Automated Postal Centers are a PaperBackSwapper's dream!

• APCs are machines with a built-in scale that can generate postage for your package

• There is usually a bin for mailing right next to the APC

• Many POs have these in their lobbies; some are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Advantages of Using an APC:

• No standing in line at the counter
• You can generate custom stamps for later mailing
• There is a scale on the machine for weighing your package
• The APC generates metered postage, which means you don't have to hand your package to a clerk, even if it weighs more than 13 ounces.

How to Use an APC for a PBS package

• Bring your wrapped package to the APC
  • most APCs have a table of current postal rates on them, but you should bring your own: print out Current Postal Rates
• Weigh the package on the scale
• Check the postal rate for Media mail and First Class for that weight
• Insert your credit/debit card
• Choose "Buy Stamps"
• Choose "Other" or "Custom" for the denomination of stamps
• Enter the postage that you found on the table for the weight of your package
• Choose the number of stamps you want for that postage
• Click Print
• The APC will dispense your metered stamp; apply it to your package and drop your package in the bin beside the APC.

It is important to follow the instructions above if you use an APC to mail your PaperBackSwap packages - the APC software does not offer Media Mail rate, and if you follow the on-screen instructions any other way than above, the default is Priority Mail which is a much higher cost than Media Mail.