It will be returned to me postage due. I sent some bubbles out with $1.80 instead of $1.95 when I ran out of small stamps. Sorry about that, but the post office was telling me they only needed 2 stanmps so I thought I was doubling the postage anyway.

11/29/2012 8:57:43 AM

Hinckley MN

and remember postal rates change January 1st!

11/29/2012 9:02:25 AM

Pocatello ([email protected])

Ugh. I regret that I already sent two out that are, apparently, short 60 cents.

11/29/2012 9:42:17 AM

Pocatello ([email protected])

>> Of course, none of this may be true at your post office.

Today's "Words to ponder...".

11/29/2012 9:43:32 AM

ordinary,VA

Thanks Ron will do..

11/29/2012 10:39:28 AM

Coventry RI USA

If you have sent a bubble there is no need to send additional $ We will cover it.

11/29/2012 12:41:58 PM

Johnston, Iowa

Thanks for the heads up Ron! Postal regulations are confusing. I always put $3 of postage on my return bubble (more than is needed) to ensure the grower who is sending me seeds will avoid any hassles at the post office.

11/29/2012 1:29:25 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

The amazing thing is that just yesterday I received two packages- one auction request, which was an envelope with bubble inside and it had $0.90 postage on it. The second one was a larger bubble- a seed donation pack for our club distribution stuffed with 30+ seeds and only $1.35 postage on it.

What is with this completely un-uniform cost difference with postage! So here I am feeling terrible about inconveniencing everyone I've sent an auction request bubble to.

11/29/2012 1:38:07 PM

El Paso TX.

"What is with this completely un-uniform cost difference with postage!"

Thing is you are dealing with employees that have to interpret the regulations and since the specs for a letter are "Maximum size of 11 1/2" long x 6 1/8" high x 1/4” thick." and a bubble envelope when empty is 1\4" thick some clerks let it pass as a letter ($0.85 for over 1 oz. but under 3 oz.) esp. if empty when mailing to the destination but others will charge as if it was thicker than that Maximum thus the parcel rate of $1.95 for up to 3 oz. - since a 1\4 inch thick package placed inside another envelope is slightly thicker than 1\4" but very close so sometimes they let it pass -- the problem is you never know in advance which type off clerk the person on the other end will get so best to always place the $1.95 on the return (since it is most likely going to be thicker with the seeds)--- If you really want to try and save a bit then place the $1.95 on the return but take the request envelope directly to your branch and have them tell you how much to put on it to send there and you might get by with $0.85 instead of $1.95

11/29/2012 2:17:18 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

I recently mailed a bubble pack inside an envelope and was charge somewhere around .90 to 1.10...I don't recall exactly. I took it into the post office and this is what they charged me. I'm glad I put 5 stamps on the bubble pack, after reading the recent threads here. So I agree with JDFan, this may be the best way to go.

11/29/2012 2:38:31 PM

Wi

Weird most of the seed request I have been receiving have only 2 or 3 stamps on them and they are coming and going out just fine. It most depend on how nice to postal person is.

11/29/2012 3:05:35 PM

Minnesota

I put 2.25 on the return bubble envelope, then I have the post office tell me what it cost to send the "to" envelope, works everytime. The seeds your getting are free, I would'nt skimp on return postage. I'm in a Army Postal unit.

11/29/2012 4:58:14 PM

Argentina - [email protected]

ron apology'm from Argentina., send me an address to send money so that I can send the seeds.
[email protected]
thanks

11/29/2012 7:05:20 PM

Mass

Little late now but how about this.. As a grower, I figure out what a 6x9 or 5x7 bubble cost me, I supply it and the return postage (1.95), you send me a check or cash for that amount in a normal envelope with the 1 forever stamp on it. SO basically If you request my seeds its simple, send me say 2.25 or 2.50 ( i would get exact amount from ordering bubbles) and its a done deal. I will take them to the desk and have correct postage put on them. end of story. just my thoughts

11/29/2012 10:19:41 PM

formerly RGG

That sounds great Mr Sweet. I like the idea. It saves a little something on the front end of the deal.

11/30/2012 7:53:39 AM

Coventry RI USA

Pete, Yes that would work great for the grower requesting seeds ( easy for him or her I might add )but what about the guys who are getting hammered each and every year? I do not want to purchase and write out bubbles or buy stamps for 300 plus bubles. Bottom line send the correct postage to the growers and it's not a problem.

11/30/2012 12:16:16 PM

Mass

Ron, Very true points also, totally agree, I have gotten all kinds of postage amounts on bubbles like you said. I overlooked the labeling of bubbles also. that in itself would be time consuming, I have been doing then one at a time on Word and printing them out.(for the ones I label). So having that already done for you is a big plus, especially with 300+ bubbles, Ive only done 100. I am just trying to get a uniform system with everything preloaded and ready to go. Just thought all the same bubbles, same postage, same seed packs would be easier on my part. or at least look more efficient. but none are the same. Oh well. And this is my first year sending out a lot, so I dont know the ins and outs. A stuffed 6x9 cost me 2.21 to ship today, it had two 2 mg sets, 10 or so other seed packs and 2 5x7 empty bubbles in it. so that would be short at 1.95.

11/30/2012 7:07:49 PM

Hot West Tennessee

I wish bubbles were rate friendly. But they are not on the standard rate/weight charts. Letters, large envelopes and parcels are pretty true to rates. Unfortunately until it changes this debate will never change. I am not a window clerk but we at the postal sevice have a lot bigger problems right now. With the uncertain future I can not help but chime in here. Please be tolerant, If you could experince what I go through everyday the, oh how the 1.95 or 2.50 seems minor. Sorry for everyones troubles. Kreig Taylor 18 years rural mail carrier. First 8 great last 10 down hill lik
e a snowball............

11/30/2012 9:11:03 PM

Lodi, California

ok, ill send another bubble with right postage

12/1/2012 1:46:45 AM

Rhode Island

for crying out loud people. you want seeds? dont be a cheap skate put a extra dollar in and be done with it.

besides if your just want seeds from select growers ( and your not just collecting and trading?) what the hells wrong with an extra buck to make things right?

where else ya gonna get great seeds for the price of a few dollars in postage?

pap

12/1/2012 9:10:58 AM

Polson, Montana

Amen, Pap. Well said.

12/1/2012 9:15:01 AM

Trumbull, CT 06611, USA

I agree Pap, why is everyone trying to figure out to the exact cent the postage? Just put $3 on each bubble and forget about it. Lol, it's that easy.

12/1/2012 10:11:44 AM

formerly RGG

A very wise Pap speaks again. Seed seekers should never burden their donors. Enough said.

12/1/2012 11:22:53 AM

Torrance, Ca.

So that means I have to pay 2 to 3 dollars for a world class seed??????

I'm over it :):):)

12/1/2012 11:27:03 AM

Putnam Ct.

Winter LOL

12/1/2012 1:51:02 PM

Rhode Island

so.cal.
you should be so lucky to send $2.00-$3.00 and get a world class seed in return.thats peanuts for world class seeds. get real please,or find a new hobby where everytyhing is free.

while we are on the subject of bubbles heres a little history of bubble receipts from greene rhode island.

the do-little, cheap skate, bubble requests are the ones you get with a previously used torn and re-taped bubble,one stamp, no note or thank you inside,with the expectation being a return of a full set of seeds?
then they email you two weeks later asking
1. did you get my bubble yet?
or
2. did you send my seeds yet?

thank god most are not like that, in fact, after all these years? we have a lot of repeat growers every year and,we enjoy seeing how they do with our seeds.

pap

12/1/2012 2:40:31 PM

Massachusetts

i'm with you pap, why so cheap people, god throw a book of stamps on the thing and while you are at it throw $5 bucks in the envelope for the trip to the post office.. and remember, a THANK YOU note goes a long way,

12/1/2012 2:49:28 PM

Weatherman

Some of these guys are tighter than two coats of paint on a wall.

12/1/2012 2:55:53 PM

canal winchester ohio

A couple of things..
first off, I have gotten seeds from many growers & no disrespect to anyone but I believe the Wallace's have been the most giving of anyone I have dealt with. Last year after his 1789 had brought big money in the auctions I thought I would ask him for one to put in my annual NCAA tourney challenge. He agreed so I sent him a bubble with the sole purpose of getting one 1789. When the bubble arrived he not only sent it but also one for me ( which grew my personal best this year) and a few others. Completely caught me off guard but I really appreciated it.
Second..
I may be mis reading it pap but when I read so. cal's post it came across like he was saying $3 was a steal for a world class seed & no one should think twice about putting $3 to cover all the postage. I may be wrong but that's how it read to me.

12/1/2012 3:15:44 PM

Torrance, Ca.

You read me wrong pap :)

12/1/2012 3:24:02 PM

Quincy, CA

I got your joke So.Cal. and thought it was pretty funny.

12/1/2012 3:52:44 PM

Ireland

ditto huffspumpkins

12/1/2012 4:30:00 PM

Ireland

ditto huffspumpkins

12/1/2012 4:30:01 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Thanks Quincy ;)

12/1/2012 5:05:48 PM

Muddy Waters

I send them back postage due.I already spend hundreds of dollars to grow these seeds I'm not paying postage also.

12/1/2012 5:23:24 PM

Omaha, Ne.

Now I'm worried I didn't say thanks to the 2 people I sent bubbles to. If not thanks guys. Heck I can only grow 2 plants. I never was much on trading cards ether. Never had the money. Ha :)

12/1/2012 6:20:19 PM

Hot West Tennessee

I'm with Pap, move on.

12/2/2012 12:15:09 AM

Waquoit Mass

its nice and quiet in the woods,very relaxing deer hunting this time of year lol

12/2/2012 9:35:58 AM

50 Acres

Your are right Big Dave. 8 days in the bush, and no deer. The rustling of leaves by squirrls and partridge is the bigg est deer of your dreams coming your way. More people should get out in the woods. Jim

12/2/2012 11:29:14 AM

Williamsport, Pa.

the wallaces have been very genorous to me in the past.as other growers such as joe pukos. i have always put xtra xtra stamps on the return envy. for all this confusion i don't bubble no more i buy at action.. thanyou ron , pap, and joe

12/2/2012 6:27:25 PM

Mnt.pleasant ,tennessee

I like to call them bubblelopes.its so much fun to say.bubblelopes!!!!!

12/2/2012 9:37:35 PM