| Author | Content |
gapeahen
Donna in Douglas, GA
(Zone 8b)
May 09, 2008
03:36 PM Post #4929716
| I wanted to have a set price for postage using USPS Prioity Mail on 3-5 pounds and using a 12 x 12 x 8 USPS box.
Ok so I go to set up a Jane Doe address in several state from Az., De., Fl., and shipping from Georgia. it seem that a set price I want to put into place will not work.
Can someone give me a few pointers. What's the best way to handle USPS shipping, so I don't over charge or under charge the Buyer.
I'm so excited to get started on the Marketplace, It's going to be a "Great" for all of us Backyard Growers!
Donna |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
May 09, 2008
03:56 PM Post #4929782
| For the time being, I would specify my method of shipment (UPS, USPS,Priority, etc.), my zip code location and estimated size and weight of package.
Until Dave get's some kind of postal calculator going, this should give the customer ample information. |
gapeahen
Donna in Douglas, GA
(Zone 8b)
May 09, 2008
03:59 PM Post #4929791
| Thanks
That's easy enough! |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
May 09, 2008
04:01 PM Post #4929801
| Here's a handy, and useful link that you can include in your ad. The customer can calculate what their shipping cost would be by using your information and the shipping calculator.
http://postcalc.usps.gov/
Might want to bookmark it yourself. :-) |
gapeahen
Donna in Douglas, GA
(Zone 8b)
May 09, 2008
04:25 PM Post #4929866
| Yes very Handy!
Just what I needed!!
Thanks Sweetie! |
GreenThumbsTN
Chattanooga, TN
(Zone 7b)
May 09, 2008
05:24 PM Post #4930057
| postal rates are changing on Monday.
Flat Rate Boxes can hold up to 70 pounds.
The rate is going to be $9.80 for the 2 regular size ones (one is flatter and wide, the other shorter and fat) and $12.95 for the large sized one.
The other new thing is that any boxes larger than 12x12x12 inches (1 cubic foot) will go by a calculated dimensional rate to any zone, not by their actual weight.
|
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
May 09, 2008
05:49 PM Post #4930139
| The number 7 box you are describing is not available on line right now...so I hope you have plenty of them. I send #7 all over the US and it runs from 10.00 to 13.00 depending on the weight. The shoebox size runs about 7.00 to 9.00 depending on the weight. |
Azalea
Jonesboro, GA
(Zone 7b)
May 10, 2008
11:08 AM Post #4932693
| I got a little digital scale on Ebay several years ago - it's wonderful not to have to stand in line at the PO to get your things weighed if you print out your labels. Most things I sell will be under a pound, so you may charge the min+maybe .50 if you want to use a flat fee which I do, like $5.00. To me the flat rate boxes are usually much more expensive.
Then on my formica desk, I marked out inches up to 36' with a magic marker for the box size - save a lot of time for different shaped boxes.
You may order your boxes online and they are delivered free. I have order forms tho that I just fax in, I usually get the boxes within a couple of weeks. |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
May 11, 2008
11:11 PM Post #4939143
| I have both sizes of scales. The second one weighs up to 10lbs. They can be ordered on the USPS online site. |
ardesia
Saint Helena Island, SC
(Zone 9a)
May 12, 2008
06:36 PM Post #4942203
| The USPS has really confused things this time. It seems that if you print your postage at home you might actually save a few pennies.
http://www.usps.com/prices/welcome.htm |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
May 12, 2008
09:32 PM Post #4943050
| Several people on DG send out their own and save a lot of money and you don't have to pay for confirmation either. I just wish I would make myself learn how to do it since I already ordered the scales from the online site. |
Azalea
Jonesboro, GA
(Zone 7b)
May 12, 2008
11:56 PM Post #4943770
| If they pay you with PayPal, there is a button that says Print shipping label,, just follow the steps. Right beside tht button it says "Details" - from this you can print out the packing slip which tells you what they ordered. I print 2 of these, one to ship with their order and one to keep.
Wrap and weigh your package, put the packing slip in it, then print your label. It will come out on a full sheet, half of it is the actual label which you cut off and tape (with clear tape) on the box. Then staple the other half to your copy of the packing slip. I put the date I shipped it on the bottom corner of that. I write the item description on the label half, and put them in a sent folder. |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
May 13, 2008
09:29 PM Post #4947688
| thank you Azalea, I may try and learn! |
HaroldS
Glendale, AZ
May 24, 2008
01:02 PM Post #4997435
| Actually I am finding FedEx ground can be cheaper for heavier items than USPS now and includes insurance. They are closer for me and never have a line. But be sure you use the home delivery "ground" form. Pick up several when you're in a Kinko and you can fill them out at home. You can check on the internet what it would cost via USPS vs FedEx. I usually give my customers a choice. |
Azalea
Jonesboro, GA
(Zone 7b)
May 24, 2008
04:28 PM Post #4998060
| If you are shipping live plants, I think it is best to use Priority USPS. I ship everything bare root, so most things will not weigh over a pound, of course some things will with the damp paper towels, etc. The basic ONE POUND Priority package is now $4.75 no matter what size or zip code.
I have 8-10 different shapes and sized Priority boxes which I order and are delivered free of charge. This is why I don't see any advantage to buying the "Flat Rate Boxes', they are much more expensive and there are not many shapes and sizes to choose from. I use a lot of the triangular tube boxes, 2 sizes 25" x 6x6 and 37" x 6x6.
I would not consider shipping plants by ground. |
Dutchlady1
Naples, FL
(Zone 10a)
May 24, 2008
04:31 PM Post #4998071
| FedEx Ground is competitive with delivery time as long as it's not going across the United States.
Florida to Louisiana for example is generally 3-4 days for a fraction of the cost of Priority mail. Within the state of Florida I often see delivery the next day with FedEx ground. You have to weigh all the options. |
kathy_ann
Judsonia, AR
(Zone 7b)
May 24, 2008
04:33 PM Post #4998077
| Fed ex is cheaper to use on heavier boxes, shipping on mondays with fed ex, gets it there in 3 days just like priority mail. I use it frequently. I use the drop off service at the place called Mr postman. but don't drop it off on saturdays. cause Fed ex doesn't pick up their boxes during the weekend. But shipping fed ex is just as good as priority mail in my opinion. You just have to come up with your own boxes for fed ex. which is a pain i nthe butt. |
kathy_ann
Judsonia, AR
(Zone 7b)
May 24, 2008
04:35 PM Post #4998082
| WE cross posted, I've shipped to New jersey in 4 days using fed ex. but haven't shipped up the west coast using fed ex. thought that was pretty good service, priority mail couldn't have done any better. but I didnt realize that it would take longer than 3 to 4 days shipping completely across the US. I'll have to keep that one in mind . |
Azalea
Jonesboro, GA
(Zone 7b)
May 24, 2008
04:50 PM Post #4998127
| Maybe part of the shipping time depends on where you live, I am close to Atlanta and all mail goes to the main PO each day, and goes out that night or the next day, even on weekends. Most of my packages are delivered within 2-3 days and some the next day. They are all airmail except the ones within the state or a short distance.
I considered using UPS or Fedex, but then I would have to buy the boxes. |
Marylyn_TX
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
May 24, 2008
04:52 PM Post #4998136
| We like FedEx, too. You can fill out and pay for the shipping labels online if you don't have the forms on hand. And you can drop off your FedEx packages at any Kinkos, which is very handy for us ('course we're right in town, so there are several Kinkos within 7 miles of us.) They are also VERY easy to deal with if there is a breakage problem. |
kathy_ann
Judsonia, AR
(Zone 7b)
May 24, 2008
05:31 PM Post #4998235
| You could scrounge for boxes Azalea Like I do LOL I do'nt buy any boxes for fed ex. if I see one in walmart that looks like one I would use, I grab it. and have grabbed boxes at other places too if they don't want them |
HaroldS
Glendale, AZ
May 24, 2008
06:01 PM Post #4998349
| I read somewhere that priority goes surface for a radius of 500 miles so if FedEx is cheaper you are better off using their surface rate. |
Azalea
Jonesboro, GA
(Zone 7b)
May 24, 2008
08:33 PM Post #4998770
| Harold, you are probably correct, I jut feel that if it is a live plant, I should do my best to "sort of guarantee" the fastest delivery other than overnight. If it's later than 2-3 days, it's not my fault. I print out all my labels too and just drop them off at the PO, about 3 mi. |
