NaneeWolf wrote: 3 WEEKS!!!! Yikes. Clara

kateseinor wrote:

Great information, Kate. Thanks for sharing that for all of the Aussie members who haven't mailed their packages yet.

And to those of you who haven't mailed them yet, please do so as soon as possible so they'll arrive by the April 1 deadline. The two packages I have already received have taken close to three weeks to arrive

Debbie

Suggestion when packaging for mailing:

When putting your HST's in the Ziplock bag or individual baggies for mailing, it would be much better if you do close the bag. To avoid it taking up space in your mailing envelope, just open it a little and let the air out.

The reason I'm mentioning this is that in a couple of yesterday's packages, a few of the HST's had fallen out of the Ziplock bag and into the envelope itself. WHY???...one package had baggies included for Queensland and Hanne and I couldn't tell if they fell out of one of those baggies or from the HST bag intended for the exchange. Fortunately a lot of you are sending in extra HST's so if we fall short because of things like that, we will have replacements.

Thanks,
Debbie

To the Aussie's taking part in the Triangle Exchange - I have been researching International Postage rates to the USA and would like to let you know what I have found. The reason I am posting this information is so that you all don't make the same mistake I did and just rely on the person behind the counter at Australia Post. I've learnt the hard way and I don't want that to happen to anyone else if I can help it.

This is based on posting from Sydney - Aus to USA and can be used as a guide only.

International Parcels 250gm to 500gm - this would hold approximately 250 to 600 HST's

To Country - UNITED STATES with Parcel weight >250g - 500gm (This is about 1/2 pound)

1. Express Courier International Merchandise Delivery within 2-4 business days between metro areas of major cities around the world.
$51.25 up to 20kg Trackable

2. Express Post International Express delivery to more than 200 countries in 3-7 business days between metro areas of major cities.
$58.00 up to 20kg Trackable

3. Registered Post International Proof of posting and signature on delivery for international letters & parcels up to 2kg Delivers in 7 to 10 working days $21.10 up to 2kg

4. Air Mail Standard international delivery for letters and parcels up to 20kg.
Delivers in 7 to 10 working days
$15.70 up to 20kg

5. Sea Mail - Most economical overseas delivery service for international parcels only, when speed is not a priority. This is truly Snail Mail. lol $11.20 up to 20kg

If this information only helps one other person then I'll be happy.
Have a great day.
Best Wishes from Kate ,in Sydney - Australia

CowtownQuilts wrote:
It doesn't look like the cost of 1st class stamps is going up, so you should be fine.

Debbie

My postmistress said nothing about a rate hike and she put stamps on it according to the same amout of money I'd paid for the outside envelope.

Also the Chinese New Year stamps this year are Forever. Katiezquiltz

Buy the stamps that have the bell on them and say, Forever. Even if the postal rates go up, these stamps are always good. You do not have to buy extra stamps.

Barbara

Margo wrote:
I wasn't able to find anything on flat rate postage. I checked several links, but nothing addressed that.

NaneeWolf wrote:
Debbie, did you learn anything about the flat rate international postage???

Regarding postal rate increases: I did a Google search for Postal Rate increases 2011. There is a rate increase taking place on April 17, but it looks like the 44 cent stamps which most of you used on your envelopes is not going to increase, so all should be OK.

Debbie

NaneeWolf wrote:
Dear So TTT’s
Oh my gosh no; but I’ll see what I can find out. Just what you need. . .a bunch of envelopes being sent to you with additional stamps to put on our return envelopes!!

Good morning, SoTTT's Members!

I received an email from a member today letting me know her package has been mailed. She said her postal clerk told her to add more postage on the return envelope since the rates would be going up this spring. Sounds like something else to ask about when you mail your package.

Has anyone received similar information from their post office?

Thanks,
Debbie

Sue, our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the earthquake. We are sorry to hear that you know of people who are missing and hope that they will be found alive and well. It is good to hear positive news of the 120 people rescued alive overnight.