catmom
Board Addict
Reged: 06/20/03
Posts: 320
Loc: Midwest
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I posted this at the VIP board & so far everyone's puzzled. I received an order from an IOP & the envelope had a perfectly round little hole in one end of the envelope. Am I being paranoid  or could this mean that my order has been examined with an endoscope by by the Men in Black??? It's a strange world we live in...any input from peeps at this board would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Catmom
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If it's not immediate, it's not gratification.
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ourrx4less
ourprescriptionsforless.com
Reged: 10/25/03
Posts: 823
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Read your PM please.
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VeganFriend
Stranger
Reged: 01/25/04
Posts: 17
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I have ordered several cd's from europe and also have had a perfect little hole punched in a couple packages. i never thought too much about it, but now I have been reading about a few others.
The hole is not quite the size of a rerular hole puncher, but nore like the size of a BB or so.
Weird for certain, I wouldn't be surprised if it is exactly that.
Maybe the IOP's need to be trickier and send products in cassette covers or inside blank VHS tapes for extra money. I would pay an extra $10 to have it packed in a blank VHS tape for sure.....Maybe too much trouble, but hey at least the IOP's could make more money.
Just a thought
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turcica
seeker
Reged: 12/21/03
Posts: 312
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catmom, have you heard anything more about the hole in your package? Please keep us informed. turcica
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turcica
The only failure is not knowing how to be happy
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drewsmerdel
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/14/01
Posts: 1137
Loc: Nap Town
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I have had parcels opened and taped back together. I really believe it was customs.
I have had envelopes come with holes in the parcel, but go to office depot and look at bubble envelopes. These envelopes have small holes to relase air as it is pressed thru the sorting machines.
Now A question I have to all. Why would I(as a customs agent) use a small scope to look at a parcel, when I can simply open the parcel???
Drew
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turcica
seeker
Reged: 12/21/03
Posts: 312
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Good question drew? I'm sure someone will give us a logical explanation for this. turcica
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turcica
The only failure is not knowing how to be happy
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akika
Newbie
Reged: 12/08/03
Posts: 37
Loc: New England
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I just received a padded envelope from biotran with a hole punch, but the hole didn't even pierce the bubble wrap layer of the envelope. I doubt it's an endoscope thing, I think it's part of the manufacture of some envelopes, especially those with a padding layer, so that the padding can expand fully.
Customs doesn't need to punch little holes, they can just open those suckers right up.
Liz
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bgone
Enthusiast
Reged: 08/31/03
Posts: 215
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I think it is a scope. It's basically a machine. It's faster than a human opening, emptying, refilling, resealing the package. Plus there are packages they do not want to open out of concern for what dould be inside contaminating people, operations centers, and equipment. The package is on a conveyor belt, stops in a certain spot, is held down by the machine, scope is inserted, contents viewed, OK and on it goes. Perscription drugs have become much less a concern for customs since 9/11, it's what else that may be in there. But drugs still are major players. My view,  b5t3
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NJ_Hoss
Enthusiast
Reged: 10/29/03
Posts: 263
Loc: USA
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Quote:
Why would I(as a customs agent) use a small scope to look at a parcel, when I can simply open the parcel???
I can think of many reasons. In no particular order of importance, they are avoiding damage to contents, being discreet in their work, and increased safety from dangerous contents like biohazards, explosives, and others. Furthermore, I would have to think that it would limit their liability from claims of theft, as it's harder to remove contents through a tiny hole than an entirely-opened package, of which I imagine that international shipments might tend to have a higher overall value perhaps. (?)
I am neither a postal worker or customs agent, so I have no first hand insight; but these would certainly be factors that I would consider if I became responsible for policy.
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tb1218
Member
Reged: 09/19/02
Posts: 171
Loc: indiana
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I work in a place where we mail large amounts of bills and we mark the beginning of the next zip code with an orange sticker with a D on it for the post office, back in the 80's they use to do this by making a small hole punch on the opposite side or below the post marking to seperate zip codes. Haven't heard of that it over 15 years, so dont really know, just a theory
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tb1218
Member
Reged: 09/19/02
Posts: 171
Loc: indiana
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To clarify my previous post, this practice is used for presorted mailings only, a company has to have 10 or more mailers going to the same zip code and it allows a company to get a slight discount on postal charges and it will not be on mail with stamps only presort stamping machines. I agree with Drew customs would slice it open and just plain look, IMO
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neatjs
Board Addict
Reged: 10/21/02
Posts: 351
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I agree if customs wanted to see something they would just open it up. As they did to me once. Also I think the postal/customs workers are also people like me and you and if you saw something harmful they would not want to touch it at all. They would get someone special for opening purposes.
Sunny
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catmom
Board Addict
Reged: 06/20/03
Posts: 320
Loc: Midwest
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An update...I have been told by one IOP that the envelopes are MANUFACTURED that way. Who'da thunk it? I guess we're all kinda jumpy about this stuff, no?
(Of course, now, we can get really paranoid & decide the envelope manufacturers are in cahoots with the Men in Black.... )
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If it's not immediate, it's not gratification.
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catmom
Board Addict
Reged: 06/20/03
Posts: 320
Loc: Midwest
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Quote:
I agree if customs wanted to see something they would just open it up. As they did to me once. Also I think the postal/customs workers are also people like me and you and if you saw something harmful they would not want to touch it at all. They would get someone special for opening purposes.
Sunny
Would that "someone special" be the doofus in the office? The thought of that just tickles me.... Catmom
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If it's not immediate, it's not gratification.
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CHEESE
Veteran
Reged: 01/02/02
Posts: 569
Loc: U.S.A.
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It's only in packages shipped in bubble wrap lined envelopes(THEY ARE SORTED ASIDE FROM REG. ENVELOPES ) and it's to release air when the MAIL IS PUT IN PLASTIC BOXES BEFORE LOADED ON PLANES THEN TRUCKS IT GOES DOWN A CONVEYOR THAT PUNCHES BUBBLE PACK ENVELOPES/ ALL FLAT ENVELOPES GO'S THROUGH A SET OF ROLLER BEFORE BEING BOXED(THATS WHAT CRUSHES AND BREAKS PILLS )MY BOTHERS EX-WIFE WORKS FOR THE U.S. MAIL DEPT AT JFK SHE EXPLAINED THE WHOLE PROCESS TO ME. ANTHING THICKER THAN 1 INCH IS SET INTO BOXES MINUS ROLLERS.(THATS WHY MY BOTTLE OF JUICE AND KETAMINE ARE NOT BROKEN DURING SHIPPING!!) CHEESE 
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neatjs
Board Addict
Reged: 10/21/02
Posts: 351
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Catmon, you are just too much. lol
Sunny
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catmom
Board Addict
Reged: 06/20/03
Posts: 320
Loc: Midwest
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Thanks, neatjs, I do try.. ...BTW, thanks for the clarification, CHEESE! 
I love this board!!!!  Catmom
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If it's not immediate, it's not gratification.
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