Media Mail considered items

Board games are not considered Media Mail! Why?

Media Mail has been around since the early 1900s. It was originally created to help libraries and educational institutions send books and other materials to their patrons. At the time, it was the only way to send books and other materials at a discounted rate. Over the years, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has expanded the types of materials that can be sent via Media Mail, and it is now used by individuals and businesses alike.

Media Mail and its features

Media Mail, also known as Library Mail, is a type of mail service offered by USPS. It is a common way to send books, sound recordings, recorded video tapes, printed music, and other educational materials. Media Mail is a great way to save money on shipping costs, as it is much cheaper than other forms of mail.

A librarian is waiting for media mail!

Media Mail is a great option for those who need to send educational materials, as it is much cheaper than other shipping options. It is also a great option for those who need to send many amounts of materials, as it is much more cost-effective than other shipping options.

The main benefit of media mail is its cost savings. Media mail is much cheaper than other forms of mail, such as Priority Mail or Express Mail. The USPS offers Media Mail at a flat rate, which means that the cost of shipping is the same regardless of the weight or size of the package. This makes it a great option for those who need to send large amounts of materials, as they can save money on shipping costs.

In addition to the benefits of Media Mail, the main disadvantages of media mail is that it is not a very secure form of shipping. Media mail is shipped through the United States Postal Service, and while the USPS does its best to ensure that packages are delivered safely, there is always the risk of packages being lost or damaged in transit. Additionally, media mail packages are not tracked, so if a package is lost or damaged, it can be difficult to determine what happened to it.

There is also a drawback to Media Mail in terms of speed. The delivery time for media mail depends on the destination, but it usually takes around eight days. There is a considerable delay compared to other forms of mail. It is due to the low priority that Media Mail receives at the USPS.

How to send via Media Mail

To send a parcel via Media Mail, you will need to package your items securely and clearly label them as “Media Mail” on the outside of the package. You will also need to include a completed USPS Form 3541, which is available online or at your local post office. This form will provide the USPS with the necessary information to process your shipment.

Once your package is ready, you can take it to your local post office or use the USPS website to purchase postage and schedule a pickup. When you purchase postage online, you will need to select “Media Mail” as the shipping option. You will also need to provide the weight and dimensions of your package. When sending via Media Mail, it is important to remember that the USPS has certain restrictions on what can be sent.

Media Mail rules and restrictions

First, Media Mail can only be used to send educational materials. This includes books, sound recordings, recorded video tapes, printed music, and other educational materials. Items such as computer software, video games, and other non-educational materials are not allowed. Additionally, items such as food, plants, and live animals are not allowed.

Santa could sent gift with Media Mail!

Second, Media Mail must be sent in a package that is securely sealed and labeled with the words “Media Mail”. The package must also include a return address.

Third, Media Mail packages must not exceed 70 pounds in weight. Additionally, packages must not exceed 108 inches in length and girth combined.

Fourth, Media Mail packages must not contain any advertising material. This includes catalogs, flyers, and other promotional materials.

Finally, Media Mail packages must not contain any hazardous materials. This includes explosives, flammable liquids, and other hazardous materials.

Visit the USPS website for a complete, expanded definition of Media Mail.

Board games and Media Mail

Unfortunately, board games are not considered media mail. Media mail is a type of mail that is used to send educational materials, such as books, CDs, DVDs, and other educational materials. Board games are not considered educational materials, so they cannot be sent via Media Mail.

Is it possible to send Media Mail items such as board games?

To determine if something qualifies as Media Mail, two questions should be asked:

  • Does the item serve an educational purpose?
  • Does the item fall under one of USPS’s media mail categories?

Let’s look at an example.
Suppose you wanted to ship a board game like Cytosis to a biology student who wanted to learn more about the actions inside a human cell. Even though the board games are intended to be educational, they aren’t listed as allowable content. Therefore, board games are not eligible for Media Mail.

What can happen if a board game ship through Media Mail?

Local Post Offices can open anything sent via Media Mail. The package will be inspected to make sure it qualifies as Media Mail.
According to official guidelines:

Any package found to contain materials ineligible for Media Mail rates will be returned to the sender possible fines and other postal charges.

USPS

It’s not always the case, however. Sometimes packages continue onto their destination and the recipient is asked to collect the charges on your behalf.

Media Mail don't send your package!

Does Media Mail make sense for shipping board games?

If you want to take the risk, it’s up to you, But it doesn’t make sense. A board game is not a piece of media – as USPS says- these are games.

Consider sending a board game via Media Mail. Because it is considered a lower priority, it will take longer to arrive than standard mail. After that, one of three things may happen.

  • Your package goes through without being checked, so be glad you save money.
  • The package is checked, found to be ineligible and returned to you, along with possible charges and a fine. As a result, you have to pay the extra costs and your customer has to wait longer to receive their board game.
  • The package is checked, found to be unqualified, and sent to your customer. Your customer receives their board game later than promised, it has been opened, and there is a charge attached to it. Customer is unhappy, charges have to be refunded, and feedback is likely to be negative.

Are the benefits of option 1 greater than those of option 3? No one (maybe!).

Conclusion – Board games do not qualify for Media Mail

Media Mail is not applicable to board games because they are not considered media and are not intended for educational, instructional, or informational purposes. There are specific guidelines set by the USPS for what qualifies as media for Media Mail.

In accordance with USPS standards, media must be “in their original form,” which means that they must be in their original packaging. The original form of board games isn’t considered due to the fact that they’re usually opened and played with. As well, board games often contain elements that aren’t considered media, such as dice, cards, and game boards. The term “Media Mail” definitely does not apply to board games. So, there’s no point in trying it.

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