My last trip to the post office I wanted to use a priority mail padded envelope. None on the rack. Asked if there were any in the back and the guy says the postmaster won’t let them be sold. Why not? His policy was the answer. He tells me I have to use the next size up. The difference was over $6. I checked around and all the post offices in the area are doing the same thing. However, if you order a padded envelope on-line they sell them, but refuse if you try to buy one in person.
SCAM
I once made the mistake of ordering packets of 25 when I was ordering individual boxes/padded envelopes. Our company has enough in the mail room to last us the next three years (at least) as a result. I'll do anything I can to avoid standing in line at the post office. It is even worth the couple of bucks to avoid it when I need stamps.