Valuable Information for Mailing Your Packages

As an online seller, I try to make sure that the item I am mailing is clean and wrapped well. I am a non-smoker, so I appreciate it when I get packaging that doesn’t smell of smoke. Smoke is particularly bothersome to me since I quit smoking. So, I try to make sure that MY packages being mailed aren’t smelly and appreciate it when people tell me in their listings whether they smoke and whether they have pets. Then I can decide if I want the item. Plus, this can be very bad for someone allergic to either smoke or pet hair.

I like to reuse packing material when I can but if it is smelly or in bad shape, I throw it away. Otherwise, I will save it to reuse, not only saving the landfill but saving me money since I don’t charge for any handling, only the shipping price. I also try to use a good box. I remove the labels as much as possible if it was previously used. If you are doing your packaging via priority mail through the post office, it’s easy to order free boxes and bubble envelopes. They are clean and professional looking. AND you have the benefit of free insurance up to $50 when shipping priority.

You have a business, selling online. Try to package your items as though it is coming from a professional business and not some garage sale. Yes, I get a lot of things from garage sales BUT my pictures and my listings are as professional as I can make them. I don’t want that impression destroyed by someone opening a package from me smelling to high heavens or looking like the cat drug it in! My husband did get a particularly fun package and this is what I am talking about. Believe it or not, this isn’t the worst I’ve seen. I realize that some people have different methods of shipping but this just totally destroyed the image of an online “store”. I did cover up the addresses.

 

The post office also has some rules for shipping, some that I wasn’t aware of so I thought I would include a snippet of what they have on their website.

“Only stamped mail pieces weighing 13 oz or less can be put in a blue collection box, Post Office lobby drop, USPS self-service kiosk drop, or any other unattended location.
If your mail piece weighs more than 13 oz and is bearing only stamps as postage, you’ll need to take it to the retail counter of a Post Office™, Contract Postal Unit, or Approved Shipper location. If left in a mailbox, it won’t be picked up; if dropped in a collection box or lobby drop, it will be returned to you.

There are rules and restrictions for what can and can’t be mailed.
This list is not exhaustive, but in most cases, you can't send…

· Alcohol — Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, or liquor) are restricted and can’t go in the mail. If you’re reusing a box displaying alcohol brands, all logos and labels need to be completely removed.

· Perfume − Perfume containing alcohol is prohibited on air transportation, and can only be shipped domestically via surface transportation. Perfume containing alcohol is prohibited in international shipments. 

· Prescription Drugs – Prescription medications can only be mailed by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registered entities. Similar regulations may apply to over-the-counter medications. 

· Cigarettes & Smokeless Tobacco – With few exceptions, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco shipments cannot be mailed.

· Firearms – Only licensed manufacturers and dealers can mail or receive handguns.

And even though unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable, mailers must comply with all applicable regulations. 

There are specific rules and restrictions for sending perishable matter through the mail.
Examples of mailable perishable matter include certain types of live animals, food items, and plants. Mailable perishable matter can be sent at the mailer’s own risk. These materials must be packaged as specified and must be mailed to assure that they are delivered within a time frame that will prevent deterioration.  

Help Us Keep the Mail Safe

Keeping the mail safe is a top priority at USPS®. Avoid delays in your shipments by following these simple guidelines.

Only stamped mail pieces weighing 13 oz or less can be put in a blue collection box, Post Office lobby drop, USPS self-service kiosk drop, or any other unattended location.

If your mail piece weighs more than 13 oz and is bearing only stamps as postage, you’ll need to take it to the retail counter of a Post Office™, Contract Postal Unit, or Approved Shipper location. If left in a mailbox, it won’t be picked up; if dropped in a collection box or lobby drop, it will be returned to you.

There are rules and restrictions for what can and can’t be mailed.
This list is not exhaustive, but in most cases, you can't send…

· Alcohol — Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, or liquor) are restricted and can’t go in the mail. If you’re reusing a box displaying alcohol brands, all logos and labels need to be completely removed.

· Perfume − Perfume containing alcohol is prohibited on air transportation, and can only be shipped domestically via surface transportation. Perfume containing alcohol is prohibited in international shipments. 

· Prescription Drugs – Prescription medications can only be mailed by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registered entities. Similar regulations may apply to over-the-counter medications. 

· Cigarettes & Smokeless Tobacco – With few exceptions, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco shipments cannot be mailed.

· Firearms – Only licensed manufacturers and dealers can mail or receive handguns. And even though unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable, mailers must comply with all applicable regulations. 

There are specific rules and restrictions for sending perishable matter through the mail.
Examples of mailable perishable matter include certain types of live animals, food items, and plants. Mailable perishable matter can be sent at the mailer’s own risk. These materials must be packaged as specified and must be mailed to assure that they are delivered within a time frame that will prevent deterioration.  

Many items can’t go in the mail.

Restricted materials come in a wide variety of forms and can be chemical, biological, radioactive, or a combination of factors.

Many common household and consumer products cannot be mailed through the US Postal Service®. These materials may not be dangerous on your shelf at home, but they may become a hazard when shaken or when exposed to temperature or pressure changes. Additional rules and restrictions apply for items being mailed internationally.

Examples of items that may be mailable but have specific restrictions…

· Aerosols

· Lithium Batteries

· Nail Polish

· Perfumes containing alcohol

· Pool Chemicals

· Paints

· Matches

· Certain Glues

· Live Animals

· Cremated Remains

Examples of non-mailable items…

· Air bags

· Ammunition

· Explosives

· Gasoline

Not sure if what you’re sending is restricted or prohibited? Just call 800-ASK-USPS® or your local Post Office.”

And, you can always go to the USPS.com website.

Be smart. Be a professional. Make sure your customers WANT to shop with you again!

Happy sales! And for the BEST place to sell, check out ONLINEAUCTION.com!!

Thank you! Visit us anytime at KornKountryTreasures!

Have Patience . . . . .

The entire country seems to be affected lately by the storms rolling across. Frigid, arctic air with seemingly endless snow in parts of the East and Midwest, which usually don't get prolonged snaps like this! Since major hubs of the airlines are affected, so are the deliveries, no matter if it was being sent by UPS, FedEx or USPS (even though USPS just raised their prices, again). It has affected everyone.

One of our OLA members, FyreByrd, put a note out on FaceBook stating "To all those that won my auctions...due to the inclement weather here in Ohio there will be a delay in getting your items out to you...I will send each of you an Omail to let you know as soon as your items have shipped....thanks so much for your bids!!" I thought that was a great idea since things are being held up. A pro-active seller!

I purchased an antique lamp and it got hung up in New Jersey for eleven days. It did get here but I was so excited about getting it, it seemed to take forever! I know it wasn't the sellers fault because they shipped it the day after I paid. The tracking number was in the system. But USPS had it in New Jersey for the longest time!

I bought a book the other day. And I received a nice email explaining that due to the unforeseen weather issues, the book may be delayed. "We wanted to let you know that your package may not arrive on time due to extreme weather conditions or an unforeseen natural event. Shipping carriers in the area of your delivery address--or cities along the delivery route--are reporting delivery delays because of these conditions. UPS will deliver the package as soon as possible. We are sorry about this unavoidable delay and we appreciate your patience."

I was very surprised by this as it isn't often I am told that a package may be delayed up front. FyreByrd has the right idea, to inform her customers what is going on. Sometimes we don't realize that other parts of the country are buried in snow and our packages have to go through that snow!!

So, I am asking all buyers, no matter where you have purchased your item, please be patient. Remember, this is a miserable winter for everyone. Please don't blame the sellers, who ever they are, where ever they sell, for those "extreme weather conditions". They will appreciate it!!

Patience IS a virtue!!

If you are trying to keep warm and love to shop, check out the great values on OnlineAuction.com! We treat you like we'd like to be treated!! Grab your hot chocolate and bunny slippers and enjoy!!

Happy New Year - 2014!

What would you like to see in 2014? Have you really thought about it?

 

We go through life, every year, wishing for peace and understanding, wealth, and material things not really considering what we have that are right in front of us.

 

This year consider what you have in small terms.

 

Wealth - what is wealth? Is it really money? It is really material possessions? The older I've gotten the more inmaterial they seem. Personal possessions are really overrated. Even the things that Daddy made. I'd much rather have Dad.

 

This year be grateful that you have health . . . . even with sore joints, arthritis, and other ills, you can probably find others worse off.

 

My husband and I saw a woman working in a local store that I am sure had polio at some point in her life. She was bent completely over, holding herself as upright as possible, by clenching her upper leg with one hand, offering to help people as they passed by. She couldn't stand upright but was at a 90 degree angle but used no walker and was slightly off kilter as Daddy was . . . . he also had polio and was the same. She worked her shift, standing and clerking, holding on to the counter as she scanned the items. And, still, when it wasn't busy, she'd be standing, holding herself up, asking customers if she could be of assistance, all with a smile! God bless her!

 

This year be grateful that you have family . . . . there are so many people who are totally alone. And if you are at odds with one another, try to hold on to the good and forget the rest. Life is much too short.

 

This year be grateful that you have a roof over your head . . . . okay, so it isn't the lap of luxury but it provides heat and protection. I can remember Mom and Dad talking about when they were first married, they remodeled a chicken coop.

 

This year be grateful that you have a job  . . . . there are so many that are without and in dire circumstances. It may not be the best job or the most fulfilling job but it puts food on the table.

 

This year be grateful that you have a voice . . . . that you can speak freely and openly, discuss the workings of the government and criticize when you don't care for our politicians actions.

 

This year be grateful . . . . . . and pass it on to someone who needs a smile, a kind word, a buck or two, a word of encouragement, and a prayer. It warms the soul.

 

In other words, let's count our blessings. I certainly am.

 

May you all have a wonderful, purposeful, and joyful New Year!

 

God bless you all!

 

And a special Happy New Year to all my friends at OnlineAuction.com! Thank you for all your support, help, kind words, and just for being you!!

 



Merry Christmas!

 

 

As we go through the day to day bustle of getting ready for the holidays, I wanted to share a little film that I found on Youtube titled The Chrismas Shoes. This is such a sad yet heartwarming song and it is done beautifully!

 

So, enjoy this song and remember what Christmas is all about . . . I believe it is the celebration of the birth of Christ . . . and giving to others.

 

For all my OnlineAuction.com friends, customers, and especially my family . . . .

 

Merry Christmas!

 

 

Finding My Christmas Spirit

Christmas is going to be very, very slim at our house this year. We can't even afford a tree, never mind decorations. There's a very good reason for it -- we bought new property for the Love Your Pet Expo Sanctuary for Special Needs Animals. Fixing it up to make it safe and comfy for the critters is taking every nickel and every drop of credit we have left. We are sacrificing our Christmas splurging for their sakes, so finding my Christmas Spirit was a bit of a challenge.

Trying to get in the mood, I went looking for the Christmas mugs. I thought I knew right where they were, so I headed for the den/storage room. I dragged out the box labeled "kitchen" that I knew I had packed when we left Oregon. When I opened it, there were some of our daughter's things. Evidently, we unpacked the box long ago, then she filled it with her stuff, so no mugs (and no Christmas Spirit). 

I recognized one more box that said "Coffee Maker."
I just knew the mugs would be there. It was way in the back, with heavy bins stacked in front. I was exhausted by the time I got it out. I opened that box, and guess what I found -- a Coffee Maker -- WHAT WAS THAT THING DOING IN THERE? Anyway, no Christmas mugs, which was really disappointing, but I did find the CD player, 
and I knew right where to find the Christmas CDs, so that was a nice surprise that cheered me up a little. (The rest of my search was done with my favorite songs of the season playing in the background.)

Next, I looked for the mugs in the shelving unit. No Christmas mugs, which was a bummer, but I did find a grow light I thought was gone forever. I really needed another light for my indoor garden, but I couldn't afford it. Now I'd have all the light I would need to grow veggies inside this winter, but I still wanted those mugs!

Next, I went out to the back porch storage area. No Christmas mugs, but I did find Christmas dishes! They had been in the family for years, passed around from year to year. I had forgotten all about them. I unpacked them, washed them and swapped them out for the regular dishes, so we would be eating from holiday plates for the next month. There was only one thing missing -- the cups. No mugs, no cups -- back to the search. AARRGGHH!

I looked around some more. No Christmas mugs, but I did find two boxes of never-used Christmas lights and a brand new top ornament. Then came the find of the day -- a fancy box of beautiful "12 Days of Christmas" ornaments that our son gave us the last time he moved. I had forgotten all about them, too. I showed all these to Hubby and said I wanted to hang the lights on the wall in the shape of a Christmas tree, so I could hang the ornaments on them. It would be a flat, fake thing, but better than nothing. Hubby got a gleam in his eye and jumped right into the project of making me a wood Christmas tree for the wall that would stand out, hold the lights, the top ornament, and The Twelve Days of Christmas. With my painting skills and his carpentry talent, we should have that project finished, tomorrow. I CAN'T WAIT!

Finally, I was down to one last place to look, and there were the Christmas mugs, in their box, right where I'd put them, in the linen closet, along with my never-worn Christmas toe-socks from last year. SUCCESS!

If I'd gone there first, I'd have my mugs and nothing else. Now I have everything I need for a very merry Christmas house, without spending a penny, plus Christmas socks on my feet, hot Christmas coffee in my nice big Christmas mug, and I found my Christmas Spirit. Life is good!

Christmas Santa Resting

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL MY FRIENDS AT OLA AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO STOPS BY TO READ THIS.

Get Lured In - Southeastern Raptor Center - Auburn University -Welcome!

On November 21, 2013, we at OnlineAuction.com were fortunate to be introduced to our newest Founding Members, Auburn University, Southeastern Raptor Center at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Joining us was Marianne Hudson, Assistant Director for Raptor Training and Education. She was interviewed by Metzy on the TalkShoe radio program. (if you'd like to hear it just click on Talkshow and click "listen" for the Nov. 21st show)

I, myself, was absolutely fascinated with the program. I have always loved eagles and think that they are one of the most majestic birds in the world. But to have someone come in and tell us about a program for raptors (eagles included) and an auction to benefit that program, we were enthralled!

You can be among the few fans to own a rare collectible used in one of Auburn’s favorite game day traditions – the pre-game flight of the Auburn eagle. This set includes the lure and jesses to be worn by the Auburn eagle when Auburn meets Alabama 11/30/13. And the auction is on OnlineAuction.com.

You can also visit the Southeastern Raptor Center website for complete details.

"Proceeds from the auction will benefit Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine's Southeastern Raptor Center, a non-profit organization with a three-fold mission of wildlife rehabilitation, education and conservation.

Since its modest beginning in the mid-1970s, the Southeastern Raptor Center has treated and released thousands of birds of prey. The center conducts more than 350 educational programs for thousands of school children and civic groups annually.

You can also support the center by participating in the Adopt-a-Raptor program, which helps defray the costs of housing, food, and medical care for injured and orphaned birds of prey. Visit www.vetmed.auburn.edu/raptor for details."

This auction will end 11:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on December 4, 2013. The donation is tax deductable, minus the cost of the raw materials.

I was so impressed with this program, never knowing that there were groups out there helping to keep the raptors alive, helping the injured and providing sanctuary for those that can't be released. I would encourage anyone with a love for the raptors to think seriously about donating! And even if you aren't interested in the auction itself, please consider donating to a very worthy cause! Just go to the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine site and check out all the options! There are so many.

If  you'd like to see the eagle practice, just check out this video! Alabama fan visits Auburn Eagle Practice - Smarter Every Day 32.

"Uniquely crafted by volunteers, items are used one time – during the Auburn eagle’s pre-game stadium flight. Now is your chance to own a piece of this unique Auburn tradition! Jesses are cuffs worn around the eagle’s ankles with straps to assist the handler to securely hold the eagle. The lure is used by the handler to entice the eagle to land midfield and often has talon marks from being used."

This is a special auction - don't miss out!!

I LIKE old things!

"Do not resent growing old . . . many are denied that pleasure." ~ Unknown

 

In this day and age, we have become a throw away society. I love old things, perhaps that is because I am reaching those higher numbers myself! So, when I come across some finds, I think it is great!!

 

Here are just a few!

 

 

This antique parlor lamp is just the greatest! Beautiful jade and such simple elegance!

You can find this at RoundPrairie2's!

 

 

Gorgeous is just one word to describe this beauty! The silver filigree on this brooch is beautiful! Ida2002 has a lot of beautiful things to offer!

This lovely antique Christmas light up church/music box is just in time for the holidays! Available with a lot of other fine items at Dusty Corners!



I particularily love this Antique Hamilton Open Faced pocket watch offered by 1967P4!

 



I love these old stoves! This one is a 1920 Regent Gas Stove ~ offered by NYMinuteMan! They have some awesome restaurant items and other vintage pieces!

 



 

Or how about this GORGEOUS Tiffany Coffee Creamer and Sugar set from 1890! And check out other items at Smoxury!

 

And this is just a wonderful find! From 1909Ventillo, this is a beautiful 1930's or newer Wedding Ring Quilt!! It is a beautifully hand sewn quilt with bright colors and has been dry cleaned! Just a fabulous buy!

 

These were just some of the finds this week! What will I find next week? Time will tell!

 

Check us out at KornKountryTreasures while you are looking around! We have lots to offer and would love to have you stop by!

 

Browse through the other stores on OnlineAuction.com! You will be glad you did!