The United States Postal Service (USPS) may not always be the fastest way to get a shipment to its destination but it is one of the most affordable and easy to use options. With its various services, the USPS can provide small online businesses which sends out items on a regular basis with the most cost-efficient method of sending a package to its destination without breaking the bank. With free pickup services, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home or office to send out your shipments.
You can cut on shipping expenses by doing the packing yourself. Stock on shipping supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, fillers and other packing materials. By signing up for an account on the USPS website, you can take advantage of free shipping supplies from the post office delivered at your doorstep. Also invest on a weighing scale, computer and printer so you can print your own labels and eliminate the need to go to the post office.
Once properly packed and labeled, all you need is to schedule for a pickup and wait for a USPS personnel to collect your packages for shipping. The following are the USPS’ cost-effective shipping options:
USPS Standard Post, used to be called Parcel Post, is the USPS’ cheapest shipping service. If you’re shipping one or two items, or a few items infrequently, this is probably your most cost-effective shipping method. Packages shipped domestically take two to eight days to get to their destination. Additional services such as insurance, shipping confirmation and return receipt are available at an additional per-package fees.
USPS First Class is the post office’s standard shipping method for envelopes and letters but you can also be used to ship small packages that are less than 13 ounces. If your package meets the size and weight requirement, it can be mailed first class and delivered between one to three days at a very affordable rate. This option is by far the most cost effective solution when sending out small packages.
Priority Mail is the best service to use if you need to ship quickly and regularly on a limited budget. This option is ideal when shipping a heavy package as long as it fits in a Priority Mail box. After paying a flat rate, expect your shipment to be delivered to its destination in two to three days.
USPS Media Mail is an economical option when shipping books, textbooks, optical media (CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, etc), posters, magazines, documents, or other educational materials. Items take two to eight days to get delivered and prices are remarkably low.
If you’re shipping internationally, Priority Mail International, First Class Mail International, and First Class Package International are suitable options. They’re by far cheaper than commercial carriers but can take long to get to its destination (six to ten days minimum).