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Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

So i dropped off my usual big weekend shipping of items. After i dumped it. I was met by a loud crack of the door opening up..The lady starts asking questions about my business, what do i sell etc.. She said "postal inspectors" were here and they want to know why the address on the return part of your envelopes are invalid and where your business is located. (i use a lot of different addresses, and yes they are invalid for the most part). I said i drop ship etc... she said "just giving you a heads up" and that the invalid return address on the parcel "has to stop" . And i was ok no worries i'll fix it.


I am a bit concerned, i don't need them snooping on me, not that i have much to hide.But, it's never a good thing to have postal inspectors curious.

I'm both paranoid and freaking out that i did something illegal, but i don't see anywhere online it saying putting invalid return address is against the law.I did read that a lot of drug sellers do this... Which of course i am safe, as i don't sell or ship that stuff. But, if they start asking import questions... ughff

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

This is why god blessed you with middle fingers! It's really none of their business what you do. They are the mail couriers and you pie postage. You didn't do anything illegal. Well I guess they might be able to bend it into mail fraud. But just don't tell them anything and tell them to shove it

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

Is it even required to have a return address though? Lol

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

Sounds all fine and dandy... until you start getting mail inspected and they snoop into your business. NONE of us want that.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

But isn't that illegal? Technically you aren't doing anything illegal. I used to put invalid addresses all the time when I wrote letters when I was younger. Honestly don't worry about it. They have no right to go through your mail. That would be a major crime on them. What you are doing is a frown upon thing to do but no illegal.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

moscutter your not doing anything wrong. tell them to shove it like the last poster said LOL. MAN I see this way too often in my everyday interactions with some people who have your average job and want to assert their authority over you, haven power trips. so annoying. sometimes I ignore it and sometimes I put these power tripn fools in their place. ok rant over LOL. your story reminded me of something that happen to me recently.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

i agree, if your invalid address was cause for concern, I am sure they would have held onto your mail.


I mean would you get into trouble if you didnt add a return address? because i am sure people doing dodgy things, dont want items traced back to them.

Sounds to me like you have a snoopy Post Office person.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

Surely, Post Office's are very busy normally?. I mean people who work there must have better things to do with there time other than to check which return address works and which doesn't?

What a waste or resources.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

I use the correct return address on all my shipments by placing a small sticker over the ebay generated label return address. It works fine. It'll also get postal inspectors off your ass

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

I'm a bit confused....How did the Postal Inspector know where to go if the address on the Return Address was not your real address?

Did you ask for some type of ID or did they provide you with some type of ID?

If you don't ship/sell foo-foo items then they have nothing to bother you with...still curious how they knew to come to your house.....

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

Lol are you routinely doing drop-off's at the same time. ? Are you dropping in alot of shipments at once? Is it all the same packaging ?

I mean they are just being snoopy. I mean why not use a valid address that you dont have access to. ??

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

nvm read wrong

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

Vary your activity - hate the snoopers. Any other post offices available?

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

That's a very good tip, I've done this as well in the past along with including a return to this address in the package for the customer

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

Yes there is, i am going to adjust the address to another one. I hate not ever going back to that one. On one hand, i think maybe it really wasn't postal inspectors. It was just a nosy clerk pissed about scanning 100 parcels.

I usually use all wrong addresses, but she said that one of the parcels had a return address there, so that's why they checked there about it (i used to have a po box there,and did say i used to have one,). Which confuses me.She seemed a little irritated to begin with. Maybe because it was late when i dropped them all off. I'm a bit paranoid of course. So i think i will vary it up a bit and make some changes, all my parcels are very light parcels. If they popped one open or had a dog sniff, there would be no issue, because there is nothing drug related. I just don't want to draw attention of course, because they can find anything to get into your business.. I pay my taxes so i am not worried about that. I am going to get a retainer today just for my own protection. A lot of people on here act as if it's no big deal. But Postal inspectors are federal police officers.Not something to play with.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

you can also use a third party such as stamps and endicia and use your real address.

Not sure what the actual issue is to be honest.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

Thats exactly the reason why you need to be nice to the ol ladies down at the Post Office- get them a box of chocolates every now and again and build a relationship.
Nobody tells me dick when I do my dropping off and if I ever have any problems, I know that my golden ladies have my back!

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

I hate USPS, but the guys I've worked with over there could care less. 'It's none of my business what you're shipping, and I'm not asking you to tell me what's in each package, just as long as it doesn't contain....' and he goes through his spiel.

But the 3rd party shipping or the true return address stickers aren't a bad idea. Both resolve the issue AND you can actually get your package returned to you. :D

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

You mean like using falsified eBay accounts to sell products? Of course i'm paranoid. heh anyway.. I never said i wasn't worried. Anyone would be worried. But whatever~ Just was sharing and a place to vent.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

There is nothing illegal with using falsified eBay accounts

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

I read this and I just HAD to post.

First off just a comment on the its not illegal with STEALTH accounts. Technically probably no. I am actually not sure. But I do know if you got under someones nerves of someone who wanted to look into it to the extreme, there could most likely be problems. Selling under a name that is not your own, saying that whatever address is yours or you have access or permission to use it when you do not, is Fraud. Unfortunately most of us Stealthers do not have a choice.

I had a few issues with the US postal service myself over the years. I had lived in one town and did scheduled pick ups from my home. Depending on who I got it was not a problem. A few times however i got a mail man that took his job VERY seriously, and had an issue with the return addresses being from different towns or states.

I then had the post master from the post office call me and tell me that they would not process my mail and they would be return ALL the parcels to me. HIS REASON WAS:
Because my post office does not get the CREDIT for this.

Processing mail with different towns or states as the return address, my postal workers would be doing all the work while the zips that are on the packages, their post offices would be getting the credit for it.
I did not argue I did not feel like getting into it. BUT WOW!

Another time when I lived at a different address I had another postal worker inquire about the addresses (which are valid just not my address where they were picking it up), and I just told them I was a drop shipper and also was a part of ebay that sells stuff for other people that do not know how. So they have addresses on it from the people I sell for.

Now I do not schedule pick ups anymore. I found the closest post office that have that AUTOMATED machine available after hours, and they usually have a big bin next to it. AFTER hours I go and drop off my packages, I try to never have a lot of them in one drop off. If I do I go to several post offices.

Hope that helps!

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

I have been through this before. It is not a big deal.

First, Postal rules state that you are supposed to be mailing packages from the ZIP CODE of origin, which is the return address on the package. This is important to them because they want to track how busy each post office is, and also because mailing a package from a different zip code throws off their tracking and time estimates.

Second, you (or someone else) mentioned that drug dealers use false addresses to ship drugs, which is true.

So, yes they are suspicious. Here is the fix:

Get an Endicia or Stamps.com account, or better yet, ShipStation. Stop using eBay postage.

Rent a PO BOX and use a d/b/a to create a generic sounding company, something like Northern Logistics, or Fulfillment Express, or something similar.

On ALL of your packages, use the name and PO BOX of your newly created company to ship all of your items.

OPT OUT of automated returns on eBay.

If a buyer wants to return an item, tell them no problem, please just send it back to the return address on the package. If the buyer does not have it any longer, offer to send them a prepaid mailer for the return.

This will keep you under eBay's radar, keep you in good standing with the Postal Service, and not arouse suspicions that you are selling drugs or engaging in criminal activity.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

Nothing to fear but fear itself. I see a lot of people drop out of stealth from fear.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

Agreed

Or you can just print out a label on eBay black out the return address and tape a good one over it. I use a P.O. Box address that I rent as a return addy for all my stealth accounts.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

Thanks for all the stories, that's what i wanted to hear.I know they get a bit crazy. I've been lazy, and i am making changes on these, fixing addresses etc... I understand their concern, but at the same time. I wish i still had a package in front of me when she opened the door. i would of opened it up and showed her it was just a XXXXXX and not something malicious. Anyway, it's been fixed and i will vary up everything about shipping the mail. I am in a smaller town so when i drop off 100 packages on monday or so.. i sell $10 items... The postal service people can get bitchy. Once last christmas. i rolled in at 430 and the guy had a meltdown. Which he apologize for a few days later and his supervisor did... 200 packages at 430 and close and pickup of truck is at 5.. i understand.

Thanks for the stories again!

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

I get the same thing. Our post office is a small one and thankfully the lady working there is nice. She asked me, flat out, to PLEASE bring in my packages before 3pm so she did not have to stay late to get them all scanned in. When I started using the SCAN forms, I thought she was going to kiss me! And I love having her on my side, because she can give me a heads up about any problems at the sorting centers, etc.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

I have a long list of ways to hide/stealth my packages and procedures
I go through to remain stealth because they DON'T need a warrant to open packages nowadays.
I sell legit now but I don't like it anyway.
Once I shipped a tiny book in a big box back to me at their office at 'book rate' prices
to see if they are snooping....I left a nasty note too if they tried to open it!
Sure enough the box was opened and the note was missing!!!

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

Actually, they still need a warrant for a lot of mail. But they CAN open media mail, bulk mail, non-profit mail, and first-class PARCELS. First class MAIL still requires a warrant. The following CANNOT be opened without a warrant:

• First-Class Mail® items.
• Priority Mail® items.
• Priority Mail Express™ items.
• Global Express Guaranteed® (GXG®) items that contain only documents.
• Priority Mail Express International™ items.
• Priority Mail International™ Flat Rate envelope and small Flat Rate box.
• First-Class Package International Service items
• First-Class Mail International items.
• International Priority Airmail™ (IPA®) items, excluding IPA M-bags.
• International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®) items, excluding ISAL M-bags.
• Certain Global Direct™ (GD) mail.
• International transit mail.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

I have buyers that have told me many times that my
1st class packages were opened.
Some kind of postal inspector tape was on some of them.
Perhaps there are new laws under homeland security
(another do nothing get payed well for nothing agency).

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

First class PARCELS (packages) CAN be opened without a warrant. First class letters STILL require a warrant before they can be opened. I am not sure why this is, but it has been this way for years.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

That sounds right. I don't think they are trying to be nasty or sneaky.
To me they are all just doing a job to protect the public really, nothing sinister.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

I am sure I don't sent the volume of packages of other people. But usually USPS is pretty chill. I just drop items off no problem. There are a few post offices in my area worse than others and a few places that expect them by a certain time if it is a large amount as previously stated.

Overall USPS my only real complaint is Military Addresses were I can't print out a market Postal form and have to stand in line to have it scanned in and stamped. I can print out such things to other countries but not APO/FPO. Small percentage of my sales but drives me nuts.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

Valuable information as always. Thank you jeffweico.
Also, how do you OPT OUT automated returns?
I thought buyers could automatically ship back the item to the
address on your account?

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

In regards to the thread.
What I think is the "inspector" story they sold you is one big BS.
They probably noticed you ship many packages through them, and
check it themselves. One of them always dreamed on being a
superhero who saves America from Stealthers. I doubt if there was
ever anyone inspecting return address on packages

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

I used to sell CD's overseas under 'document mail' or near that I don't remember the phrase to save on shipping/duty. When you ship it as a document overseas you get a lower rate and no declarations/lies on the package.
The local postal inspector opened them and sent them to dead mail because I had a bogus return address.
He knew it was me but to be a prick he sent them there.
From then on I don't ship overseas mostly because of to many 'lost' items.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

find post office with 24/7 drop off bin and go at night. you say you sell $10 items, so how big can those packages possibly be that you need to drop them off during the day?

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

Definitely the way to go. I love those 24 hour drop bins, I usually drop off all of the next days orders every night.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

Well, you have to admit, when one person drops off a lot of packages and uses several different return addresses, that can look suspicious to ANYONE. Many people use the internet to deal in illegal things, like drugs, and that would fit the profile of someone using bogus return addresses.

And there IS a rule that you are supposed to mail your packages at the zip code on the return address.

Also, EVERY PIECE of mail that goes through the USPS is photographed and digitally stored. I don't know WHY, but I am guessing that it is used as a tool by law enforcement.

There are easy enough ways to get around this and NOT raise suspicions. After all, stealth is all about staying under the radar.

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

No but if were being technical there is such a thing as mail fraud.

Not saying this applies to OP just saying..

Re: Heads up My Stealthy freinds (USPS)
 

First, if you take the time to find the 24 hour drop off bins, and are lucky enough to have one close to you, it will be your next best friend- no lines, no hassles, and makes getting the post office off your to-do list SO much easier.

Secondly, the same post office worker who drags their butt off to their "break" when there is 45 people in line is the same one who will take/find/make the time to be curious about what you're shipping and from where and if the return address is valid. They are MUCH more likely to look for a problem if it's in connection to a job or chore they don't like doing, or something that annoys them (like a mismatching zipcode on the return address that doesn't give them credit), so if you can't use the night time drop off box solution, take the time to print some small stickers to cover the return address to avoid the hassle.

Staying under the radar is the first rule in dealing with postal employees who seem to me to have a disproportionate amount of attitude and spite. Someone mentioned that their post office doesn't get the credit for shipping the package when it doesn't have their zipcode on it, and I only realized it was such a big issue to them when it was pointed out to me by a p.o. "worker" with enough attitude that I know she'd make problems for me if she ever found a reason.

Some little investments of time and efforts can really pay off big, only it's in hassles avoided which is something often under appreciated until to didn't avoid one.