| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Dusky Beauty |
Posted - Nov 30 2011 : 1:28:02 PM
A couple of us came to discuss shipping costs in another thread so I thought I would make a fresh post on the matter of thrifty shipping.
It's very important that any farmgirls new to the barter boards be aware of just how much it can cost to ship your half of the barter out, and how much it costs your barter partner to do the same when you enter a barter contract. Be aware: that if for whatever reason you don't hold up your end of the trade; not only is your farm sister out her goods, she's also out the cash out of pocket to send it to you! If you realize you can't reciprocate, it's kinder to send your farmgirl sister a check than nothing at all.
To try to help keep this section of the board running smoothly, I thought I would share some tips for happy shipping.
Grades of mail:
There are 5 main mail types to be concerned with.
I.Parcel Post
Parcel post is the least costly way to send large, heavy and bulky packages. You would most likely ship by this method if you were mailing a queen size quilt or a box of clothes.
Parcel Post takes the longest to deliver because it has to be shipped by large truck directly to the post office. A person receiving this via usps will have to pick the box up at their local office. Generally speaking, it is the cheapest method of mail by the pound. UPS (the brown truck guys) often has very competitive rates for very large, heavy, or oddly shaped packages like poster tubes.
II.Media Mail
Media mail is a heavily discounted economy class rate for media items only, as they tend to be very heavy items, but still shipped quite frequently. This includes books, movies, DvDs, Video Games, and patterns (no materials or kits). This is a very inexpensive shipping rate by the ounce and if the item you are shipping qualifies as media, you should always send it as such unless your package happens to be light enough to travel as First Class Mail instead. Tends to arrive at it's destination at about the same time as First Class, before Parcel Post, and 1 to 2 days behind priority. Media Mail is subject to search to confirm that the contents are indeed media, so trying to slip one by the post office will result in heavy delays!
Again: only books, movies, computer software, video games, and patterns. Depending on size of the box media mail tends to be delivered to the recipient's home by their mail carrier.
III. First Class
First class is for lightweight shipping envelopes that fall under size guidelines. Works well for jewelry, buttons, small toys, knick knacks, lace, notions, craft kits etc.
This is the least expensive shipping class and fast traveling; same day or one day behind priority, and is delivered to the recipient's address by their mail carrier.
IV. Priority Mail
Priority is the shipping grade that the post office promotes as a standard rate. They advertise the shipping time on priority as 3-5 days and promote an unspoken belief that "priority" packages are shipped more safely than others. In truth, no postal employee is ever intentionally careless with any mail and an item is not at less risk of being damaged just because of what color the box is.
The post office provides free to use shipping boxes specially printed to be used as priority mail boxes or envelopes.
Priority is more expensive by unit of weight than any previously mentioned shipping methods. If you wish to ship an item by priority method, you may use either a preprinted priority mail envelope or box, or the postal clerk will affix a priority mail sticker to your plain package.
V. Priority Flat Rate
The exception to the rule in priority mail is in the use of "flat rate boxes".
Some of the priority packaging materials in the post office lobby are justpriority mail boxes, and some are flat rate boxes.
Flat rate shipping is not measured by weight, rather it is a standardized price for that particular box. It doesn't matter if the contents weigh 7 ounces or 7 pounds.
This works to your detriment if shipping things like doilies, but to your benefit if you are shipping heavy items like canned goods or bars of soap. Anything you can fit into the box and have it close fully and square is fair game in the flat rate box. This is the best way to ship things like cast iron, or bulk jeans.
If you decide your item will be most economically shipped via flat rate, be sure you use a priority box from the lobby that specifically says "flat rate" on it.
The Lowdown on Delivery Confirmation and Insurance
I.Delivery Confirmation is a tracking number added on to a package. This will tell you exactly when a package is delivered and requires a signature from the recipient to be delivered. If you choose to add this to your package, you will 1.)know the item was delivered to the correct address and 2.)know when it is delivered. The downside is that if your recipient is not often home, or is too busy to get to the post office and the delivery window runs out, the item will be returned to you. Delivery confirmation costs around a dollar these days on top of your actual postage price.
II.Insurance covers the replacement value of the items if the package becomes lost or damaged. In my experience it costs around 10% of the declared value to add insurance to a package. I personally only feel it is a necessary add on when I am shipping fragile electronics or antiques to protect my own investment, or if a buyer on etsy or ebay specifically requests it.
Insurance is not generally necessary on barters or swaps in my opinion.
Tips for reducing your shipping costs
I. Choose the shipping rate that is the best match for the package you are shipping.
II. Don't overpackage. In many cases a large envelope is all that is necessary for non fragile, flat-ish and non fragile items. If you must pay by weight its better not to pay for a weighty box! Reserve bubble wrap and packing peanuts for items that are actually fragile and need the protection.
III. Seek out and save good packing materials.
Recycle large envelopes or small boxes that you can strip the old labels off of, or turn the printed side inside out. I love free sample boxes for this.
I've found that most priority mail boxes and envelopes have "priority mail" printed on the inside, but express mail envelopes do not. You can turn these envelopes inside out in a pinch to ship first class or media mail if you need to.
Things to keep in mind about barters and swaps
I. The standard practice for a barter is that the person posting the item entertains offers, agrees to commit to an exchange with one particular person, waits for the offer to arrive in the mail before shipping the item out. There is some variation to the order between different parties, but this is the "standard".
II. The person on the other end of the trade is a farmgirl, just like you.
Assume that she is living on a shoestring budget, is subject to catastrophic emergencies like family and livestock crises, may be 30 minutes away from the nearest post office and might only get there once a week, appreciates beautiful; well cared for things and good workmanship.
Assume your barter partner probably has animals.
If you have severe allergies (to pet dander, smoke, old mildewiness on books etc.) your potential barter partner would prefer to know that before the fact than have you unhappy with your loot when it arrives. To be on the safe side don't accept food trades if you have food allergies.
"The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated." ~Gandhi
http://silvermoonfarm.blogspot.com/
"After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.” ~Will Rogers |
| 16 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| chickenmom |
Posted - Jan 28 2012 : 2:38:06 PM
Great info girls. As a postal employee you're right on the money. The thing about Media mail is that the post office has the right to open and inspect those to make sure they are media. Far too many unfortunately try to slide other matter in media packages.
Becky the reason for the difference in your two small items is one clerk sent the item as a large envelope and one sent it as a small package. There's a fine line between the 2. Our office will usually let stuff go out as a large envelope if possible to save the customer money, but I've had items returned to customers for additional postage from other offices that say otherwise. The rules are too undefined. Most will send it as a small package to play it safe. So just be glad when they let it go as a large envelope.
Rates did go up Jan 22. the new rate for large envelope is $.90 and small packages start at $1.95.
Have a great day all!
Toni |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Jan 22 2012 : 11:59:02 AM
AND, if you don't know it yet, as of today, JANUARY 22 rates have gone up
- first class letter is now $.45
- first class postcard is now $.32
I'm sure that packages and such are increased as well, but I don't know the specifics.
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
From my Hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
the "Purple Thistle" http://www.ceejay48.etsy.com
From my Heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
Through my lens - http://ceejayscamera.shutterfly.com/
From my Hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| Beverley |
Posted - Jan 21 2012 : 10:44:28 AM
this was great info thanks
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett
Beverley with an extra E...
https://sites.google.com/site/bevsdoggies/
http://bevsdoggies.blogspot.com/ |
| Dusky Beauty |
Posted - Jan 20 2012 : 3:59:02 PM
Bumped to the front page, we seem to have new sisters on the barter board!
"The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated." ~Gandhi
http://silvermoonfarm.blogspot.com/
"After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.” ~Will Rogers |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Dec 01 2011 : 08:27:47 AM
That's funny Phyllis.
I know postal workers in 2 different post offices and when they ask me that question I say "well, it depends on what you call hazardous!"
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
From my Hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
the "Purple Thistle" http://www.ceejay48.etsy.com
From my Heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
Through my lens - http://ceejayscamera.shutterfly.com/
From my Hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| pinokeeo |
Posted - Dec 01 2011 : 07:33:48 AM
My favorite postal worker laughingly calls chocolate "potentially hazardous materials".
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I cannot master those things that I have not tried.
check out my artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/PiNOKEEOs |
| one_dog_per_acre |
Posted - Dec 01 2011 : 03:26:39 AM
Get to know you post master. I always bring in my packages, a sharpee, and a tapegun, and ask her what is the cheapest way to send. The tapegun and marker are in case I have to put something in a priority package, to save me $.
All of my postal people I have ever gotten to know really appreciate Christmas presents that are not sweets. We usually give exciting cheese.
“It always looks darkest just before it gets totally black.”-Charlie Brown |
| LadyInRed |
Posted - Dec 01 2011 : 12:07:47 AM
Jen...very helpful, condensed and consise information. Thanks so much! And CJ I did not know that about
magazines. Good to know.
blessings,
peggy
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
"Leave Your Cares Behind...Join Us On The Porch"
"I'm only as strong as the caffeine I drink, the hair-spray I use and the Girlfriends that I have."
When I was a lonely wallflower, Jesus asked me to dance. Then he asked me to be joyous, to be passionate, and to Be His! |
| Dusky Beauty |
Posted - Nov 30 2011 : 8:16:30 PM
Edited to reflect ladies, I've never had cause to mail magazines so thanks for the heads up!
"The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated." ~Gandhi
http://silvermoonfarm.blogspot.com/
"After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.” ~Will Rogers |
| laurentany |
Posted - Nov 30 2011 : 8:10:26 PM
Jen,
Thank you for condensing all of this great info into one post! What a blessing!
I will second what CJ has said about magazines and media mail- the two can NOT be used in the same sentence! Magazines as CJ said have advertising in them and they DO NOT qualify for the media mail rate. It would not be uncommon for the Post Office to actually CHECK the package if you request Media Mail (they are wise to people trying to pass off other goods as Media mail to try and get a cheaper rate).
As for the topic itself- it all goes back to just doing what you say you are going to do- as any farmgirl hopefully would do...keep your word- if you say you are going to send something/barter/swap etc- then please do it. Treat others as you would wish to be treated!
Blessings to all farmgirls out there who are just trying to make the world a better place- keep it up! Smile- its contagious!
Farmgirl Smiles,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Nov 30 2011 : 7:19:26 PM
Very helpful and informative.
I would like to put this out there for further info: MAGAZINES do not qualify for Media Mail because they have advertising in them.
I have had more than one post office reject packages with MAGAZINES as "Media Mail". I've mailed a lot of them and every postal worker has told me the same thing. . . and I've had to pay higher postage rate for them.
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
From my Hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
the "Purple Thistle" http://www.ceejay48.etsy.com
From my Heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
Through my lens - http://ceejayscamera.shutterfly.com/
From my Hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| tammyc |
Posted - Nov 30 2011 : 7:02:41 PM
Thanks so much for all the useful information Jen! I have always used priority mail with delivery confirmation which works well for me using the flat rate boxes. But, I will really take your bartering tips to heart as well. I just naively assumed that all farmgirl barterers were honest and trustworthy so went ahead and shipped out the items (paying the 10.00 - 15.00 shipping cost)without receiving my portion. As I said before, I have only been burned by one person.....and....what goes around comes around as they say. I can sleep well knowing I kept my part of the bargain and move forward a little wiser! Thanks again for your great tips!
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| pinokeeo |
Posted - Nov 30 2011 : 6:27:51 PM
Because we are rural, we have several options for USPS offices. At every office, the postal people are very helpful as far as helping with packaging and getting the right box or envelope. And I agree about going to the window. The kiosks are usually hard to navigate.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I cannot master those things that I have not tried.
check out my artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/PiNOKEEOs |
| Dusky Beauty |
Posted - Nov 30 2011 : 5:25:41 PM
The third party shipping stores mark up shipping costs for profit. Your best bet is to go to a regular USPS office, you really need a shipping scale to get a precise amount. Some post offices have an automatic serve yourself postage scale/machine, but I prefer to go to the window. The human element is handy to double check the packing job (needs more tape etc.)
"The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated." ~Gandhi
http://silvermoonfarm.blogspot.com/
"After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.” ~Will Rogers |
| bishfam |
Posted - Nov 30 2011 : 3:02:01 PM
Thank you for this! I was just saying to myself today..."I wish I understood the postal shipping system better"...seriously! The only thing is I have had small packages mailed out (something with thickness like you mention in First Class) and they tell me it has to go parcel...? I think I got ripped off at a local postal/pay your bills here place??...A small item cost me $1.71. I mailed another item very similar today and it costs only .88 at a regular post office. Thanks again for this! |
| pinokeeo |
Posted - Nov 30 2011 : 1:48:09 PM
Thank you for a TON of useful information.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I cannot master those things that I have not tried.
check out my artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/PiNOKEEOs |
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