Can you use masking tape to ship out books? 

It would be a really bad idea. Masking tape is not strong enough to make it through the sorting machines. It's worth it to buy some good packing tape, that is the single biggest factor in whether or not books arrive safely at their destination.

Not recommended.  Masking tape can roll on the edges, leaving a lifted corner that can catch on the sorting machines.   I've seen masking tape survive mailing, but I wouldn't want to bet on it.

Ahh okay.  That's what I thought.  My friend insists that I use masking tape rather than proper shipping tape.  Thanks!

Masking tape is designed to peel off easily.  Therefore it does not work well where you want something that will stay put.

I was inline at the PO last week when the clerk refused to accept a package that was sealed with either masking or duct tape, I wish I could remember which it was :-( She made the point that in extreme heat the tape can peel off and "lose adhesiveness". She pointed out to the customer that this was already starting to happen on the parcel, just from being in their car for a few hours. Just a heads up (and, this was a reasonable postal clerk, not a crankypants)

Masking tape and scotch tape are not acceptable for mailing.  They do not hold things closed securely.  Invest in a packaging tape.  I get mine at Costco in bunches when they go on sale.  Right now 8 rolls of Scotch Packaging tape is either 14.98 or 17.98 dollars  for members.  Great buy and the best tape by far.

Wise of you to check Jennifer, your instincts are correct. 

Mistie, I'm a bit surprised your counter clerks actually refused a package.  I've seen them tell people some things are 'not recommended' but other than outright banned content (liquor boxes) I've never actually seen them refuse a wrapped package.  I've even seen a small PO accept a package wrapped in string, and that's supposed to be a big no-no these days.

The tape on this refused package was already lifting up, and it was obvious the package was going to come undone fairly shortly. I'm glad commn sense prevailed, and the person was sent away seal it more securely.

It's possible the person wanted to insure the package.  We can and DO refuse to insure packages that aren't wrapped or secured properly.  Always in a very non-crankypants way, of course!

LOL Cindy!  That unfortunate counter clerk is famous infamous.

You can buy packing tape at the dollar store. I buy it six rolls at a time.

I've been told for DECADES that PO won't accept packages with masking tape and highly discourages using scotch tape.  Why do you think they make a special tape called "packing tape"?

It might be just me, but the dollor store packing tape, in a word, sucks! It might just be the particualr dollar store I am at, but i don't buy tape at the dollar store..or batterys.

It might be just me, but the dollor store packing tape, in a word, sucks!

LOL - and, nope, definitely not just you. I bought dollar store packing tape - once - the frustration and irritation while using it was simply not worth the money saved.

Yuppers, I like the mid (price) range packing tape.  Locally, the really cheap stuff is thin and difficult for me to handle without getting all tangled up in it.  It wads up and sticks to me, rather like a cartoon.  Some of the expensive stuff is actually almost too thick, which can make it difficult to bend and fold properly.

I was told that strapping tape was not allowed on packages due to some kind of security rule connected to 9-11...something about it interfering with some kind of scan.  I was not in the mood to question or argue that day.  And my post office has gotten a lot better about not knowing the rules or making up their own, so I don't know where this came from.

Diane

I was recently at the P.O. and the person at the counter next to me was told by a clerk that with masking tape the P.O. would mail their package but would not insure it.

I use dollar store packing tape all the time and have no problems with it at all -- having said that, I DON"T buy packing tape at Dollar Tree, the largest chain of dollar stores because theirs is substandard in my experience, but get mine from an independent dollar store.

I have some Scotch Shipping here at my desk and it is a bit too thick. It works but doesn't like to fold 180 degrees over edges very easily. It was on sale at Walgreens for 2/$5 so I have another roll to use up when this one ends. At the same time, I bought one roll of Walgreens "house brand" that was close in price (either $2 or $3) and was delighted with it. I hope I remember to get it next time I need tape.