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Help Center - Is the postage amount shown on the PBS wrapper always correct?

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Usually, but not always.

  • Our database is compiled elsewhere, and it includes some inaccuracies, including the weight of some books.
  • The weight of a book as recorded in the PBS database determines the "recommended postage" that appears on the PBS wrapper.
  • If the book itself weighs close to the "pound" mark (very close to 1 lb or very close to 2 lbs, for example), the Wrapping materials can actually put the wrapped book into the next higher postal rate. 
  • You can see the estimated weight on the Wrapper Settings page that comes up when you click Print Wrapper on the request.
    • You can adjust the weight there and the postage that will print out on the wrapper will change accordingly.
    • This will not change the weight of the book in the database; it will change the weight of your shipment.

If you suspect that the "recommended postage" on the PBS Wrapper is incorrect:

  • Please weigh your package and check the weight on the Wrapper Settings page (you see this page when you click Print Wrapper or RePrint Wrapper on the request). 
  • You can also have your package weighed at the Post Office, to be sure that correct postage is applied.
  • The estimated weight on the Wrapper Settings page includes a small amount for packaging materials
    • If the estimated weight on the Wrapper Settings page is 7 ounces or less, First-Class Parcel rate will print out.
    • You will see the postage amount on the Wrapper Settings page before you print the wrapper.

If the postage you have to pay differs from the "recommended postage" on the PBS Wrapper:

  • First, be sure you were charged the appropriate (MediaMail or First-Class Parcel) rate.
  • If you were charged the appropriate rate, and the weight on the Wrapper Settings page was inaccurate, please help us correct the database for other members who will mail this book in the future!
  • To submit the correct weight of a book to the database:
  1. Click "More Options" to the right of the book cover image on the Book Details page and choose Edit Book Data from the dropdown menu (you can also access Edit Book Data from the Member Tools page, which is linked from the bottom of any page on the site).
  2. Enter the ISBN for the book and click
  3. Enter/adjust the weight of the book (this will be on your postal receipt) on the next page, leaving any correct information in place
  4. Click .
  • This information will be submitted to our editing volunteers, and the database should be corrected in a few days.
  • Please know that any effort you make to improve the accuracy of the database is greatly appreciated by your fellow club members!

Related Links:

How much does it cost to mail a book?
Do I have to mail from a post office?
How to Print the PBS Wrapper
Does the postage print out on the wrapper?
The postage on my wrapper is/was wrong!