some suggestions on USPS shipping

tyyreaun

tyyreaun

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Not sure if this is the right forum - I'm sure 20 angry posters, and an angry mod, will tell me if it's not :)

I've done a bunch of trades and purchases recently, and I'm actually kind of surprised how many people manually write out shipping addresses, buy shipping at the post office counter, etc. If that works for you - no problem. I mentioned this to a few people I know who trade a lot, and they said going to the PO is easier for them.

For everyone else, though, I figured I'd add some thoughts on how to make shipping easier, and hopefully more secure.

USPS Priority Shipping Materials:
You can get free USPS Priority flat rate shipping boxes and envelopes at the post office, or you can order them online at USPS.com. If you order online, the materials are delivered for free to your front door.

This includes Priority Mail Flat Rate Padded Envelopes. That's not the cheap cardboard envelopes - these are Tyvek with a bubble wrap lined interior. You can mail in them directly using the Padded Flat Rate Envelope rate, or use them as padding inside a larger box. In fact, a Small Flat Rate Box will fit inside the padded envelope, for additional protection.

USPS Priority Flat Rates:
I've gotten a lot of small knives sent in random boxes with USPS Priority generic rates. If you use a Small Flat Rate Box, Flat Rate Envelope, or Padded Flat Rate Envelope, the flat rate will be as cheap (or cheaper) than even the lowest rate you'd get using a generic box. So, flat rate will save you money even on the smallest shipments.

Printing Labels Online:
Similarly, I've seen people manually write out the shipping address, and buy postage at the PO. Assuming you have a printer in your home or office, I think it's easier to just print at home. Several options:
  • If your customer bought via PayPal G&S, you can buy shipping directly from the PayPal transaction
  • You can also buy shipping from PayPal by searching for "multi order shipping" in the search bar. That will let you manually enter an address
  • Finally, you can buy shipping from USPS.com (Menu > Mail & Ship > Tools > Click-n-Ship). They accept credit cards or PayPal
With flat rate packaging, you don't need to know the weight. If for whatever reason you're not using flat rate (typically larger but light items), you can buy a $20 postal scale on Amazon. Accuracy will be good enough, and given that postage rates are typically a bit cheaper if you buy online, the scale will pay for itself quickly.

That'll also save you time waiting in line at the post office. For secure drop-off, most POs I've been to have mail drop slots inside the building (near the PO boxes section, so open 24/7) that will fit small flat rate boxes and envelopes. One PO near me has a giant drop slot open 24/7 that'll fit very large boxes.

Finally, my handwriting is horrible, so printing online saves me from the risk of having a package misdirected if the delivery guy can't read my handwriting - just another layer of security :)

Other Thoughts:
The adhesives used on the free shipping material is underwhelming. I always add extra tape to keep it safe - Scotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape is great stuff, and great insurance when shipping around expensive knives.

I also typically print two shipping labels - one for the outside of the box, and one that I place next to the knife itself. While it's never happened to me, I've heard of boxes getting damaged where the shipping label becomes unreadable, and the postal service needs to figure out where to forward the contents. Most people don't include packing slips or other labels inside, in which case your beautiful knives will end up at an undeliverable mail auction. Adding a second label packed with the knife would help prevent this.
 
Some great info there. I never thought of attaching a shipping label to the item inside the box but that's a great idea.

I really need to get myself a printer but I just hate those dang things. Can't seem to find one that doesn't make me want to throw it across the room.
 
tyyreaun said:
PC LOAD LETTER? :)
Click to expand...
I had to look that up because I had no idea what you meant.

I don't recall ever getting that message but I may have. My problem with printers is that they only work for a short time and then there's some kind of problem that I don't know how to fix. My last printer wouldn't print and the message I got was that the black ink was fine but it needed the other three colors replaced in order to function. I reluctantly went out and bought the set with all four colors and it still didn't work after installing them.

That was about 6 years ago and I haven't used a printer at home ever since.
 
Railsplitter said:
I had to look that up because I had no idea what you meant.

I don't recall ever getting that message but I may have. My problem with printers is that they only work for a short time and then there's some kind of problem that I don't know how to fix. My last printer wouldn't print and the message I got was that the black ink was fine but it needed the other three colors replaced in order to function. I reluctantly went out and bought the set with all four colors and it still didn't work after installing them.

That was about 6 years ago and I haven't used a printer at home ever since.
Click to expand...

Heh :). Not that I'm promoting any particular brand, but I have an Epson WorkForce at home. Printer/scanner/copier for under $100 if you look around. You can also buy refurbished ink cartridges on Amazon which work well enough, and are cheap-ish.
 
Just as a heads up, you can directly access the paypal shipping any time no transaction needed, www.paypal.com/shipnow
Allows you to ship Priority, First Class etc. (Can't ship First class from USPS website, or couldn't before) You get the little shipping discount too. I use the hell out of it. :)

Thanks for the post!

Cheers,
Rob


Also, since we're in the GB&U area, I've bought a couple things from the OP, tyyreaun tyyreaun and I've always had a great experience!
 
My USPS branch has a kiosk for ptinting labels. The labels contain the printed delivery address, and I assume it’s included in the bar code too (hopefully diminishing chances of human error). It’s also faster to use the kiosk than to wait in line.

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Up to this point, I've been using the adhesive backed USPS priority mail shipping labels and filling in the 'To' and 'From' addresses by hand. In addition to using heavy reinforced packing tape on the boxes, I apply clear packaging tape over the shipping label to help prevent possible scuffing and rendering the addresses indecipherable.
 
It helps when you have the address in ink ON THE BOX and a shipping label. Flick some water on one of you printed labels and see what happens. Also, inside the box on a piece of paper is smart too. Just to and from will help tremendously.
Think before you seal the box. "Is there enough packing material in there?".
 
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I always try to ship items in the manner I like to receive them. Adequate packing material, sturdy & secure external packaging ,
legible & protected addresses with clear tape. Makes the mail carriers job that makes final delivery easier also.
So far I have received no complaints. It's not rocket science just common courtesy.
 
...and before the shipping box receives the final tape closure, it is shaken (not stirred, James) to ensure that the contents cannot shift inside. Oh yeah; fixed blades that are not in sheaths get a cork on the blade's tip.
 
Great post! Smart info applying to most anyone.

I am one part cameraman, one part photo editor, and one part shipping department. EVERY SINGLE STUDIO KNIFE. so I know this well.

Yes. Print from home. Save a trip. I have a dedicated B&W laser printer just for printing large self-adhesive printing labels. Letter size 2-part, and I save the receipt from one half, and use the other half on the box.

I use a scale. I find that most lighter boxes (less than 3 lbs. or one knife) will ship cheaper with 'normal', not flat rate shipping. However this method is also scaled by vicinity, and Flat Rate goes EVERYWHERE for the same. YMMV.

Insure the box for $50 for Priority and $100 for Express at no extra fee. That much is allowed/included, but you must specify on the website. (I have additional insurance too, but hey that's $50 just in case.)

I also use the FREE USPS boxes. Many sizes available. Free, 25 to a pack. Mailed to your door. Amazing.

My postal man picks up ALL my boxes. I leave a large note in the mailbox when I have something for him to pickup at the house. I don't leave them outside, and they are usually larger than the mailbox. See the note, knock on my door. That's a nice service.

I scrounge throwaway bubble wrap and flexible foam shipping protection from furniture stores, etc. They throw out tons of it and I have a big bin I keep it in. I have not bought internal packaging ever.

Good thread tyyreaun tyyreaun !
 
Good tips, I do most of this already, although I still go to a counter to get a receipt as I've had quite a few in the drop box take days to scan and sometimes not until they deliver. I like being to have proof I dropped it off (for insurance and to send to the buyer in case they don't believe I sent it).

While I agree on the small flat rate box, I want to point out things just a bit larger than the small flat rate, it often does NOT pay to use the medium flat rate. Get a slightly larger box and it is often within a dollar of the flat rate price. USPS also has a range of non-flat rate boxes that you can get for free or just buy some on Amazon.
 
blanco112 said:
While I agree on the small flat rate box, I want to point out things just a bit larger than the small flat rate, it often does NOT pay to use the medium flat rate. Get a slightly larger box and it is often within a dollar of the flat rate price. USPS also has a range of non-flat rate boxes that you can get for free or just buy some on Amazon.
Click to expand...

True - I've often had luck fitting slightly-too-large items into a bigger box, then squeezing that into the padded flat rate envelope. Plus, the padding provides extra protection!
 
tyyreaun said:
True - I've often had luck fitting slightly-too-large items into a bigger box, then squeezing that into the padded flat rate envelope. Plus, the padding provides extra protection!
Click to expand...

I do this one all the time. Can cut down a slightly too large box to fix.
 
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