It's now a whopping $16.95 for a small flat rate box, which is what I use for shipping pickups.
I like the flat rate service because I can get boxes mailed to me for free, do the postage online, then put it in my mailbox for the mail carrier to mail (so no need to stand in line at the post office).
But this is out of control. I cringe that I have to pass this on to my customers.
Any better alternatives?
Replies
wrap it yourself in a smaller box . use and recycle your boxes from home .
or if you are getting your boxs free .. cut them in half and turn them inside out . and remake a smaller box .
even just turn the box inside out .. it will still ship cheaper full size .
why people use this service for a box 10 times bigger than what they are shipping is beyond me .
use regular parcel post , and take it to the post office .. you will cut your costs in half usually .
the only way this service does not soak you for cash ,, is if you ship something really heavy that just fits in the box .
why waste the space , money , and add new garbage to the planet .?
the only sillier way i can think of shipping is using UPS .
they rape and plunder your *customers for more cash .
I just looked at my Priority boxes. The Post Office has cleverly printed "Priority Postage Required" on the inside of the boxes, so that you can no longer turn them inside out.
I'm already using the smallest box which just fits a pickup or two plus bubble wrap, so I can't go any smaller.
It looks like First Class or Parcel Post are my next options.
just dont use those boxes then .
or wrap the box in a brown lunch bag , and cover with packing tape .
I've used brown paper grocery bags (printed side in) to wrap boxes, the paper is fairly heavy and makes a nice looking package.
Mail first class. Priority is just first class for boxes.
I'm sorry to hear the rate increase will probably hurt your small biz.
I do global mailing as a hobby and the increases have taken the fun out of it.
Soon I won't be able to make overseas shipments, gratis.
Good luck finding a solution.
Perhaps barkentines crewed by impressed sailors???
rc
Actually I was thinking a Star Trek transporter would be the perfect solution. Or carrier pigeon.