Posted by afn03488 on 02/12/06 15:43

PC Medic wrote:

> Much simpler way for them to have done this instead of 'throttling' would be
> 'combined shipping'. If you have multiple movies shipping to you from the
> same facility (almost always the case) offer you the option in your profile
> to have them placed in a single shipping envelope and you return them in the
> same single envelope. The weight of a CD is minimal and would more than
> halve their current shipping rate using this method.

Pardon, but you obviously do not understand how the USPS operates.
Your proposed solution would not only complicate NetFlix's mail
preparation, it would require the use of affixed [metered or stamped]
postage instead of permit imprints and deprive NetFlix of some of the
postal discounts for which they now qualify.

Secondly, an additional DVD would obviously push the weight class up
an ounce [a DVD is roughly 0.6 ounces] meaning NetFlix would pay an
additional 24 cents each way. While this is lower than the cost of two
envelopes, the postal "savings" is on the order of 14% at best, not
50%. This savings would apply only to a subset of their total postage
bill, and in my estimation would be more than eaten up by the
additional costs in preparation and loss of discounts.

Add to this that the additional stiffness of the package may well
require sorting on flat equipment instead of letter equipment to
prevent damage, and you are adding to the postal delivery time.

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