Hey all!
I thought that I would pass on something that I've learned when shipping cigars via USPS that might save y'all some money. Normally, I like to use the flat rate boxes to ship just about everything, but the flat rate boxes are generally only good deals if you're shipping heavy stuff. Guess what! Cigars aren't very heavy...
Example #1:
Shipping 10 cigars or about 10oz
From 45840 (NW Ohio)
To 94121 (San Francisco)
Small flat rate box = $5.35
Normal packaging = $6.20
Here, the flat rate box is a decent deal
Example #2:
Shipping 20 cigars or about 1 1/2 pounds
From 45840 (NW Ohio)
To 94121 (San Francisco)
Medium flat rate box = $11.35
Normal packaging = $10.40
Here, the flat rate box is at a little disadvantage.
Example #3:
Shipping 20 cigars or about 1 1/2 pounds
From 45840 (NW Ohio)
To 22192 (middle of Virginia)
Medium flat rate box = $11.35
Normal packaging = $6.30
Here, the flat rate box is at a HUGE disadvantage.
So, what's the take-away message? Just check USPS calculators before you ship. With shorter distances and lighter packages (like cigars!), you might be spending too much to use flat rate boxes.
Just wanted to help...
Nick