Some shipping stuff I learned today.

[DenverZeppo]

So, as we can tell by my rating I'm relatively new to Bartertown, and all of my FeeBay experiences have been selling Magic cards, which in small quantities are VERY easy to ship and require little thought.

So today, I wanted to share a postal experience with other people who might be new and need some help saving money.

I was packaging up a trade I made with allydg, and discovered that it wouldn't fit in the small flat rate box. Damn it, now because of half an inch I'm going to spend another $6 on postage. I mentioned this to the very nice lady working at the post office and she shared other options with me, options that people may not know about.

Regional Rate A box is a priority mail box that is 10" x 7" x 4 3/4”, inside dimensions. It is the PERFECT midway point between the small flat rate box and the medium flat rate box. While it is not flat rate, cost is determined by postal zone breakdown. Sending from 802 to 945 (those just first three zip code digits) only cost $7.26, plus delivery confirmation for $.75 meant I paid $8.76, saving four bucks off the dang medium rate box. I wish I would have known this sooner, because I've sent several medium rate boxes full of packing peanuts out. The Regional Rate boxes can not be used to ship internationally, but are a very solid option for US shippers, especially people shipping within their own area or a neighboring one.

Also of note is the Priority Mail Large Video Box, which is 9 1/4" x 6 1/4" x 2". I was drawn to this because they ship for $12.95 to Canada and Mexico (savings of $4 shipping a flat rate medium box to Canada). They ship for $16.95 to the rest of the world, (under 1 pound) and are comparable in shipping costs to a small flat rate box in the US.

Just wanted to share, because I wish I had this information I while ago, I'd have saved $20 or so in shipping already.

[CMSheats]

Thanks for the info! I have always had a problem of trying to find a box in between the Small and Med flat rate boxes to.(That didn't end up costing the same as a med box) I have never seen the boxes you are talking about though.... I will have to ask about that next time I go to the post office. Sounds like it would save me a ton on shipping! Thanks again for the very helpful information!

Chris

[kturock]

The regional boxes are just that, region. It's based off your zip code and distance to theother distance.
I always say go to usps.com and check the rates.
Get a scale. If you plan or expect to do a lot selling or trading it's worth the cost. You can get them for as low as $30.
You can set up a FREE account at usps.com and buy postage online. You can pay with paypal.
You get free d/c and discounted postage on priority mail.
You can then drop it off at any post office or collection box.

[connivingsumo]

The regional boxes are just that, region. It's based off your zip code and distance to theother distance.
I always say go to usps.com and check the rates.
Get a scale. If you plan or expect to do a lot selling or trading it's worth the cost. You can get them for as low as $30.
You can set up a FREE account at usps.com and buy postage online. You can pay with paypal.
You get free d/c and discounted postage on priority mail.
You can then drop it off at any post office or collection box.

kturock failed to mention - if memory serves? - that he works for, or has worked for, the USPS - so he pretty much knows wtf he's talking about!

[kturock]

The regional boxes are just that, region. It's based off your zip code and distance to theother distance.
I always say go to usps.com and check the rates.
Get a scale. If you plan or expect to do a lot selling or trading it's worth the cost. You can get them for as low as $30.
You can set up a FREE account at usps.com and buy postage online. You can pay with paypal.
You get free d/c and discounted postage on priority mail.
You can then drop it off at any post office or collection box.

kturock failed to mention - if memory serves? - that he works for, or has worked for, the USPS - so he pretty much knows wtf he's talking about!

I work for USPS as a mechanic on the sorting machines.
I used to be a window clerk, for about 3 years.
I've been a member here and at feebay since 1996. So I've been shipping for awhile.

Alot I've learned along the way. I still have friends I can ask specific shipping questions if I don't know, or know where to look up.

[connivingsumo]

The regional boxes are just that, region. It's based off your zip code and distance to theother distance.
I always say go to usps.com and check the rates.
Get a scale. If you plan or expect to do a lot selling or trading it's worth the cost. You can get them for as low as $30.
You can set up a FREE account at usps.com and buy postage online. You can pay with paypal.
You get free d/c and discounted postage on priority mail.
You can then drop it off at any post office or collection box.

kturock failed to mention - if memory serves? - that he works for, or has worked for, the USPS - so he pretty much knows wtf he's talking about!

I work for USPS as a mechanic on the sorting machines.
I used to be a window clerk, for about 3 years.
I've been a member here and at feebay since 1996. So I've been shipping for awhile.

Alot I've learned along the way. I still have friends I can ask specific shipping questions if I don't know, or know where to look up.

Like I said, you know WTF you're talking about. You have since I've been here, you still do, and you will likely know way into the future. Btown is lucky to have you!

[kturock]

I wouldn't say lucky.. [there's some here who would gladly see me leave or even banned.]
there are others here who have family in the biz, or are in a biz that handles alot of shipping; with a shipping department who can usually know the answer. or find it, or try to.

I just try to ensure I have a job.
Usually USPS is better, but not always. I try to make sure that if someone has a problem, that it gets resolved. I don't say usps is perfect, far from it. but I try to make sure problems, poorly handled by others, don't drive away business. Like I said, I want to have a job. I don't compensated for anything I do here by usps, but I try to make sure we stay in business, not matter what the higher ups or congress tries to do. They get paid for life.

[puts away soapbox]