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USPS Media Mail service is hands-down the cheapest way to ship certain items, such as books, vinyl records, and educational materials. You won’t find Media Mail service advertised at the Post Office counter, but it’s definitely there…all you need to do is make sure the contents of your packages qualify for this service.
Every Post Office Offers Media Mail Rates
Even though you may not see it advertised like USPS Priority Mail, every Post Office location offers Media Mail rates. Just walk up to the postal worker at the counter and ask for it!
When you attempt to ship this service, it’s highly likely that the USPS worker helping you will open your package to inspect the contents. USPS is super strict about what kind of items can be shipped with Media Mail service, and if you try to ship items that don’t qualify, they’ll make you use another service like USPS First Class Package or Priority Mail.
Here’s a quick list of some of the items USPS allows for Media Mail:
- Books that contain at least 8 pages
- CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, tapes, or other audio and video recordings
- Scripts for plays, books, periodicals, and musicals
- Printed sheet music
- Computer-readable media containing prerecorded information and guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such media
Learn more about Media Mail’s restrictions here.
Why Buying Media Mail Postage with Shipping Software Is a Better Option
When you use shipping software to buy postage online, it’s true that Media Mail rates are exactly the same as you’d get at the Post Office. So, you won’t save any money either way. However, we still believe it makes more sense to buy your postage with shipping software instead of going to the Post Office. Here are a few reasons why:
- You won’t have to wait in long lines to buy labels for your packages
- Schedule free pickups from the comfort of your own home
- Purchasing shipping insurance is cheaper and easier on shipping software platforms, which we always recommend for Media Mail Shipments
Looking for the right shipping software for you?
To get the deepest discounts on all USPS services, check out our guide:
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