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Originally Posted by bjnicholson
Originally Posted by bearisgray
I bought a food scale that weighs up to four pounds in 0.1 ounce increments. It seems to be accurate within 0.1 ounce - so it's really worth while to use for guesstimating a shipping cost.
It's also worth the time (in many cases) to check usps and ups and fedex to compare the costs. I usually use usps because it's the closest drop-off site to my home. This is a good opportunity to learn a bit more about different professions. There are all those costs we don't see - |
Aahhhh, the sound of reason. You sound so temperate in your advice. Keep it up.
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Originally Posted by bakermom
I would definately look into the flat rate boxes. I think you can ship up to 70 lbs. As long as you can get it in and tape it shut it goes. I send lots of stuff like this to my kids out of state.
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Mailing packages at the Priority rate can get pricey.
1st Class is usually a lot less and is only a little slower (under normal circumstances.) i pay using either my debit/check card or a credit card. i can't remember whether or not direct deduction from a bank account is an option. |
flat rate boxes from the u.s. postal system is the way to go especially if it is a heavy box, can save you a fortune! if it is light weight but bulky i would either cut back on the contents and put it into 2 boxes or find a larger packaging but use parcel post. I was spending a fortune using ups to send boxes to my son in the navy, and then found it really is much more cost effective to send through the post office. In june he wanted me to send him something he had left home, i took it to the ups store and found it was going to cost $45 to ship it, (it was something he bought for about $30) i left and was just not going to send it, but stopped by the post office on my way home and sent it out for $10.95. and it seems to make a difference if you are printing off your own postage or actually going to the post office. if you do it yourself on line you seem to have fewer choices. if you go in you can ask, what is the least expensive way to send this.
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Originally Posted by Suzan Larrimore
Originally Posted by dkabasketlady
And they say the Post Office is broke and raising their prices the first of the year! What out then!!!
We are a postal family. I try to stay quiet most of the time because I know alot of people have had some bad experiences with the postal service. That said I do want to say that the good old USPS is broke. Revenue is down. The big businesses that contribute most of the delivery mail are not sending out mail to customers. Alot of people no longer use the USPS to pay their bills. When you don't use a service their costs don't decline they actually increase to make up for the shortage. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you want your costs tostay down. Use to USPS more often for everyday mail. Where else in the world can you send a letter 3 thousand miles for only 44 cents? If you have a loved one overseas in the military and you mail them something to an APO address that same 44 cents still gets it there for you. 44 cent stamps are still the cheapest in the world |
Someone asked "how you pay for the postage on line"...First, you go to USPS.com. You then click on "Click 'n Ship". From there you can print your label, pay (using your credit/debit card), and even request a pick up from your carrier. To top it off...its cheaper to do it on line than it is to GO to the post office...AND delivery confirmation is free.
An idea for those shipping bulky knitted items...ship them in a space bag...stuff them in, vac out the air and they will fit easily in the small or med. flat rate box. They will puff back out just fine on the other end. I have to say that yes...I think some of the rates are high, but thats only because I'm a cheap skate and think everything is high. If you think about it...you are getting a reliable service for much less than it would cost you to do it yourself. With all the things being sent around...its amazing the job they do! Out of 60 quilts going around the world 6 times each in the last year..we had 1 that vanished...1 out of that many mailings...I'd say thats pretty darn good (although it is sad about the 1) |
An idea for those shipping bulky knitted items...ship them in a space bag...stuff them in, vac out the air and they will fit easily in the small or med. flat rate box. They will puff back out just fine on the other end.
*********** I'm going to have to remember this! |
You are right about the weight vs. bulk. I have actually left the post office after checking the cost and repackaged to send a different way. Fortunately I live in an area where I have some choice in how to ship. Many do not.
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Well just to let everyone know I went to the post office
and got a box for 3.69 not a flat rate box as it was not big enough. I Brought it home and packed everything but the quilting frame and a plastic yarn holder and mailed it to a lady in Arkansas for 14.24. Should get there in a week. so Now I just have to find something to do with frame and yarn jar but I am sure I can find someone around here I can give it to. So thanks for all the suggestions I'm just glad I got it gone and someone who really wants it has it. It was a good price everyone here said I should of ask more, but I just wanted someone to have it and put a little change in my pocket for more material HEhehehe |
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