I'm new to buying/selling! I don't have a mail scale or anything..
how do you figure out the cheapest way to ship? I always bought a padded envelope or small box and just paid whatever the PO said..
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I want to know too! I have a bunch of things i want to post to the classifieds and have no idea how shipping works!
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I just go on usps.com, plug in the destination zip code, choose package type (usually package or envelope), estimate weight, and then click through the choices!
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It's always so expensive so I usually rely on flat rate shipping.
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If something is light, under 13 oz it's always cheapest to ship first class. I have a kitchen food scale I use to weigh then I type in to USPS on PayPal.
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I try to use flat rate shipping through usps as much as possible!
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@scg00387: what if your weight measurement is off? do they send it back to you? lol
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@scg00387: same!
Does PayPal give the discount on shipping rates like usps?
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I have a postage scale, so I just calculate the price online.
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If it's small, light and durable, I'll fit it into a padded envelope. Or a plastic (not padded) envelope. Save on the weight! I've seen packages from clothes I buy online shipped this way. I just got a package that can be flipped inside out and reused. I definitely saved that bag.
If it's heavier, I'll see if I can use a flat rate box.
If it's larger, I enter the dimensions on USPS.com and compare costs to UPS.
Fed ex and DHL are usually more expensive so I don't bother with them. I might check those sites if I send something slow that can be sent by UPS ground.
Oh, if you are sending books or DVDs, you should be able send it through USPS' media mail. It's usually cheaper.
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@runsyellowlites: When you use flat rate shipping, do you have to pay extra for the box?
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@betsyboop: No, they have them there & it's just the 5ish shipping. Given the item fits in their sized bags/boxes.
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Flat rate boxes are not always cheaper! So always double check.
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@runsyellowlites: gotcha, thanks. Now I'm regretting not having used flat rate for a bunch of stuff I sold on classifieds.
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@Dandelion: oh, I should get a postal scale.
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@bluestriped bee: I just use my food scale and add a couple ounces! LOL
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@locavore_mama: I think Paypal shipping is actually cheaper than USPS's website?
@sorrycharlie: If it is really off, they charge the recipient the difference. But usually it's a non-issue. @betsyboop: @runsyellowlites:
You can order flat rate boxes/envelopes to be delivered to you for free: https://store.usps.com/store/browse/subcategory.jsp?categoryId=subcatMSS_FlatRate&categoryNavIds=catGetMailingShippingSupplies%3AsubcatMSS_FlatRate
I use the padded flat rate envelopes & medium flat rate boxes (two shapes) the most. Shipping via Paypal is cheaper than going to the post office, and you can then schedule a pick up for the next day and skip the driving all together.
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@locavore_mama: @scg00387: PayPal shipping?? Never heard of that before. I need to look into that!
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I usually check the little postal guide I keep in my computer drawer. It's a little confusing here in Sweden because what they consider envelopes can really be boxes depending on if it's registered or not. The cheapest way depends on how big it is. If it's small and heavy, then the pre-paid flat rate green envelopes are best. If it's light and big, then just regular mail. Same goes for international mail, except I'd have to pay an extra postage on the pre-paid envelopes.
Whenever I'm back home, I ship USPS. Priority is usually the same as First class for things shipped within the continental US. But for international mail, First Class mail is best for large, not so dense packages. My mom sends me huge packages and it costs a heck of a lot cheaper than sending it through a Priority Pre-paid box (which are super tiny anyway).
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