Saving money on USPS shipping

Newbie_nick · 02-17-2012, 06:34 PM

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

jluck · 02-17-2012, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie_nick

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

What would the cost be for #3 shipped to frisco though? Just to keep a even comparison.

mkarnold1 · 02-17-2012, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jluck

What would the cost be for #3 shipped to frisco though? Just to keep a even comparison.

$10.40. Same exact specs as #2.

jluck · 02-17-2012, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkarnold1

$10.40. Same exact specs as #2.

Thank ya' I missed that.

cjhalbrooks · 02-17-2012, 06:50 PM

do you work for the post office. I mean what post office clerk would sit there while you tested all this.

mkarnold1 · 02-17-2012, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjhalbrooks

do you work for the post office. I mean what post office clerk would sit there while you tested all this.

I think Nick is comparing the price that he paid to ship packages to these destinations with the flat rate box necessary to do the same. What Nick is saying is that you may get a better deal with light packages like cigars using a normal box (like a c-bid box) than a flat rate. And the savings are even more if it is a shorter trip.

cjhalbrooks · 02-17-2012, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkarnold1

I think Nick is comparing the price that he paid to ship packages to these destinations with the flat rate box necessary to do the same.

That makes sense, i understand what he was saying. I just got an image of him checking all the costs and weights while a line wrapping around the post office.

mase · 02-17-2012, 07:01 PM

I had no idea that they charge you depending on distance. I've always been under the impression that the cost of sending a package is based purely on weight and how fast you want it there. I guess you learn something new everyday.

CigarNut · 02-17-2012, 07:01 PM

What is "Normal Packaging", Parcel Post? Did you price out the Regional Flat Rate boxes? Regional A is usually pretty good pricing (pricing is only available online).

Newbie_nick · 02-17-2012, 09:13 PM

Wow...this thread went crazy while I was out for a smoke!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjhalbrooks

do you work for the post office. I mean what post office clerk would sit there while you tested all this.

NO, I don't work for the post office! I'm a NERD...yes, I admitted it. I am a nerd and love to do stupid comparisons like this. The postage calculator on USPS.com is awesome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkarnold1

I think Nick is comparing the price that he paid to ship packages to these destinations with the flat rate box necessary to do the same. What Nick is saying is that you may get a better deal with light packages like cigars using a normal box (like a c-bid box) than a flat rate. And the savings are even more if it is a shorter trip.

Mark gets it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarNut

What is "Normal Packaging", Parcel Post? Did you price out the Regional Flat Rate boxes? Regional A is usually pretty good pricing (pricing is only available online).

Actually, normal packaging means non-flat rate boxes, but you're still sending it priority, just like a flat rate box. Just use a left over box from C-bid or Amazon!

What...a thread this good and no rep points?!?

pnoon · 02-17-2012, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie_nick

What...a thread this good and no rep points?!?

Really?

Newbie_nick · 02-17-2012, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnoon

Really?

Maybe?

jluck · 02-17-2012, 09:30 PM

Negitive rep points are a option too right.

joeobx · 02-17-2012, 07:42 PM

3 bombs going out ?????

chaase321 · 02-17-2012, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeobx

3 bombs going out ?????

I read the first post and thought the same thing...maybe this was a clever way of showing that 3 bombs were on the way, then I got to #3 and OH SH%T that is my zip!

Newbie_nick · 02-18-2012, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaase321

I read the first post and thought the same thing...maybe this was a clever way of showing that 3 bombs were on the way, then I got to #3 and OH SH%T that is my zip!

Believe it or not, I had no alternative message with this thread! LOL...you have every right to be suspicious, given the bombing tendencies around here...

Bill86 · 02-17-2012, 07:47 PM

To me the flat rates are just convenient. Free box, flat rate shipping anywhere in the country and easily available. Priority 2-3 day shipping as well. It's a good standard.

I would hate to have to charge different buyers different shipping costs, too much hassle. Also you would have to have the box(es).

I often realize I'm paying more but usually only by a couple of bucks.

Smokin Gator · 02-17-2012, 08:27 PM

I have used the "media" box for a long time. They are bigger than the small flat rate box and save a few cents. They are free as well and allow me to send a few more sticks. Plus they have a tab you can pull to open the box. The small flat rate boxes drive me crazy trying to open them.

hotreds · 02-17-2012, 08:53 PM

Sending fivers First Class is the way to go.

CigarNut · 02-17-2012, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotreds

Sending fivers First Class is the way to go.

What do you use for packaging?

02-17-2012, 06:50 PM	#5
cjhalbrooks I am behind you. SHHHHH Join Date: Dec 2011 First Name: Cory Location: Under a Bridge, trying to find the troll who stole my soul. Posts: 1,370 Trading: (20)	Re: Saving money on USPS shipping do you work for the post office. I mean what post office clerk would sit there while you tested all this. __________________ GMCGTPWHAF Tennessee Chapter. Down with the bloody BIG HEAD

02-17-2012, 07:01 PM	#8
mase Undead Recruiter Join Date: Sep 2011 First Name: Kevin Location: The city that works....against you Posts: 845 Trading: (9)	Re: Saving money on USPS shipping I had no idea that they charge you depending on distance. I've always been under the impression that the cost of sending a package is based purely on weight and how fast you want it there. I guess you learn something new everyday. __________________

02-17-2012, 07:01 PM	#9
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,042 Trading: (111*)	Re: Saving money on USPS shipping What is "Normal Packaging", Parcel Post? Did you price out the Regional Flat Rate boxes? Regional A is usually pretty good pricing (pricing is only available online). __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.

02-17-2012, 09:30 PM	#13
jluck Way out there Join Date: Jan 2012 First Name: Jared Location: Oregon Posts: 1,289 Trading: (12)	Re: Saving money on USPS shipping Negitive rep points are a option too right.

02-17-2012, 07:42 PM	#14
joeobx just playing in the storm Join Date: Oct 2009 First Name: Joe Location: Fredericksburg. VA VCM Country Posts: 1,117 Trading: (4)	Re: Saving money on USPS shipping 3 bombs going out ????? __________________ it's all fun and games till the flying monkeys show up

02-17-2012, 06:34 PM	#1
Newbie_nick Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Jul 2011 First Name: Nick Location: Findlay, OH Posts: 418 Trading: (13)	Saving money on USPS shipping 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

02-17-2012, 07:47 PM	#17
Bill86 Snob Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Bill Posts: 6,704 Trading: (67)	Re: Saving money on USPS shipping To me the flat rates are just convenient. Free box, flat rate shipping anywhere in the country and easily available. Priority 2-3 day shipping as well. It's a good standard. I would hate to have to charge different buyers different shipping costs, too much hassle. Also you would have to have the box(es). I often realize I'm paying more but usually only by a couple of bucks. __________________ I'm drunk......but I'll get drunker! - Doug Stanhope

02-17-2012, 08:27 PM	#18
Smokin Gator Just plain insane! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Swamp Posts: 6,237 Trading: (106)	Re: Saving money on USPS shipping I have used the "media" box for a long time. They are bigger than the small flat rate box and save a few cents. They are free as well and allow me to send a few more sticks. Plus they have a tab you can pull to open the box. The small flat rate boxes drive me crazy trying to open them. __________________ Check out the Cigar Asylum Newbie Sampler Trade

02-17-2012, 08:53 PM	#19
hotreds Ephesians 2:8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5 miles past "Resume Speed" Posts: 11,662 Trading: (63)	Re: Saving money on USPS shipping Sending fivers First Class is the way to go. __________________ God loves you so much, that he made you read this, just to let you know.