Post office question

The other day I went to the post office to send a book to someone (book trading club www.bookmooch.com) and when I approached the clerk, she asked me what was in the envelope. I said, "Just an old book--no insurance necessary" Then she asked, "Anything else in the envelope?" I said "Just a piece of paper". I thought it would be civilized to include a note to my addressee about the book he requested. Then she asked, "Well, what's on the piece of paper? What does it say?" I was kind of shocked and without thinking I answered her, "just 'here's the book--hope you like it'".

Is it SOP for postal clerks to inquire about private correspondence? I thought it was weird.

That's just my take. Seemed like she was awfully rude and nosy too. :wtf:

or if she was just being rude. I asked to send it at the cheapest rate and that's when I started getting the third degree. :shrug:

It is much cheaper than sending it the normal way. It is also a lot slower. That is why she needed to know exactly what was in the package.

See:
http://www.usps.com/send/waystosendmail/senditwithintheus/mediamail.htm

it could have something to do with book rate vs. first class rate.

If you include a personal message, I think they are supposed to charge you an extra 41 cents or something. Someone will know for sure!

They want to make sure you're not abusing the cheaper media mail rate and throwing other stuff in at the cheaper rate for books.

The PO here asks you not to tape media stuff in advance, so they can inspect it to make sure it's all really just qualifying stuff. A lot of ebay sellers were mailing non-media stuff at the lower rate otherwise.

x(

Although she saw me sign the note and stick it in the envelope.