Priority Mail Information [Archive] - Cigar Asylum Cigar Forum

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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 (http://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10152&storeId=10001&categoryId=13354&productId=11643&langId=-1)" - the most common for shipping a few cigars (5-10) - 9.25"x6.25"x2"
"Shoe Box (http://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10152&storeId=10001&categoryId=13354&productId=24351&langId=-1)" - another decent size for shipping cigars - 7.5"x5.125"x14.375"
"Box O-1097 (http://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10152&storeId=10001&categoryId=13354&productId=11647&langId=-1)" - 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 (https://sss-web.usps.com/cns/landing.do), 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 (http://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10152&storeId=10001&categoryId=13357&productId=28307&langId=-1) or 100/$8 through PlanetLabe (http://www.planetlabel.com/product/white-uncoated-usps-rectangle)l.

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! :ss

white_s2k

10-16-2008, 10:57 AM

mikeyj23

10-16-2008, 10:59 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

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

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 :tu

Footbag

10-16-2008, 11:03 AM

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

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 (http://www.usps.com/prices/pricechanges.htm?from=prices&page=newshippingprices):

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.

parafumar

11-15-2008, 02:45 PM

good to know - thanks

Cigary

11-15-2008, 03:56 PM

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

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

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. :tu

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

BlackIrish

11-16-2008, 05:44 AM

Great info.

Sticky?

Studebaker

11-16-2008, 05:45 AM

Awesome info, thanks! I do wish I'd known about PlanetLabel on Friday before I ordered a pack of 250 @ $35 on another site.:fl

BigAl_SC

12-07-2008, 02:40 PM

I just wanted to bump this post.

Ordered the boxes after the last lottery.
Ordered the labels after the last lottery.
Logged in to USPS.com after last lottery.

Selected sticks, packaged up, wrote note, signed in to usps.com, printed label, paid shipping, free DC, and scheduled pickup in 15 minutes.

What the heck have I been wasting my time doing............ It can't get any easier.

Alan