Got Web Ideas? Fishing for the Answers?
Think Outside The Code First!
|
|
Facts, Thoughts, and Opinions About Web Development and Business Strategy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Save time and money by purchasing your shipping labels online, requesting a carrier at your door, and ordering free boxes for
all USPS shipping services.
If you are not aware, USPS has made shipping for online retailers a breeze. USPS now offers three primary services for saving
online retailers time and money:
- Click N Ship
- Request a Carrier to your door
- The USPS Postal Store where you can order free boxes
|
USPS Click N Ship
Small businesses can save time and money, especially on gas, by taking advantage of the
USPS Click N Ship program. Click N Ship will allow you to buy your shipping online
and use a standard printer to print the shipping label.
Simply visit the USPS Website and then choose "Print a Shipping Label".
You will then be taken through the process where you will
enter the package size, package dimensions, weight, and receiver address. Available shipping services and costs will automatically be calculated for you.
Choose the shipping method you want to use. Then pay for the shipping and print your shipping label.
Your label will print on normal 8 1/2" x 11" paper complete with the address and bar code on the label. The service will also allow you to do a test print to confirm that
the label is correct before you print the actual label. The label prints on one half of an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of paper with a dotted cut-out line.
Simply cut along the line and then tape your label on to the box. NOTE: Do not tape over the bar code. The bar code must be clear of tape.
You can also print directly to sticky labels that are 8" wide and at least 5" long. You can purchase these at the Post Office or look for
them at your local Wal-Mart.
Request a USPS Carrier To Your Door Free of Charge
If your shipping service will be Priority or Express Mail then you can request a carrier to pick up your package at your door free of charge.
This option is not available for standard Parcel Post mail. Parcel Post must be taken to the Post Office. Simply click on "Schedule a Pick-up"
on the USPS Website and then enter the details of the pick-up including where the package will be (mailbox, front door, etc.) and the date
for the carrier to pick the package up.
Free Delivery Confirmation
All shipping bought online, regardless of service, comes with free delivery confirmation. This costs money if you buy it at the post office.
Flat Rate Priority & Express Mail Boxes
In addition to the flat rate shipping for Priority and Express envelopes, USPS now offers Flat Rate Priority and Express mail shipping options on boxes.
There are many different size boxes available and rate does vary based on box size. Regardless of weight or destination, the box rate will always be the same.
Priority and Express Mail On Your Own Boxes
If you will be using these services with your own boxes then don't forget to order free Priority and Express mail stickers from the USPS Postal Store.
You will need to put a couple of these stickers on your boxes so they are properly marked as being for that service.
Order Free Boxes
You can visit the USPS Postal Store and order boxes. The boxes are free and USPS will ship the boxes to you for free.
You can choose any box that USPS offers. This also includes Priority Mail stickers, Express Mail stickers, delivery confirmation stickers, insurance labels, and
many other forms and labels. Most of the materials can be ordered in quantities of hundreds at a time. Materials will take 7-10 days to arrive.
Things You Will Need and Things to Remember
- A Scale. You will need a scale so you can weigh your packages. You can puchase scales from the USPS Postal Store or
you can visit your local Wal-Mart and pick one up. Don't forget to look in Sporting Goods for a fish weighing scale. These may be cheaper and
work well for small packages. Most of them are digital these days. They have a hook which will fit in to the crease of a sealed box. You then
hold the scale up with the package hanging off the hook to get the weight.
- A Ruler. If you will be sending boxes then you will need the L x W x H of each box you send.
- A Black Magic Marker. If you are using your own boxes then you need to make sure that you black out any bar codes on the box and
any bar codes on previous shipping labels that are still on the box. You should actually black out all bar codes, symbols, and any other
form of writing that is on the box.
- Remember: Shipping weight will be more after the package is fully sealed. Do not weigh your packages before you secure the
items and tape the box shut. If you are calculating shipping charges automatically for your customers on your Web store then make sure you pad the
weight a little to account for shipping costs. If the shipping on the package is way off then the Post Office will request payment for the difference
from the customer when they receive the package.
- PayPal. PayPal has incorporated Click N Ship in to it's online payment system.
We'll be sure to keep you updated on any additional USPS services we come across that may come in handy.
|
|