IGWARG1   | 24 Oct 2011 3:35 p.m. PST |
Right now I can just walk to my local post office and get the best and/or cheapest price on packages I ship. That's because I can ask questions and talk to a live person who knows me. I almost never have to stay in line. For example, did you know that if your package is smaller than 36 inches in all dimensions and 4 pounds or less you can ship it as a letter(I think) to a foreign country from USA? It costs like 3 times less compare to a PARCEL. I bet that a lot of boxes that fit the size and weight are shipped as a PARCEL and cost sender more money. If they will close my post office it will be much longer walk (still no reason to drive because of parking, here in New York). Most importantly it will mean longer lines and time waisted. The other option is Click and Ship, paying right away through computer. This may mean not waiting in line or going to post office. This will also mean getting scales, wasting ink and most importantly, probably, not getting the best option and information when shipping. Also, what if one makes mistake about the weight or shape of the package? Will there be consequences? |
| Roderick Robertson | 24 Oct 2011 4:13 p.m. PST |
Well, since the P.O doesn't even deliver to my house (too far away, say the crybabies), I very much doubt they'd pick up a parcel from it… |
John Leahy  | 24 Oct 2011 5:09 p.m. PST |
Actually, they will pick them up when you click and ship. I do it all the time. You also get a discount. If you use flat rate boxes there is no weight to worry about. Thanks, John |
| Angus99 | 24 Oct 2011 6:10 p.m. PST |
I buy on line postage for my auction sales, and I find it to be very easy. I bought a digital postal scale at Target for something like $12 USD; and to answer your question, if you make a mistake, you can request a void of the transaction and get a refund. It's not instant, but I've never had a void request rejected. You sound very educated already on types and alternatives, so I would think you'd find it pretty easy, as well. Regarding making a mistake – when they introduced a Regional option for Priority shipping, I accidentally used the wrong type of box (there are specific boxes for Regional). They shipped the box anyway, and sent me a note to my home address letting me know about the mistake. I'm sure if you are way off for some reason, the item would be returned to sender. |
| GenWinter | 24 Oct 2011 7:18 p.m. PST |
I did my first 60 auctions by going to the post office. Finally tried the click and ship. Generally, I use the flat rate boxes and save 20 cents on each box. I probably use up the same amount in ink and packing tape but it is still easier. I don't use if for first class because often buyers combine shipping and this makes it hard to predict actual costs. Still, I recommend click and ship where possible. Greg C. |
 BrigadeGames | 24 Oct 2011 7:55 p.m. PST |
You can not do first class mail or first class international online. |
| pphalen | 25 Oct 2011 6:22 a.m. PST |
For most packages, the USPS pricing model is pushing towards using flat rate boxes. For anything outside of your "zone" flat rate priority is usually cheaper or a couple cents more than parcel post |
| BVTraders | 25 Oct 2011 7:08 a.m. PST |
Priority mail is cheaper online for regular and flat rate packages(not sure how much though) with free delivery tracking. Don't forget you can order the priority mail boxes for free! Saves a bundle on shipping container costs. I've had my online postage account for several years without a hitch. All the other posts pretty much cover the rest. The nutshell is that for me it is way cheaper than a visit to the PO due to my rural location. mike |
| Dynaman8789 | 25 Oct 2011 10:16 a.m. PST |
> If you use flat rate boxes there is no weight to worry about. There is a weight limit on those flat rate boxes, but you probably have to fill up the box with lead in order to exceed it though. |
| John Leahy | 25 Oct 2011 6:35 p.m. PST |
I don't believe you could make it heavy enough with figs to exceed the weight domestically. Now to Canada the weight limit on a small flat rate is MUCH less. Thanks, John |
| Dynaman8789 | 26 Oct 2011 4:01 a.m. PST |
Oops, meant a SOLID lead block. Come to think of it, would probably have to be a block of Uranium to exceed the weight limit… |
| LordNth | 14 Jun 2012 6:14 p.m. PST |
When someone pays me through paypal and I can print the shipping label and drop the package off in a postal box then yes I click and ship. I do NOT click and ship to ship international mail. It's always better to take it to the local office. |
