Pathtags Forum FAQ

Here you can find answers to questions about how the board works. Use the links or search box below to find your way around.

More Shipping Tips & Tricks

When mailing trades, don't take them to the PO counter. Once packaged as listed in FAQ, drop them in the mail anywhere. Window clerks at the PO will say they need additional postage due to the bulk, not knowing that the sorting machines can handle this slight bulk.

How much postage is needed to mail a pathtag?

From the United States To...
Domestic US locations - .44 (one first class stamp)
Canada - .75
Mexico - .79
International - .98

From Canada To...
Domestic - $0.52
USA - $0.96
International - $1.60

NOTE: Currencies are local to the "from" country. I.e. Canada rates are Canadian dollars. YMMV, based on mailing a single tag using typical shipping prep methods. Last updated 12/28/2009 - check your country's current postal rates, this list is for general reference only.

Additional Information: The post office actually has a template in some locations with a slot. If the envelop with your tag fits into that, it is considered okay for mailing, not bulk. With a single tag or several tags packed correctly, your envelop will be the thickness they are looking at.

Some traders report they have mailed up to 4 tags for 44 cents in the USA. Just weigh your package - if it's under an ounce it only needs one stamp. They put 2 tags in each small coin envelope, then the coin envelopes were fit side by side in the mailing envelope. As long as it fits through that slot they use as a template, you're good to go!

Make sure the tag is in the center of the envelope, not at one end or at the very bottom or top where the machine stamps the electronic bar code. That's how envelopes get ripped, very important the tag must be in the center of the envelope.

Also note that you can purchase stamps at the post office in exact denominations. So instead of using 2 $.44 stamps if your package is over an ounce, you can get a stamp for less than $.88 that does the trick and saves some money.

Can someone describe the trading functions?

Once you turn on your button...I will see it in the gallery and want to trade. So I click it and write my message to you asking if you want to trade and giving you my address in case you do.

You will get an email notification from pathtags.com that you have a trade request.

You log into pathtags.com and go to your page. Look under the "Trade Manager" heading and click on "accept offers" . You will see all the trade requests that you haven't accepted or declined yet. If you want to see the trade request message you can click on "Trade message" (or something like that). What I typed in will show up. Then you can accept (make sure that you accept with your address...it speeds up the process) or you can decline (and I highly suggest you say why you are declining, but you don't have to).

Once you are ready to send your tag, you would click on the "Send tags" button under the "Trade Manager" section again. It will show all the tags that you haven't sent. You can also see the trade offer message here and if the trade offer included the address you will see it here again. Then once you package up your tag you can click on the "sent tag" button. A little green check will appear and you've marked it as sent.

Then once you receive a tag you click on the "Log tags" button under the "Trade Manager" and put in the serial number that is on the back of the tag under the corresponding trade tag. Then click the button under that and you have completed the trade!

What is the best way to mail Pathtags?

Unlike most coins, Pathtags can generally be mailed using simple #10 envelops and supplies which are easier and cheaper to buy, store and use. A single tag can also usually be mailed domestically in its packing for a single postage stamp.

Tags must be secured well inside a non-padded mailer to prevent "escape" during shipping. Since most regular mail is handled by large sorting machines, not taking appropriate steps to prepare your tags for mailing can result in loss or damage of your letter.

Most community traders will follow this procedure for preparing their tags:

  1. Obtain a good quality (heavier the better) self-sealing #10 envelop from a local office supply store or online. Using a self-sealing envelop will save you a lot of licking, but it's optional.
  2. Obtain a box of #3 yellow "coin envelopes"
  3. Insert your tag(s) into the coin envelop and seal it
  4. Insert the coin envelop into the #10 envelop
  5. Many people tape the coin envelop to the inside of the #10 envelop. Many do not. Taping it will help it stay put in the sorting machines and may reduce the chance for loss.
  6. Seal it all up, address and send.

The biggest risk for loss is damage in the post office sorting machines which squeeze tags and move envelops through at a high rate of speed. Without taking some steps to secure your tag, the tag will fly right out of the bag and out of the envelope.

Instead of the above process, some people have put the tags inside a folded in half index card and taped around the index card. Others have used the little coin envelopes. Others have taped the PT baggie to a piece of cardboard...it doesn't matter, just don't throw the PT into an envelope "naked". Find your style and what works for you. Ask for advice in the forums if you have concerns, community members are always willing to help!

Adapted from contribution by community member Tank Hounds

When should I turn on my trading button after ordering my Pathtags?

It's up to you, some will wait till they get their tags and are ready to trade, then turn it on. Others will turn it on as soon as their tag is approved. If this is the case, it's always nice to state that you are waiting for your tags and will mail them when they arrive. Most traders will mail you theirs and just wait till you get yours in.

Contributed by community member Clatmandu

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