USPS International Click-n-Ship vs Paypal Shipping Label? Why the differences?

[rgray528]

Well I really need some guidance. I just do not understand the differences between the two websites printed International shipping labels, other than PayPal is half the price for their label. There are wording differences that have me worried with no explanation anywhere to be seen.

USPS printed labels say "First Class Package International Service" and the drop down to select it says "Large Envelope/Package"

Paypal printed label says "USPS First Class Mail International Large Envelope" and does not give me a "Package" listing drop down. So I am forced to select "Large Envelope, which is what it is, a small bubble mailer envelope about 5"x7" and weighing practically nothing, 2 oz to be exact.

Also of concern, on the USPS label, it says in the AES Exemption box NoEEl § 30.37(h), which is what I select since its a gift. However, in the Paypal same area, there is no "AES Exemption" wording, and no asking of this question on the Paypal shipnow website, just EEL and a blank empty box. Do I need to fill it in with NoEEl § 30.37(h)? And if so, why doesnt Paypal tell us this?

Both forms printed from USPS and Paypal claim to be PS Form 2976, however the USPS label already has my printed name, but the Paypal label needs my signature, again confusing me as to why the differences for the same service. If the USPS label requires no physical signature, just a simple printout of your name, why does the Paypal label need me to sign it?

Other then those confusing differences, they appear to be the same shipping label and same First Class service. I just want to make sure this Paypal label is just as good as the USPS printed version, especially since Paypal is half the cost of it. The item is only 2 oz, but USPS charges over $6 and paypal only wants $3.23, which is a considerable savings to me. I just do not understand why Paypal says its an "Envelope" but USPS says its a "Package", and those other mentioned differences about Exemptions.

Any ideas if I'm doing something wrong? Is it the same exact service and same customs form? Thanks for any help.

[ak90210]

I see this post is over a year old, but the topic is still relevant, so in hpes of possibly helping someone, somewhere, I'll share what I've learned in many hours of research.

Package vs. Large envelope - the basic rules

First things first - the USPS defines a "large envelope" very specifically, it's not just any large envelope, it must be "flat" and meet certain measurements and other requirements.  USPS on their website goes into more detail, but the gist is that:

- Large envelopes must be rectangular to qualify for flat pricing.

- Large envelopes that exceed size requirements of a letter will be charged package prices.

- Size Maximums

  Height : 12" (also known as width)

  Length:  15"

  Thickness: 3/4"

- No more than 1/4" variation in thickness of the envelope

- No hard parts should be able to be felt

- Must pass a bendability test, where you hold the envelope over the edge of a counter and push it down about an inch without breaking anything (I did not make this up!)

Big price difference

I think those are the most important rules.  If your envelope meets all these requirements then you can mail at the Large Envelope rate to basically any country.  If your envelope is too thick or not bendable or anything that doesn't meet these regulations, then you must mail it at a package rate. The package rate costs much more, especially with the new prices.  For example, a 3 oz "package" that I am mailing today will cost me $4.16 because it meets the "large envelope" specifications.  If I were to do it at the package rate it would cost $13.06.  Yikes! 

Speaking of Custom's forms

I don't know if you always need a custom's form for mailing things out of the USA, but if you are sending "merchandise" then I know that for sure you do need that custom's form and this is what makes PayPal so useful....

Can't do it on USPS website

At this time USPS does not have it possible on their website to create a custom's form for a large envelope.  Unless you use an external service like PayPal, you will have to go to the actual post office (and if you do that I hope that your postal workers are knowledgeable of these regulations or be prepared to help them understand, if possible - I couldn't make mine understand, hence I now use PayPal - much easier anyway!)

Custom form differences don't seem to matter

I can't tell you why PayPal does their custom's form a little differently, all I know is that I have used Paypal and their custom's forms several times to mail my large envelopes (with merchandise), filling in the AES by hand, and signing them by hand, then putting them directly into my home mailbox, and all my envelopes have reached their destinations.

Use large envelope rate to save money

I think the package vs. large envelope thing is a little-known and somewhat confusing concept, but one that can especially be a great money saver if you need to send things internationally  - or domestically - that are less than 3/4" thick.  I think the maximum weight is four pounds too. 

No tracking or insurance

I should note that I don't know anything about adding tracking or insurance to large envelopes.  I only know that I have mailed over 100 large envelopes in the last year both internationaly and domestically and no one has told me that it didn't reach them or was damaged. 

If I  wasn't clear, or said something that isn't correct, please do kindly let me know.   I did all my research on the USPS website and I suggest anyone double check there too just to be safe.  Their search function is pretty good about taking you to useful pages.