patrick.net

You could always call them and ask to be removed from the junk mail list.

The pre paid postage is only good for first class mail. The PO doesn't bother returning bogus packages, they just toss them into the trash.

The PO handles a huge number of packages and I suppose every once in a while such a package makes it through, but that's because somebody made a mistake.

Bummer. Well, I guess I'll just stick with stuffing things into the envelope.

bmwman91 says

Bummer. Well, I guess I'll just stick with stuffing things into the envelope.

If you keep the envelope within first class limits the PO will deliver it.

But, since the postage is already pre-paid, if you don't send anything, the PO gets bankster money for doing nothing.

Cook County resident says

But, since the postage is already pre-paid, if you don't send anything, the PO gets bankster money for doing nothing.

Oops. My mistake. Permit reply mail is prepaid, but it's unlikely PRM will be in the junk mail. PRM is used for such things as Netflix envelopes which will have an almost 100% return rate.

Business Reply Mail is paid for on a per piece basis. And there's an additional handling fee. So the more BRM they get back, the more they pay.

OK, I played around on the USPS site a bit, and it looks like it is pretty simple to get the cost maxed out for first class mail. It doesn't seem to matter if you send the pre-paid envelope back, or tape it to a box. As long as it weighs a tiny bit more than 12oz (13oz limit, weight is always rounded up for billing), it will go through. It should cost even more if you can make it rigid, and have more than 1/4" variation in thickness across it. I am going to ask the mail man about the envelopes though. Maybe he will offer some advice on how to affix them to heavy boxes of junk & get the CC company to foot the bill. I'd hate to think that all the effort of the people on the BMW forum was for nothing!

bmwman91 says

OK, I played around on the USPS site a bit, and it looks like it is pretty simple to get the cost maxed out for first class mail.

OK, I've got a friend who has worked for the USPS since the mid 80s. He says they do charge surcharges on odd shaped stuff. He's also heard of heavier packages going through although he's never seen it himself.

So it does look someone can run up the postage on BRM although there are limits.

Anyway, here's what the USPS has to say:

9.4.6 Intentions of the Permit Holder

BRM may not be used for any purpose other than that intended by the permit holder, even when postage is affixed. In cases where a BRM card or letter is used improperly as a label, the USPS treats the item as waste.

http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/507.htm#wp1119170