[AGA-mcm] AGA Books/Shipping Rates (fwd)

[Erik Olson <erik@thekrib.com>]

Forwarding to list for archive purposes

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Diana Walstad <dwalstad@bellsouth.net>
To: Jen Ford <jen.ford@gmail.com>
Cc: S. Hieber <shieber@yahoo.com>, Erik Olson <erik@thekrib.com>,
     Cheryl Rogers <cheryl@dustyuniverse.com>
Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:26:46 -0500
Subject: AGA Books/Shipping Rates

Dear Jen,

Yesterday, I sent out ALL the AGA books to you.  They should arrive on
Thursday or Friday.  I also took care of current mailings.  So its all yours
now!

The 6 boxes have a little description of what's inside written on top of the
box.  That way, you don't have to open every box to find out what's in it.

You'll probably only need to open up two for current mailings.  One large
box contains a smattering of all issues of TAG currently available.  This
box should take care of hobbyists ordering the New Member Back Issue Combos.
When you send out the combos (the biggest demand), please include the most
current TAG [vol 20 (4)].  For future issues, you can coordinate with Cheryl
for new issue deliveries directly from the printer (its easier for her, if
you send out the current issues as they are printed).  This box also
contains the tape and mailers that you can use.

The second box contains the Aquarim Plant Handbook, 3 PAM sets (i.e., 6
different issues), and additional mailers.  The PAM sets will take care of
folks that order the 6+4.  Included in this box is an old Tropica book that
you can keep or give away (the AGA stopped selling this older edition).

I didn't send you any copies of my book 'Ecology of the Planted Aquarium',
because I like to autograph them as I send them out.  If AGA wants to
continue offering the book, I can send copies myself whenever AGA gets an
order (you will need to let me know, though).  BTW, if you don't have a copy
and want one, I will be glad to send one to you.

The AGA has been very good about letting me decide HOW to send the mailings
since this is vital service for the AGA.  Hobbyists will request overnight
deliveries and other special type requests.  I politely respond that I am
volunteer with a busy job and am unable to accomodate special requests.  I
try to work with hobbyists, but a few hobbyists may need to learn that we
are not running an Amazon.com-style business!

I have always used USPO for AGA shipping.  The reason that I use USPO, is
because USPO has a "media mail" category that is much cheaper than Fed Ex or
UPS shipping, especially for packages heavier than 3 TAGs.   For example, in
shipping boxes to you, it cost $8.93 for a 20 lb box.  I don't know how much
UPS or Fed Ex charges for a 20 lb package but it probably is quite a bit
more.  [Just be sure to tell postal employees that the books have no or very
little advertising (should they ask about advertising).  They want your
business, so the Post Office usually bends on this.]

"Global Priority" is another USPO cost-cutter for sending heavier packages
abroad.  The envelopes the USPO supplies free will hold my book (or APHB)
plus 10 or more issues of TAG and PAM and cost only about $10 to send.  It's
fast shipment, too.  There are some countries that don't take Global
Priority, but most AGA orders are from Europe or Canada.  Developing
countries usually aren't set up for Global Priority and sending heavier
packages to these places (via air-mail parcel) is VERY expensive.  I learned
pretty quickly to consult my list of countries that take Global Priority.

Although Post Office is often crowded, I go there a little before 8:00 AM on
Friday mornings to do the mailings.  Hardly anyone is there.  I bring a
magazine to read during the few minutes I wait before they open.  Works like
a charm!

I hope that I haven't flooded you with information.  Learning the cheapest
and most convenient way to send stuff can be tricky (I suspect that there
will be a learning curve no matter who you choose to do your shipping).
There's so many nuances-- even within the USPO.


Diana Walstad




----- Original Message -----
From: "Jen Ford" <jen.ford@gmail.com>
To: "Diana Walstad" <dwalstad@bellsouth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 5:23 PM
Subject: Re: AGA BookStore


> That sound great Diana, thank you!
>
> My only question at this point is which shipping supplies you use.  I
> know you can get free boxes and envelopes through the USPS, is there a
> certain size you use most?  I'm just trying to figure what to stock up
> on.
>
> My shipping address is:
>
> Jennifer Ford
> 6018 Thrushwood Drive
> Indianapolis, IN 46250
>
>
> I know I'll have plenty of questions for you once this gets started.  :)
>
> - Jen
>
>
>
> On Dec 10, 2007 7:54 PM, Diana Walstad <dwalstad@bellsouth.net> wrote:
>> Hello Jennifer,
>>
>> I understand that you have volunteered to run the AGA bookstore.
>>
>> Wonderful!  I have done it for about 10 years.  It's not that difficult
and
>> the AGA people are so helpful and understanding.
>>
>> I have about 5 boxes of books (PAMs, TAGs, and APHB).  The boxes are 18"
X
>> 11" X 11" in size.  My plan was to send you a few boxes at a time.
>>
>> Please feel free to ask me any questions.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>> Diana Walstad
>>
>>
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