I was a little leery about signing up for service with Stamps.com. I had used the service in the past, but the monthly fee just didn’t seem worth it back then. Of course, we were closer to family then, so mailing items for the holidays and such didn’t happen much. Additionally, the post office was just down the street. If we needed stamps or to mail packages, we just went there to take care of business. Now, 11 years later, I can see at least a little value in my monthly service fee.

Although I know it sounds ridiculous to pay a $15.99 fee for the service, as I felt the same way, there really is a bit of comfort knowing that I can get my mail ready to go any time of the day, any day of the year, and not have to drive 20 minutes to the post office. Our closest post office is a bit of a drive, so I do save a little gas money from making trips just for stamps. Now, the drawback for us? We live in an area where rural route carriers deliver our mail. A little strange, since we’re in the city, but that’s how they operate here. Why is that an issue? I still have to take my parcels to the post office to mail them. However, Stamps.com makes that trip a breeze! My trips to the post office take seconds to minutes, depending on the lines and how many packages I am mailing. Since the postage is already on the package, all they have to do is scan it.

With my trial package, I received $5 in free postage, a sampling of their labels, and a digital scale to weigh my packages, up to five pounds. Have you ever had a heavy card, think letter, or small package that you have just added postage to until you thought it was enough? I have done it before, and those days are over! The scale plugs into my computer and allows the software to calculate just the right amount of postage. You also get four $10 coupons for postage to use over your first four months with the service, although I believe you have up to a year to redeem them, but can only do so once a month. And, when you run out of labels, you can just print your postage straight on the envelope! So, if you don’t feel like you want to purchase any of their other labels, you have that option. I actually bought some national parks, wildlife, wild flower, and Christmas stamps to use and love them! Additionally, you do get discounts for printing postage online. So, the more you ship, the more money you will save!

So, if you’re a little hesitant about Stamps.com, as I was, why not at least give them a try? There is no obligation to stay past the first month, unless you want the free $40 in postage. I’ve seen the scales on ebay for sale, so there is a chance you can get a little money from that if you don’t like it. If you want to try it, you can enter C-9RK6-7XG during registration and receive the free digital scale, $5 of postage for your trial, and an additional $40 to use during your membership. It is simple and convenient to use!

Today, I was notified that a PayPal purchase I had made was “refunded per my request.” Interesting, I thought, since I had not requested a refund. I logged into my PayPal account to find that PayPal had flagged my account for a maintenance review and had put a hold on the transaction. At this point, I have no clue if that transaction will go through. I have done the review process before, but never in conjunction with trying to make a transaction. Anyhow, I was asked to provide a copy of identification to prove who I am. One form of identification PayPal will accept is none other than a copied military identification card.

Several years ago, while stationed in Japan, I was informed that copying a military identification card is against the law. I didn’t believe it, but did a search and found it to be true. According to United States Code, Title 18, Section 701:

Whoever manufactures, sells, or possesses any badge, identification card, or other insignia, of the design prescribed by the head of any department or agency of the United States for use by any officer or employee thereof, or any colorable imitation thereof, or photographs, prints, or in any other manner makes or executes any engraving, photograph, print, or impression in the likeness of any such badge, identification card, or other insignia, or any colorable imitation thereof, except as authorized under regulations made pursuant to law, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.
Source: United States Code, Title 18, Section 701

Therefore, not only is PayPal violating the United States Code if they accept any copy of a military member’s identification card, the military member is also in violation of the law. Words of advice: Paypal, stop allowing the submission of military identification; military members: DON’T provide a copy of your identification!