Shipping can be a bit confusing, even for the seasoned seller.
There are many different ways one can ship a package domestically
(within the United States), and the USPS website is often less than
helpful. There are five basic ways a package can be shipped
domestically: First Class, Priority, Express, Parcel Post, and Media
Mail. Many additional services are also available that will be
discussed towards the end of this guide.
First Class
First Class is argueably the best way to send a package or letter
weighing less than 13 oz. The rates are reasonable and start at
.39 for a one oz. envelope or package. First class mail generally
arrives at its destination within 5-7 days.
Rate Table for First Class Mail
Weight Postage
1 oz. .39
2 oz. .63
3 oz. .87
4 oz. 1.11
5 oz. 1.35
6 oz. 1.59
7 oz. 1.83
8 oz. 2.07
9 oz. 2.31
10 oz. 2.55
11 oz. 2.79
12 oz. 3.03
13 oz. 3.27
You must use your own packing materials when shipping First
Class. DO NOT use Priority supplies for First Class mail.
If you do, the recipient may be charged the difference between First
Class and Priority postage upon receipt. Second, using Priority
supplies for First Class drives up the cost of postage for all
customers.
Priority Mail
Priority Mail is a quick way to get your items to your customers,
but it can be expensive. It can be a good deal for small, heavy
items that can fit inside a Flat Rate Box. Anything up to 70 lbs.
can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. for $8.10.
Regular Priority Mail starts at $4.05. Anything weighing less
than 1 lb. can ship anywhere in the U.S. for the $4.05 rate. For
anything over a pound, the rates vary based on weight and shipping
location.
One benefit of Priority Mail is that you can use packing supplies
that are provided by the Post Office. Boxes, envelopes, and
mailing labels are all available free at your local post office.
On average, Priority Mail takes 2-3 days to reach its destination.
Certain items such as liquids and flammable items cannot be shipped
via Priority Mail because they are transported on airplane.
Express Mail
If you need something to arrive fast, Express Mail is the way to
go. Packages are guaranteed to be received by 3 pm the next day
(including Sundays), or you'll receive your money back. Express
Mail is very costly, however, starting at $14.40. Like Priority,
these rates vary by package weight and shipping location.
Express Mail supplies are also available free at your local post
office. Proof of Delivery and signature confirmation are also
included at no additional cost if you request them.
Parcel Post
Parcel Post is the way to go for larger items that do not need to be
rushed. Rates begin at $2.31 and are reasonable on up the
scale. The downside to Parcel Post is that it may take a while
for your package to reach its destination - up to 10 days. From
personal experience, however, I can tell you that it is not ungemon
for packages going across country to take as long as 30 days.
You must also use your own packaging supplies when using Parcel
Post. Packages can weigh up to 70 lbs. and there also is a girth
requirement. For extra large packages, consider shipping via Fed
Ex or UPS. It'll be much cheaper.
Media Mail
Media Mail can only be used for media materials such as books, CDs,
videotapes, etc. Advertising materials cannot be sent via Media
Mail. Post office employees may open up packages sent via Media
Mail to make sure that only media is sent this way. Rates are
very reasonable and start at .80. The weight limit is 70 lbs.
Additional Services
Delivery Confirmation
Delivery Confimation (DC) should be used on all okay packages.
When you mail your package, you receive a unique tracking number that
will tell you when your package arrives at its destination.
Without DC, you'll have no way of knowing if a customer did or did not
receive your package. It is very inexpensive, and well worth the
extra few cents. If you purchase postage online through PayPal,
it will cost .14; if you purchase it at the post office it will cost
.60. IMPORTANT: First Class Mail sent with DC must be at least 3/4"
thick. If it is not, your customer will be charged the difference
between First Class postage and Priority postage upon receipt.
Signature Confirmation
For expensive items, Signature Confirmation is a good
investment. A person must physically sign for your package, and
the signature card will be mailed back to you. This provides
absolute proof that your package was delivered to the address you sent
it to. Signature Confirmation costs $1.35.
Insurance
Insurance provides up to $5000 of coverage for an item lost or damaged
during shipping. You cannot purchase more insurance than what the
item is worth. I regemend insurance for expensive items as YOU,
the seller, are responsible for ensuring that a buyer receives his
package undamaged. If an item is received damaged, and you did
not purchase insurance, you will be responsible for replacing the item
or refunding the buyer. Insurance starts at $1.35.
I hope you found this guide helpful. If you didn't please send me a message and let me know why! Thanks!
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