Use a real address, even if it is just a random one you found on Zillow or Google Maps, because a non-existent address will show up on the clerk's computer as no such address and cannot ship it. I like the idea though of surprising a stranger with a cheap gift. I think that's called, "Paying it forward."@ValG wrote:
We can even use a fake return address on the box. That might be kind of fun. I could purchase things from the dollar store and ship to some unsuspecting recipient with a note that says a stranger just wanted to wish them a great day. LOL. Am i overthinking this shop? Could i then write off the gifts as an expense?
@Chix wrote:
I can't tell you how creeped out and worried I would be to receive a random 'gift' in the mail from someone with no return address.
@sandyf wrote:
@Chix wrote:
I can't tell you how creeped out and worried I would be to receive a random 'gift' in the mail from someone with no return address.
So find a buddy and avoid being on national tv if you pick the address of a really nervous person!
@ValG wrote:
This will be my first USPS shop as well. I read through the guidelines. How do you figure out how much your package weighs? I used to have a cooking scale, but don't think it would work, if I can even figure out where it is. I was thinking that I will send a stack of paper in a poly liner. Does that sound feasible? I hate doing shops for the first time.
@sojo917 wrote:
The email implied--->" A picture of what your ready to mail package looked like prior to shipping." This to me does not say "we must see the addresses". Nor would I ever photo the addresses for some third party to see. The requirements already asked for the recipients zipcode, so that to me is all they really need to know.
It is obvious, the picture must be taken before WE enter the USPS. Or are we taking the photo when we place the package on the counter. I don't see a problem if we are taking the before pic.
@sandyf wrote:
My guess is that the msc as a proxy for the post office is trying to ascertain that you are sending the correct package out...based on the scenario you are using and that it meets the requirements. They are probably also trying to prevent a shopper from taking one or two "correct" box pics and then just using any box with markings etc on it when they go to the post office. ...I am sure there are some shoppers out there that try to get away with incorrectly done packages. So they are making it harder to do that.
@COMystery wrote:
I picked up my first two of these shops. They seem so popular, I figure they must be quick and easy. But, I do have one question....so far. What proof do you have to provide for the box reimbursement? It seems logical to purchase more than one box at a time. Do you provide them the receipt for say 12 boxes and they just figure it out from there? Do most of you purchase the boxes at Walmart? Well, I will read the full guidelines (I've only glanced through so far)....but first things first, Big Brother is on!
@myst4au wrote:
I genrally buy boxes in bulk (25 at a time) online at Staples because it is easy, and I can get the odd size boxes I want / need. I scan the receipt, and submit the same receipt 25 times. Each time, I charge 1/25th of the total cost. When I occasionally buy 3 or 10 boxes somewhere, I follow a similar procedure. Buying 1 box at a time is just too much of a nuisance for me since I sometimes do dozens of these shops in a single month.@COMystery wrote:
I picked up my first two of these shops. They seem so popular, I figure they must be quick and easy. But, I do have one question....so far. What proof do you have to provide for the box reimbursement? It seems logical to purchase more than one box at a time. Do you provide them the receipt for say 12 boxes and they just figure it out from there? Do most of you purchase the boxes at Walmart? Well, I will read the full guidelines (I've only glanced through so far)....but first things first, Big Brother is on!
@CaliGirl925 wrote:
That's a smart technique, @sandyf.
I might do something similar, but digitally add the shop number each time and then save the receipt, so I didn't have to physically scan it again. Great idea!