PUBLICITY KIT

usps.com week — March 27–31, 2006

Frequently Asked Questions

usps.com

Why should I use the Postal Service's Web site?

The Web site is available whenever you are - 24/7. Our Web site gets hundreds of thousands of visits each day. Customers are discovering the ease and convenience of going online to access Postal Service information, products, and services.

What can I do at usps.com?

Almost anything you can do at the Post Office, you can do online at usps.com. Customers can send mail and packages, buy stamps, purchase items from the Postal Store, calculate rates, print labels, create greeting cards and newsletters, locate Post Offices, and find ZIP Codes.

In addition, customers can track and confirm mail items and place change-of-address and hold mail requests.

Business customers will find helpful suggestions on how to grow their business. Forms and publications are also available.

How do I pay for purchases at usps.com?

It's easy. You make your purchases with a credit card.

All of those services are available at usps.com?

Yes, and that's not all.

The Postal Service Web site includes a lot of information, such as annual reports, press releases, stamp news, community events, financial information, and Postal Service history.

Isn't the Internet competition?

It's not a competitor; it's an alternate access point. usps.com provides convenient access - when, where, and how customers want it. The Postal Service is making it quicker, easier, and more convenient than ever for customers to do business with it by improving access to products and services and taking costs out of the system.

Can I trust usps.com?

usps.com is secure and reliable. It has been recognized with the following awards: IAPP HP (International Association of Privacy Professionals - Hewlett Packard) Privacy Award, eGov "Governance" Excellence Award, Grace Hopper Government Technology Leadership "Gracie" Award, Nielson NetRatings Top 10, Customer Respect Group, #1 Transportation and Logistics Industry, Building Inroads to Technology Show, Excellence "Client Software Award," and eGov "Explorer" Award.

Carrier Pickup Service

How do I use Carrier Pickup service?

• Properly address Express Mail or Priority Mail packages and apply appropriate postage.

• Request a carrier pickup online at www.usps.com/shipping/carrierpickup.

The carrier picks up the package the next delivery day when delivering mail on his/her regular route at no extra charge.

What are the valid methods to prepay postage for Carrier Pickup service?

Postage can be prepaid with any of the following:

• Postage stamps (provided the pickup point is your residence or place of business and the return address information matches the location where the pickup occurs).

• Postage meter imprint.

• PC Postage products.

• Online Click-N-Ship labels with postage.

• Prepaid Priority Mail flat-rate envelope.

However, if your mailpiece weighs 16 ounces or more and you use stamps as postage, it may only be picked up from your residence or place of business. Additionally, it must bear return address information.

Are there any weight restrictions?

Yes. The maximum weight per package is 70 pounds.

Is there a cut off time when I request a pickup for the next day?

Yes. Carrier Pickup requests must be received by 2 A.M. CST.

What if I decide against mailing the package? Can I cancel my request?

Yes. Customers may also edit or cancel a request online by entering the Carrier Pickup confirmation number and address.

What if I don't want to wait until the next business day?

If you want the package picked up the same day, Pickup on Demand is available. For only $13.25 per pickup, regardless of the number of packages, pickup is within a specified 2-hour time frame.

Click-N-Ship Service

What is Click-N-Ship service?

Click-N-Ship service is the Postal Service's "Quick, Easy, Convenient" online shipping service. Using Click-N-Ship service, you can create and pay for shipping labels for Express Mail, Priority Mail, Global Express Guaranteed (GXG), Global Express Mail (GEM), Global Priority Mail (GPM), and Global Airmail Parcel Post (GAPP) service with postage using your credit card, personal computer, and printer - or without postage for no fee. Click-N-Ship service will calculate postage rates, find ZIP Codes, and standardize and save addresses and all shipping history information.

How do I know the weight of my Click-N-Ship items?

It is recommended you use a scale. Five- and 10-pound scales can now be purchased online at www.usps.com/shop. Please keep in mind that if the package weighs more than the weight you entered, it will require additional postage - either at the time of mailing or delivery. A convenient alternative to a scale is our flat-rate Priority Mail box or envelope or Express Mail envelopes. For one low price, you can mail any amount of material, regardless of weight, that fits inside the flat-rate envelope. Priority Mail flat-rate boxes require $8.10 in postage, and envelopes require $4.05 in postage. The Express Mail flat-rate envelope costs $14.40.

For what destinations can I create Click-N-Ship labels?

You can create online Express Mail and Priority Mail labels for shipping to the 50 states, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Global Express Mail and Global Express Guaranteed labels are available for up to 200 countries and territories.

Why was my address changed from what I entered?

Addresses are compared to the Postal Service's current address database and then standardized. Standardized addresses help us process and deliver your mail more efficiently. This database is very accurate and is updated regularly to include new delivery addresses.

Why isn't there an additional fee for Delivery Confirmation service when I print a Priority Mail online label?

When you print an online label, an electronic record of your transaction is sent to the Postal Service. This meets the requirements for electronic rate Delivery Confirmation service; no additional fees are required when used with Priority Mail service.

Can I print an online shipping label for First-Class Mail, Parcel Post, Media Mail, Bound Printed Matter, or Library Mail service using Click-N-Ship service?

Click-N-Ship service offers only Priority Mail and Express Mail domestic services. We recommend you try a PC Postage service provider if you wish to print labels for all services. These companies offer a wide array of additional features and can be located at www.usps.com/postagesolutions/pc_post.htm.

Can I purchase insurance online?

Yes. You can insure your package up to $500 (domestic only).

Can I return merchandise using Click-N-Ship labels?

Yes, returning merchandise is easy. Simply complete the address information for the return, choose your service option, and print a label with or without postage. You can hand your Priority Mail and Express Mail packages with postage paid online to your letter carrier, drop in a collection box, or take to one of our convenient retail outlets.

What types of credit card can I use on Click-N-Ship service?

The Postal Service accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards.

Can I place packages with online labels and postage in the blue Postal Service street mailboxes?

Yes, but only if the following apply: the package has a domestic Express Mail or Priority Mail label complete with PC Postage, has a return address, was paid for with a credit card, and fits in the blue street-mailbox opening. Larger packages may be dropped at your local Post Office, handed to your letter carrier, or picked up after scheduling online.

Do I need to use Postal Service boxes and packaging to mail my item?

No. However, it is recommended that you use Postal Service boxes and other packaging and stickers when using Click-N-Ship labels so that your package is clearly marked regarding the type of service purchased. You can order free Express Mail, Priority Mail, Global Express Guaranteed and Global Express Mail shipping supplies on usps.com.

What size package can I mail with Click-N-Ship?

Click-N-Ship packages may measure up to 108 inches in length and girth and weigh a maximum of 70 pounds.

If I'm mailing several items to the same person, why can't I make photocopies of the same label?

Each label has a unique barcode and number assigned to it. If you use photocopied labels with identical numbers, you will not get valid delivery information. Labels are monitored for possible duplication. Intentional use of duplicate labels constitutes fraud.

How should I attach the labels to the package?

Labels must be placed on the address side of the package and not folded over package edges. Use clear shipping tape to securely affix labels on all four sides and to cover address areas. Do not tape over the "Postal Use" area on the Express Mail label, over the barcodes, or over the stamps.

Why can't I tape over the barcode?

Barcodes with tape over them cannot be scanned by our equipment.

Internet Change-of-Address (ICOA)

How do I find this service?

Internet change of address is featured on line at www.usps.com/moversguide.

Is there a charge to change my address online?

Yes, $1.00. When you enter your credit card number and billing address, we electronically verify that information with the bank that issued your credit card. The $1.00 processing fee pays for this verification service, which helps us verify your address and provide a secure online transaction.

If you prefer not to pay the $1.00 processing fee, you will be offered the option to print and mail a change-of-address order.

How long will it take before I get mail at my new address?

After you have notified the Postal Service of your change of address, it could take several days for mail to begin arriving at your new address. There are several factors to be considered such as:

• What date did you request to have your mail forwarded?

• How far did you move?

• How far in advance did you notify the Postal Service of your move?

How does the Postal Service Internet change-of-address confirmation process work?

After you enter your change-of-address and credit card information, you will be asked to enter a series of letters to confirm your change-of-address request. This process is used to prevent fraudulent use of your address information. The letters are case-sensitive, so please enter them exactly as they appear on the screen.

Once your credit card information has been successfully validated, you will be e-mailed a confirmation notice. Please follow the instructions in the confirmation notice, which will direct you to a specific Web page. Once on the Web page, type the Security ID Code in the designated field, exactly as it was given to you. If it is not entered correctly, your change of address will not be submitted.

It is important to note that, for security purposes, you must enter your Security ID Code within the time specified in the confirmation notice e-mail. Otherwise, your change of address will be deleted and you will have to re-enter your request.

A reminder e-mail will be sent to you before your change- of-address request is deleted.

Why do you need my credit card information?

When you enter your credit card number and billing address, we electronically verify that information with the bank that issued your credit card. The processing fee pays for this verification service, which helps us verify your address to provide a secure online transaction.

Will I still receive confirmation of my address change in the mail?

Yes, you will receive all of the official documentation as if you went in person to change your address at the Post Office. The Postal Service will promptly mail you a move validation letter to the address you are leaving. For your privacy, it will not mention your new mail forwarding address.

You will also receive a confirmation notification letter or a Welcome Kit in the mail 7-10 days after your online change. Please retain this official change-of-address confirmation page for your records, as local agencies and/or resources may require it for proof of your move.

Netpost Cardstore

What is NetPost CardStore?

NetPost CardStore is the Postal Service's "Quick, Easy, Convenient" service featured online at www.usps.com/cardstore that allows you to create greeting cards. Using NetPost CardStore, you can sit down in front of a computer in the comfort of your own and design personalized greeting cards complete with a family photo or a graphic you designed - or choose from thousands of designs already there. With the added convenience of being able to add gift cards from national retailers, you can send a greeting card complete with a special gift.

What retailers are offering gift cards with NetPost CardStore?

• AMC Theatres.

• Barnes & Noble.

• Bass Pro Shops.

• Bed Bath & Beyond.

• Blockbuster.

• Chili's Bar & Grill.

• Circuit City.

• Corner Bakery Cafe.

• Foot Locker.

• The Depot.

• Lowe's.

• Macaroni Grill.

• Maggiano's Little Italy.

• Marriott.

• Old Navy.

• On The Border Mexican Grill and Cantina.

• Rockfish Fish Grill.

• Safeway Stores.

• Starbucks Coffee.

• The Sharper Image.

• Toys "R" Us.

What denominations are available?

Depending on the retailer, gift cards are available in denominations from $10 to $200.

How does NetPost CardStore work?

Designed to make sending high-quality, personalized greeting cards quicker, easier, and more convenient, NetPost CardStore has:

• A selection of thousands of custom images and suggested greetings.

• The ability to use your own personal photographs, artwork and graphics.

• The ability to create personalized greetings for individual or volume mailings.

• The ability to use existing address files.

• Custom-printed cards entered into the mailstream the next business day.

• The ability to schedule greeting cards to be sent up to a year in advance.

What is the cost?

The pricing ranges from $1.35 to $3.00 per card based on quantity, design, and postage, and includes custom personalization, printing, and mailing services.

Netpost Mailing Online

What is NetPost Mailing Online?

NetPost Mailing Online, the Postal Service's "Quick, Easy, Convenient" online service is a powerful printing and mailing service combining the speed of the Internet with the effectiveness of traditional mail. Mailing Online offers an array of printing and mailing options to customize your order. With just a few clicks, you can upload your documents and we do the rest.

How does Mailing Online work?

First, you submit documents and mailing lists electronically using Mailing Online. The electronic files are securely transmitted to print sites nearest the recipient's address. Then, the documents are printed, addressed, applied with postage, and transported to the Post Office for processing and delivery.

How is Mailing Online faster, easier, and more affordable?

• Mailing Online makes mailing letters, postcards, flyers, self-mailers, newsletters, or postcards painless, so you can spend your time on your business, not printing and stuffing.

• It's cost-effective, simple, and time-saving - allowing you to reach more of your target audience.

• Mailing Online also maximizes cost savings by automating, pre-sorting, and entering your mailing closest to its delivery point.

• Businesses can automatically receive postage discounts for standardized and pre-sorted mail.

Is Mailing Online easy to use?

Yes, you can navigate quickly and easily on the Mailing Online Web site to complete your mailing; you can preview all your documents and mailing lists online before you send them; and you have access to friendly, knowledgeable customer support staff 5 days per week from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. EST.

How much does Mailing Online cost?

Prices vary depending on the postage, production, and selected features.

What payment methods does Mailing Online offer?

Convenient online payment is available with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. And there is a Debit Account Program that allows businesses to conveniently pay for mailings from a designated bank account.

How long will it take to process and send my order?

If your order is submitted before 1:30 P.M. EST, your order will be in the mail the following business day.

How will I know when my order has been accepted and mailed?

You will receive two e-mails to confirm your order. The first e-mail verifies that your order has been accepted. The second e-mail confirms that your order has been mailed.

What other unique features does Mailing Online offer?

Mailing Online includes the following items:

• Automatic reviews and standardization of addresses in your mailing lists according to Postal Service address standards.

• Ability to schedule your mailing date up to 30 days in advance.

• First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, and Nonprofit service options.

• Color printing (full color or highlight colors of red, blue, green, and magenta) as well as black and white options.

• Mail merge capability to personalize your documents and letters.

Netpost Premium Postcards

What are the advantages of using premium postcards?

You can choose from thousands of available images or upload your own photo on a glossy postcard. Also, the quality is superb. The postcards are printed on heavy stock and coated on both sides. Our postcard paper is a special sapphire-treated stock, which makes it ink-proof and scuff- resistant. With coated paper, the ink remains on the surface to create better solids and more vibrant colors.

What are some applications for premium postcards?

• Tradeshow mailings.

• Promotional offers.

• Thank-you cards.

• Reminder notes.

• Invitations.

How Does NetPost Premium Postcards Work?

Designed to make sending high-quality, personalized postcards quicker, easier, and more convenient, NetPost Premium Postcards has four easy-to-follow steps:

1. Choose an image.

2. Create a message.

3. Address your cards.

4. Review and send.

Your custom-printed cards are put in the mail the next business day.

What is the cost?

Prices range from $0.73 to $1.32 per card, based on quantity and format and includes custom personalization, printing, and mailing services.

Do I need to purchase postage for the postcards?

No. Postage, in the form of a permit imprint, is included in the price.

Online Insurance

Can I purchase insurance online?

Yes, indemnity coverage is available online for up to $500 for lost, rifled, or damaged articles.

What classes of mail are insurable online?

Depending on the online postage solution (Click-N-Ship or eBay), domestic insurance is available with Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Post, Media Mail, and First-Class Mail parcels. Express Mail provides insurance up to $100 at no additional cost.

Are the online fees the same as at a Post Office?

Yes, insurance purchased online costs the same and the fees are based on the amount of coverage needed up to $500.

What if I need to purchase insurance for more than $500?

Visit any Post Office. Insurance can be purchased for up to $5,000. Insurance purchased online cannot be combined with insurance purchased at a Post Office.

Is everything insurable?

No, coverage is not provided for consequential losses, delay, concealed damage, spoilage of perishable items, articles improperly packaged, articles too fragile to withstand normal handling in the mail, or prohibited articles. These policies can be found on the How to File Insurance Claims page on usps.com at www.usps.com/insurance claims. For additional information please see the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®).

How and where do I file a claim?

A claim may be filed in one of the following ways:

• Visit the How to File Insurance Claims page on usps.com at www.usps.com/insuranceclaims for instructions on how to file a claim for insurance purchased online.

• Download and complete PS Form 1000, Domestic Claim or Registered Mail Inquiry.

• Take a completed PS Form 1000, proof of insurance (i.e., online label record or shipping history printout), and evidence of value (i.e., sales receipt or invoice) to any Post Office for processing.

Is requesting a carrier pickup available for items insured online?

Yes, this is available with Priority Mail and Express Mail services. After purchasing an online label with insurance, please visit www.usps.com/carrierpickup to request a pickup for your item(s). Just prepare your package before your carrier arrives - including postage. Your carrier will pick it up the next Postal Service delivery day.

What is the International Inquiry and Claims Process?

Effective January 17, 2006, customers should call 800-222-1811 to inquire about the status of their Registered Mail, Insured Mail, or ordinary Parcel Post item regardless of mailing date, providing the inquiry is within the prescribed 6-month allotted time. Prior to this change, customers were required to go to their local Post Office to complete a PS Form 542, Inquiry About a Registered Article or an Insured Parcel or an Ordinary Article. This form is now obsolete. If, however, customers come in to their local Post Office with an already completed PS Form 542, add their telephone number to the form and accept it. Send the completed form to:

INTERNATIONAL INQUIRY CENTER
PO BOX 39955
DENVER CO 80239-0955

This new process will apply to the new indemnity for ordinary parcels as described in "IMM Revision: International Inquiry, Claims, and Postage Refund Processes" in Postal Bulletin 22172 (1-19-06, pages 20, and 45-51).

Customers who initiate an inquiry will need to provide the following information when calling 800-222-1811:

1. Mailing receipt number.

2. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the mailer and addressee.

3. Date of mailing.

Instructions for serving customers who bring in a completed PS Form 542 include the following:

1. Accept the form.

2. Mail the completed form to:

THE INTERNATIONAL INQUIRY CENTER
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 39955
DENVER CO 80239-0955.

3. Hand customers Notice 122-A, Instructions to Initiate an Inquiry for International Mail, to inform them that they can now call 800-222-2811 to initiate an inquiry from the convenience of their or office.

For more information, see the Field Information Kit in Postal Bulletin 22172 (1-19-06, pages 52-54), "Reminder: International Inquiries and Claims" in Postal Bulletin 22174 (2-16-06, pages 15-16), and the Insurance Claims page on usps.com.

The Postal Store

What can I do at online The Postal Store?

At The Postal Store you can search for stamps by rate, subject, or format; stock up on stamps and other stamp collections; and also sign up for a stamp subscription such as Fast Stamps Plus and have stamps delivered to you automatically at periodic intervals. You can also eliminate a step when mailing Priority Mail by purchasing pre-paid Priority Mail flat-rate envelopes, which are now available in convenient packs of 5 and 10. Pre-paid Priority Mail flat- rate envelopes 16 oz. and over cannot be deposited into blue collection boxes. These envelopes can be picked up by carriers.

A variety of merchandise can also be found at the Postal Store - from coin-bank mailbox replicas and books to beautiful stamp artwork.

What is Fast Stamps Plus?

Fast Stamps provides a simple way to rapidly place an order for basic First-Class Mail stamps. Simply check the format you desire, click the "BUY" button and you're on your way to a speedy checkout!

How soon after I place my order will it arrive?

Please allow 3 to 5 business days for processing and delivery of stamp products and in-stock merchandise. Items that are made-to-order, such as philatelic framed art, usually take longer, as those products are created when the order is placed. Pre-orders and back-orders will be shipped on the date specified on the product information page. Please allow 3 weeks to receive orders shipped to foreign addresses.

How will my order be shipped?

All orders are shipped via Priority Mail from the Postal Service.

Is there shipping and handling in addition to the $1.00 charge for stamps?

There is not an additional charge for domestic orders, however international orders will be assessed a $5.00 shipping and handling fee. Also, non-stamp items, such as philatelic framed art, will be assessed accurate Postal Service shipping and handling fees based on weight and location.

PO Box Rentals

Can I find out the PO Box dimensions on usps.com?

Absolutely! Post Office boxes are available in five different sizes to accommodate your needs. From small to large, Post Office boxes provide a flexible way to help manage your business or personal mail and safeguard valuable information!

www.usps.com/receive/businesssolutions/pobox rentals.htm