I've had a few people mention this again, so I thought I'd
run through it.
ALL of the FAS magazines leave here with the
correct postage on them. The usual 56 page issue (#163, #164, #165 etc) is
under .5cm (5mm), A5 (within letter size) and under 100g (usually between 90g
and 95g [max] in the envelope). This is covered by a single '1st' or '2nd'
class stamp. In fact if it's exactly 100g on the button and is under .5cm
(5mm), it's still okay. The proper rate has been paid.
The large magazines that I occasionally do (over 56 pages +
etc) require £1.65 (currently) UK postage (over 100g, but under 250g, and over
5cm thick, still A5). These are 'Large Letter', under 250g.
If you get a card through your door saying you owe money on
a 'letter or packet', you may have to go and collect it. At that point
they'll ask you to pay around £2.50. Before you pay, if it's from me, ask why
it's being charged and ask them to PROVE the charge is due. They
can weigh the package in front of you with digital scales, and they have a
guide they can slip the package through to make sure it's the right depth. It's
exactly the same as the one I have.
If it's under 100g and fits through the
.5cm (5mm) slot on the guide, and yes it only has to go through without being
forced, then you owe NOTHING, and you can ask why the charge has been applied
and refuse to pay it. Be polite at all times, don't get angry. The fee may have
been applied before it reached your sorting office, but they should be able to resolve
the issue for you. If they don't (and sadly, sometimes they refuse to help),
tell them to send it 'home' to me. This is what I would do, and have
done in the past. You may recall I've mentioned it in the magazine
introductions more than once.
If your envelope is bent or bowed please point out that this
was done IN the mail via their 'handling', and not at the point of
posting, when I guarantee it was completely flat and all criteria for the mail
was met in full. That doesn't include if you sent folded SAE's to get them to
me, but that fold doesn't stop them going through the .5cm (5mm slot) as I
check they fit okay and change the envelopes if there is a problem. So the one
pictured was actually fine. No charge was due.
...Or, if you wish for an easy life, you can pay the charge
and let me know you have done so, if that's your preferred option just to get
the magazine. Send a photograph of the envelope and sticker with your address
visible please. I WILL complain.
I am very careful. I've been doing this a long time, and I'm
very proud of the magazine I run. Magazines are flat when they go into the
mail. I weigh them, every one of them. I know they are fine to post.
I have actually had this postal charge 'scam' happen
myself. Sometimes it's because someone has put a regular second class stamp on
a large letter. That doesn't work, and then the charge IS due and
legitimate. I have mentioned this previously to subscribers. But I have had
items like this where there is NO REASON for the charge. If they don't give
them to me and there is a return address I let them go back (at least that is
what is supposed to happen). I am happy to refuse to pay. I am happy
for you to do that too, and please tell them to return it.
The FAS magazines
have a return address on the envelopes, and should be returned if not
delivered, so let me know if you have refused to pay and at which office. If
you can take a photo of the item at the time, all the better, and tell the
office you WILL be reporting it as a fraudulent charge - as that's exactly what
it is. I get tired of hearing it's an isolated 'error', because it
clearly isn't! Also, this way if the item doesn't come back (as, like I say,
all FAS magazines have a 'return address' on them), I can ask why it wasn't
returned by that office, and take it from there. I have to say I never get any
returned magazines. I once had one, many years ago, from abroad, but that's it.
I do have to wonder where these undelivered items end up... And blimey, I even
SAY THAT in the introduction of issue #164!! Fancy that!
The service you get from the post office is a little bit
down to you. If you think it's bad TELL THEM. I have had terrible trouble here
with ripped mail, open mail, damaged mail, things rammed through the letter
box, things so wet they looked like they'd been left underwater, and even
things like 8x10 photographs folded in half to go through the door. THAT is NOT
acceptable, so COMPLAIN, and if you need to make a claim, do so. It's in your
own interest to say something.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas.
David
