Priority Mail Information

mikeyj23 · 10-15-2008, 11:37 AM

As information for those who don't know, or a reminder for those who do:
A) Boxes for shipping Priority Mail are FREE. If you're shipping Priority Mail, DON'T buy the ReadyShip boxes they charge you an arm and a leg for. If you're lazy, you can even have Priority Mail boxes delivered to your house with your mail (for free). There are several sizes:

"Large Video" - the most common for shipping a few cigars (5-10) - 9.25"x6.25"x2"
"Shoe Box" - another decent size for shipping cigars - 7.5"x5.125"x14.375"
"Box O-1097" - a bigger box for larger cigar shipments - many cigar boxes will fit in this size box - 11.5"x13.125"x2.375"

B) If you use Click-N-Ship, you get free Delivery Confirmation. Since most inter-board shipments require DC anyway, print your shipping labels from online and get free DC. For an average 1lb package this lowers your cost from $5.45 to $4.75. Another bonus of using Click-N-Ship is the address book feature, so you don't have to ask Anita every time you need pnoon's address.

C) Labels for Click-N-Ship are available. You can just put these in your printer, print the label, peel it off and stick it on the package - no tape required. You can get 25/$9 through USPS or 100/$8 through PlanetLabel.

D) Free package pickup for priority mail packages is available through USPS. I know as well as anyone that anytime I need to go to the post office it's at a completely inopportune time and the line is usually 20 people long. You can schedule a package pickup as soon as the next day, and specify where your package will be (in the box, around the box, at the front door, etc.)

Sending packages back and forth can get expensive at $4.75 each, so getting free boxes, free DC, and free package pickup can be very advantageous in the long run.

G G · 10-15-2008, 12:02 PM

Hey thanks for posting that.

Mugen910 · 10-15-2008, 12:37 PM

I awlays love to keep that info in my subscribed thread! thx.

FriskyDingo · 10-16-2008, 10:48 AM

Great information! Thanks for posting!

white_s2k · 10-16-2008, 10:57 AM

I'm shipping my first packages tomorrow with the priority boxes I just got in the mail today. I can just put these in the appropriate parcel drop off boxes after I apply the pre-paid label and everything, right? I don't need to wait in line for anything do I?

Josh

mikeyj23 · 10-16-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by white_s2k

I'm shipping my first packages tomorrow with the priority boxes I just got in the mail today. I can just put these in the appropriate parcel drop off boxes after I apply the pre-paid label and everything, right? I don't need to wait in line for anything do I?

Josh

No you don't have to wait. There is the "13oz rule" for dropping packages in the box, but that only applies to stamped mail. If you're mailing Priority Mail with a pre-paid label, you can just drop it in the box and be on your way.

white_s2k · 10-16-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeyj23

No you don't have to wait. There is the "13oz rule" for dropping packages in the box, but that only applies to stamped mail. If you're mailing Priority Mail with a pre-paid label, you can just drop it in the box and be on your way.

Awesome, thanks Mike

Footbag · 10-16-2008, 11:03 AM

I'm a USPS convert! It just gets there quicker and cheaper.

awsmith4 · 10-16-2008, 11:11 AM

Great info,

Another note is flat rate envelopes are $4.75 to ship (using Click-n-ship) up to 4lbs. A large video box will actually fit inside the envelope if you need extra protection.

A flat rate envelope when sending internationally costs around $10 so it is a very affordable way to send from country to country. I have sent several packages to BOTLs north of the border this way and all have made it perfectly.

This info was shared to me by another BOTL so do not give me credit for the idea

tsolomon · 10-16-2008, 11:15 AM

Thanks for the Planet Label link, I can save some money with that one.

mikeyj23 · 11-15-2008, 02:31 PM

Prices are going up (again) - from the USPS website:

Quote:

On January 18 prices for Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Select, Parcel Return Service, Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International, Priority Mail International, and M-Bags change. As always, we do not impose fuel surcharges, hidden surcharges, or surcharges for residential or Saturday delivery.

The move to January price changes for shipping services is consistent with industry standards and provides a clear picture of the affordable services we offer. Highlights for domestic shipping services include new Commercial Plus pricing, with up-front discounts for high-volume Express Mail and Priority Mail users. On average, Commercial Plus prices for Express Mail are 14.5 percent less than retail prices; Priority Mail Commercial Plus prices average 7 percent less. We are also introducing a new, smaller Priority Mail flat-rate box. The new box is priced the same as the flat-rate envelope and provides a great option for customers sending smaller items that require sturdy packaging and the convenience of flat rate pricing.

Prices for Express Mail and Priority Mail are designed to maintain the Postal Service’s competitive position as the best shipping value in the market, especially for packages weighing less than 5 pounds. The new prices also make Parcel Select, our “last mile” ground product, an even better value for high-volume shippers. For international mailers, Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International and Priority Mail International are the best value in global shipping.

Notable to us, they're adding a small priority mail flat rate box that will ship for $4.95, 1lb packages all ship for $4.95, and 2lb packages ship for $4.95 to $8.70, depending which zone you're shipping to.

ucla695 · 11-15-2008, 02:44 PM

Priority mail is where it's at! Great links when I need to reload. Thanks.

11-15-2008, 02:45 PM

good to know - thanks

11-15-2008, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awsmith4

Great info,

Another note is flat rate envelopes are $4.75 to ship (using Click-n-ship) up to 4lbs. A large video box will actually fit inside the envelope if you need extra protection.

A flat rate envelope when sending internationally costs around $10 so it is a very affordable way to send from country to country. I have sent several packages to BOTLs north of the border this way and all have made it perfectly.

This info was shared to me by another BOTL so do not give me credit for the idea

WTG with that info,,,love to save money.

icehog3 · 11-15-2008, 04:34 PM

Lots more useful info in this thread from 1 of 11 here:

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3267

mikeyj23 · 11-15-2008, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3

Lots more useful info in this thread from 1 of 11 here:

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3267

I'm apparently not authorized to view that thread. can't get there.
Posted via Mobile Device

icehog3 · 11-15-2008, 05:14 PM

My bad, it is in the Admin. Forum, probably waiting for discussion. Maybe Dave will be so kind as to put it out for all.

mikeyj23 · 11-15-2008, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3

My bad, it is in the Admin. Forum, probably waiting for discussion. Maybe Dave will be so kind as to put it out for all.

Ah.
Posted via Mobile Device

bobarian · 11-16-2008, 01:23 AM

Dont forget the Large Flat Rate boxes for passes or sending smokes to the Troops! About $10 and they fit about 100 smokes.

Keep those boys in you thoughts when you need to make space in your humidors for Christmas purchases!

BlackIrish · 11-16-2008, 05:44 AM

Great info.

Sticky?

10-15-2008, 11:37 AM	#1
mikeyj23 Feeling at Home Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Michael Location: Texas Posts: 635 Trading: (10)	Priority Mail Information As information for those who don't know, or a reminder for those who do: A) Boxes for shipping Priority Mail are FREE. If you're shipping Priority Mail, DON'T buy the ReadyShip boxes they charge you an arm and a leg for. If you're lazy, you can even have Priority Mail boxes delivered to your house with your mail (for free). There are several sizes: "Large Video" - the most common for shipping a few cigars (5-10) - 9.25"x6.25"x2" "Shoe Box" - another decent size for shipping cigars - 7.5"x5.125"x14.375" "Box O-1097" - a bigger box for larger cigar shipments - many cigar boxes will fit in this size box - 11.5"x13.125"x2.375" B) If you use Click-N-Ship, you get free Delivery Confirmation. Since most inter-board shipments require DC anyway, print your shipping labels from online and get free DC. For an average 1lb package this lowers your cost from $5.45 to $4.75. Another bonus of using Click-N-Ship is the address book feature, so you don't have to ask Anita every time you need pnoon's address. C) Labels for Click-N-Ship are available. You can just put these in your printer, print the label, peel it off and stick it on the package - no tape required. You can get 25/$9 through USPS or 100/$8 through PlanetLabel. D) Free package pickup for priority mail packages is available through USPS. I know as well as anyone that anytime I need to go to the post office it's at a completely inopportune time and the line is usually 20 people long. You can schedule a package pickup as soon as the next day, and specify where your package will be (in the box, around the box, at the front door, etc.) Sending packages back and forth can get expensive at $4.75 each, so getting free boxes, free DC, and free package pickup can be very advantageous in the long run. Last edited by mikeyj23; 10-15-2008 at 11:42 AM.

10-15-2008, 12:02 PM	#2
G G BR549 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Taylor, FL. Posts: 12,748 Trading: (10)	Re: Priority Mail Information Hey thanks for posting that.

10-15-2008, 12:37 PM	#3
Mugen910 I <3 Huy Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Location Location: First Name Posts: 8,387 Trading: (106)	Re: Priority Mail Information I awlays love to keep that info in my subscribed thread! thx.

10-16-2008, 10:48 AM	#4
FriskyDingo hoosierherfers.com Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Evan Location: Jeffersonville, IN Posts: 318 Trading: (16)	Re: Priority Mail Information Great information! Thanks for posting!

10-16-2008, 10:57 AM	#5
white_s2k The Dude Abides Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Josh Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,052 Trading: (20)	Re: Priority Mail Information I'm shipping my first packages tomorrow with the priority boxes I just got in the mail today. I can just put these in the appropriate parcel drop off boxes after I apply the pre-paid label and everything, right? I don't need to wait in line for anything do I? Josh

10-16-2008, 11:03 AM	#8
Footbag I Need My Space Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Adam Location: NEPA Posts: 1,216 Trading: (7)	Re: Priority Mail Information I'm a USPS convert! It just gets there quicker and cheaper.

10-16-2008, 11:11 AM	#9
awsmith4 Simple Pleasures - 2oL Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Albert Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,602 Trading: (111)	Re: Priority Mail Information Great info, Another note is flat rate envelopes are $4.75 to ship (using Click-n-ship) up to 4lbs. A large video box will actually fit inside the envelope if you need extra protection. A flat rate envelope when sending internationally costs around $10 so it is a very affordable way to send from country to country. I have sent several packages to BOTLs north of the border this way and all have made it perfectly. This info was shared to me by another BOTL so do not give me credit for the idea

10-16-2008, 11:15 AM	#10
tsolomon Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: The Villages, FL Posts: 1,249 Trading: (31)	Re: Priority Mail Information Thanks for the Planet Label link, I can save some money with that one.

11-15-2008, 02:44 PM	#12
ucla695 Neither here, nor there Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Pool Posts: 3,696 Trading: (5)	Re: Priority Mail Information Priority mail is where it's at! Great links when I need to reload. Thanks.

11-15-2008, 02:45 PM	#13
parafumar Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Priority Mail Information good to know - thanks

11-15-2008, 04:34 PM	#15
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,889 Trading: (60)	Re: Priority Mail Information Lots more useful info in this thread from 1 of 11 here: http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3267 __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

11-15-2008, 05:14 PM	#17
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,889 Trading: (60)	Re: Priority Mail Information My bad, it is in the Admin. Forum, probably waiting for discussion. Maybe Dave will be so kind as to put it out for all. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

11-16-2008, 01:23 AM	#19
bobarian Cranky Habanophile Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wine Country Posts: 8,869 Trading: (51)	Re: Priority Mail Information Dont forget the Large Flat Rate boxes for passes or sending smokes to the Troops! About $10 and they fit about 100 smokes. Keep those boys in you thoughts when you need to make space in your humidors for Christmas purchases!

11-16-2008, 05:44 AM	#20
BlackIrish MassHole Militia Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Eddie Location: Bunker Hill Posts: 1,395 Trading: (55)	Re: Priority Mail Information Great info. Sticky? __________________