Bartertown.com

I know there has been talk on the radio/news that USPS was going to increase their prices next year. But did they increase them this year? Like say within the past month or so?

I am making a trade for $xx+shipping and went to estimate the shipping cost. For a 1lb parcel post to go 92 miles the website tells me it will be $5.10. This just seems like about 2 bucks more than usual.

Is there a cheaper way to send it via USPS or a different route?

I hate using the USPS site for estimates, because I NEVER get an accurate answer.

Eric

Certain things are going up in price next year. it's only 1-2 cents. [USPS isn't allowed to rais the rate say, 5 cents to cover current and projected increase, when only 2 cents is 'needed'.]

It takes over 1 year to get a rate hike approved and it can only be increased to cover current costs. [gas goes up, and then next year rates increase. airlines charge more to fly, the following year prices increase.]

Not everything increases with every rate hike.

Also new services are added. Next year a new flat rate for Express Mail will be instutited.

MM: The online site works only as well as the info inputed. GIGO. [garbage in, garbage out.] If you don't have the exact weight or dimensions of the package, you won't get the correct price.
I have a scale that weigh up to 10 pounds. You can buy them from most office supply stores.
Using the scale and a tape measure, I buy postage online. I get the exact rate it quotes. Paypal gives you the choice of several rates not available normally on USPS.com. [Usually it's only Prioirty Mail, Express Mail or some International Mail.]

I do not see what the big deal is,,,a couple more cents to be able to send stuff clear around the country or world,,,,,how cool is that

kturock wrote:MM: The online site works only as well as the info inputed. GIGO. [garbage in, garbage out.] If you don't have the exact weight or dimensions of the package, you won't get the correct price.
I have a scale that weigh up to 10 pounds. You can buy them from most office supply stores.
Using the scale and a tape measure, I buy postage online. I get the exact rate it quotes. Paypal gives you the choice of several rates not available normally on USPS.com. [Usually it's only Prioirty Mail, Express Mail or some International Mail.]

LOL

Semi guilty as charged.
I like to use the site for estimates. I put in 2 options; one at a pound above my esitmated weight and one at a pound below. My weight guesses are within that 2 pound range about 85 to 90% of the time, but the price estimates are always higher than they end up being... often comedically so.

Eric

As an update, it is definitely just a way inaccurate price quote.

I went to the PO and it was $1.88 to ship it first class. So, nothing to do with price increases.