Ten Best Teen Books of ‘08
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If you’re hoping to bypass the lineup at the postal counter with your oversize Lettermail, small packet, or light packet, you can use on of Canada Post’s rate charts to calculate the postage. Then, if you’ve got a supply of stamps on hand, or if you use Ship-in-a-Click, you’ll be all set to put your package in the nearest mailbox. But first, you will have to have a fairly accurate idea of its weight and measurements.
The measurements are the easy part, of course, but how do you get the weight? Not many people have postal scales at home. Bathroom scales are not exactly the best way to register weights of less than a pound, which your package should weigh if you want to take advantage of the lowest rates.
Here’s what I’ve found, using our company postal scale:
· 2 CDs in box: 78 grams
· 400-page paperback book: 203 grams
· cloth-covered barrette:26 grams
· gift card: 5 grams
· silk scarf, 40″x 40″: 50 grams
· necktie: 36 grams
· video cassette: 200 grams
· kids’ picture book, 32 pages: 133 grams
· Promotional ballpoint pen: 14 grams
· Picture in 5″x7″ frame with glass: 186 grams
These are all still way under 500 grams, the maximum for oversize Lettermail, small packets, and light packets. Many are even less than 20 mm thick, the maximum height for these categories. It’s amazing what a “letter” can hold.
If you’re mailing your gifts in bubble wrap envelopes, which you probably should for their protection, bear in mind that the envelopes will add a little weight to the package. How much? Here’s what I’ve come up with:
· 6″x10″ (about the size of a video cassette): 16 grams
· 8.5″x12″ (a little bigger than a sheet of paper): 23 grams
· 10.5″x16″: 40 grams
Your results may vary, but this will give you a pretty good estimate. For weight and mailing tips from Canada Post, read “ABCs of Mailing” at its official site, Canada Post dot ca.
Jane Wangersky is the author of In Small Packages: Gifts You Can Mail at Canada’s Lowest Postal Rates. Visit her site for more ideas on saving money mailing gifts.
