THE NETWORKER

BUSINESS: THE IN BOX Cheapest Shipping Rates

by Amy Barnes

Shipping seems to be the most confusing part of internet commerce for small sellers. It is not hard to do, what complicates it is all of the companies trying to grab a share of the pie.

There is no need for the adhesive labels pushed by the postage companies that want you to use their special miniprinters to print out labels. Not only are the labels a more expensive option, but the postage is no bargain either.

I have been shipping for 14 years and have tried a variety of shipping companies and methods. Consistently, the cheapest way to ship is with the post office and to do it through PayPal.com/shipnow. I do not endorse PayPal, but I do endorse saving money. Three things you will need are a computer, a tape measure (for measuring the package), and a scale. A printer is handy, but the label can be printed at the library or local copy shop if you download it onto a flashdrive.

The postage is lower through the shipnow feature than it is by getting it directly from the post office, either on location or online. Shipping from Media Mail up to Priority can be calculated. Plus, there is no fee for using the service.

Shipping labels can be printed on regular printer paper, trimmed and attached to the shipping box. I use a glue stick on the label back and tape the edges.

Avoid taping over the bar code because scanners have difficulty reading the code through the tape, which will affect package tracking.

The package can be dropped off at a post office counter without standing in line or, depending on where you are, you can arrange for the package to be picked up from your office or home for free. Go to usps.com, put the cursor on “Send” at the top of the page, and click “Schedule a Pickup.”

Next-day pickups have to be scheduled prior to 2 a.m. so your mail carrier will get the notice before leaving on the route. Establish an account at usps.com, and the next time you login, it will auto-fill some of the information.

More shipping pointers next month!

Interested in writing this column? Contact Amy Barnes at Joy@BlakeHousePublishing.com Be sure to include information about your business experience and a sample column of no more than 350 words.

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