posted on March 25, 2002 08:59:26 AM new
Unlike domestic rates, which are usually quite complicated, the USPS does not have to seek permission to raise international rates. They usually do go up after domestic rates increase, so I totally expect a raise in rates to Canada, and elsewhere. My guess is that it will be pretty substantial. The last international increase to Canada went from 48 cents to 60 cents, I expect anywhere from 70 to 80 cents (but nothing has been announced yet)
posted on March 25, 2002 09:16:16 AM new
marcn, I started using tissue paper to keep unstructured clothing from crumpling in the Tyveks. Works like a charm, no complaints, just wrap the tissue paper inside of the garment .
Thank you for the tip! I sold collectibles and other garage sale finds for the last 4 years. I just recently moved into clothing as it is lightweight and easy to ship for the most part. With the pending rate increases it seems this was a very good move!
posted on March 25, 2002 10:16:43 AM new
Maybe its me that is just confused. The CNN article states that Priority Mail has the highest increase at 13.5% but it the graph/table it looks as though Parcel post is going up 20-30%. Is Priority Mail still going to be a flat rate depending on weight? And if so...would it be cheaper to use in many instances then parcel post?
MEOW
posted on March 25, 2002 12:44:15 PM new
Priority mail will be a flat rate only to 16 ounces. Above that, it will be zoned. If you send a 2 pound package 200 miles away, it will actually be significantly cheaper to send (thought parcel post was always a better option for that, and arrived the same time priority mail did) - However, if you are 3000 miles away, it will be significantly more expensive. Right now 2 pounds across country cost $3.95, that will go up to $5.70 - That is MORE than a 30% increase.
Parcel post is going up a lot, but in many cases will be a lot less expensive than priority mail. The downside is that across country, it could take between 1-2 weeks to be delivered, and bidders want their items NOW!!
posted on March 27, 2002 06:47:34 AM new
I don't use Priority Mail but for those who do: Are you aware a recent study concluded that PM is actually SLOWER than first class mail? And in a little while you get to pay more for the privilege. Ack.
USPS is not only raising prices, they're cutting services. The cut-off time for Express Mail has been moved up here to 3 pm. Absurd! And way too many destinations are two-day service only, for which you pay the same premium price as overnight: $12.45.
I'm using Airborne Express a lot these days. Second day service is about $8.00 and the cut-off time is 5 pm. No waiting in line at their drop-off facility. If Airborne had a real low-cost small package option I would use them exclusively.
posted on March 27, 2002 01:56:26 PM new
Hmmm I wonder how this will effect sellers who sell at half.com. since they have a flat media mail rate as a default, seller who sell heavier books, will now have to lose alot more on their shipping rate!
posted on March 29, 2002 10:26:33 AM new
I have been selling on Ebay for three years and over 800 transactions. I have read discussions where people say that UPS will not pay up on insurance claims for antiques. They will not honor the auction printout as a form of evaluation. That they will accept payment for insurance without ever intending to pay if the antique is damaged. I have heard this several times over the past two years. Can't say if it is true or not because I ship everything USPS unless it is over 8 pounds.
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