We've been using FedEx as our primary shipper, but we're getting fed up with buyers who want USPS, USPS, USPS.
Can USPS:
- Arrange to automatically pick up our packages at a certain time everyday?
- Offer tracking numbers AND insurance AND international shipping, printed out in the office, without ever going to the Post Office?
- Lease machines that will print out sticker labels?
Any other suggestions? Also, what is the cheapest option to get full tracking service for USPS, domestic or international?
posted on March 29, 2005 09:31:47 AM newCan USPS: - Arrange to automatically pick up our packages at a certain time everyday?
If it's available in your area, you can fill out a free request for your mail carrier to pick up your packages the following day when s/he normally delivers your mail.
- Offer tracking numbers AND insurance AND international shipping, printed out in the office, without ever going to the Post Office?
I use Endicia online postage, along with U-Pic's insurance, and yes, all of that is possible if you use Carrier Pick-Up. Even if you take the packages to your post office, you can just drop them off since they're already ready to go.
- Lease machines that will print out sticker labels?
I believe some postage programs offer rental machines (Pitney Bowes?), but I just use my regular inkjet printer. It doesn't cost anything extra that way, and you can design your labels any way you'd like.
Also, what is the cheapest option to get full tracking service for USPS, domestic or international?
Endicia offers free delivery confirmation for Priority Mail packages, and low-cost ($.13 I think) delivery confirmation for other classes of domestic mail. I don't think international packages can be tracked unless you use Global Express Mail (not 100% sure about that). But U-Pic does offer insurance on both domestic and international shipments.
(Disclaimer: I don't work for any of these companies. Just a happy customer. )
(Edited UBB -- The "quote" feature doesn't work here?)
posted on March 29, 2005 10:14:04 AM new
I love the new services offered by the USPS. I don't go to the PO anymore! I print the postage right off my printer. Psst - some sellers on eBay sell the stick on labels dirt cheap! I have enough to last a couple of years and spent under $20 for them. You can also schedule pickups in the future automatically. My mail carrier hates me, but I looooooooove him.
posted on March 29, 2005 10:40:43 AM new
I haven't been to the PO for over a month. I print all of my postage through PayPal on "sticky back" paper. I get the Delivery Confirmation & the postage. The DC is free. I live in a mobil home park & have to the door mail delivery, The carrier picks up my packages at about 3 PM. I have had auctions close on Sunday night & have shipped on Monday. Aything over 4 lbs goes out by FedEx Ground. I take these to the FedEx center which is about a mile away.
posted on March 29, 2005 01:56:58 PM new
Regarding International mail. I didn't think that the carriers will take it, because you need to have the custom papers stamped at the post office.
Am I wrong, I know that my carrier won't take International mail.
posted on March 29, 2005 02:34:49 PM new
My carrier takes international mail. I just attach the customs form that prints out with Endicia. He has never said anything about it.
Beth
www.vintageads4u.com
posted on March 29, 2005 03:38:32 PM newEndicia offers free delivery confirmation
Delivery confirmation is NOT TRACKING. You all seem to forget that. If your package gets lost, it is lost, un-trackable. To get tracking through the USPS, you pay mucho money more.
Keep your Fedex delivery and tell your customers, that is how you deliver unless they wish to pay a lot extra.
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Alive in 2005
[ edited by stonecold613 on Mar 29, 2005 08:46 PM ]
posted on March 29, 2005 06:04:43 PM new
Delivery confirmation is to satisfy paypal.
If DC shows it has arrived at the destination,USPS will not honor any insurance if the item is not received by the buyer.
So depends on what you sell,you may want to stick to Fed Exp.
-sig file -------
Eat grass,kick ass,never go belly up!
posted on March 30, 2005 07:20:08 AM new
A potential bidder had a big blow-up with me because I insisted that Delivery Confirmation is not a full tracking service, and that Priority Certified Mail would cost more. He insisted that DC was a full tracking service... is it or isn't it?
posted on March 30, 2005 08:11:49 AM new
what he means by full tracking service is that he can go online and find the status of his package,the final destination will be his post office,it will say it has been delivered to XYZ city.
It will not say it has been delivered to his address-1234 waterloo st,new orleans,la 77890.
If you want better protection with USPS,use another form called signature confirmation which he has to sign for and is trackable online but will cost you more,i believe it is 1.80.
why dont you tell us what you sell and how much dollars is at risk?
-sig file -------
Eat grass,kick ass,never go belly up!
posted on March 30, 2005 10:46:20 AM new
Thanks for the responses everyone. It sounds like the prudent plan is indeed to stick with FedEx. We sell antiques & collectibles... a lot of our items have a lot at stake, and we definitely want full tracking service, no matter what.
posted on March 30, 2005 01:27:46 PM new
Stonecold -- USPS does provide delivery confirmation. It shows the date and time that the item was received by the customer's post office as well as the date and time the postal carrier delivered the package.
Personally, when it is a high ticket item, I use DC with signature confirmation. This helps to cover me. I recently sold a book for over $200 and I shipped it with DC with signature confirmation, priority mail with insurance.
I use USPS Shipping Assistant (free), and either I go, or I have someone else go to the post office to have the packages weighed and stamped.
posted on March 31, 2005 03:03:41 PM new
she sells antiques and collectibles ... isn't FedEx "the one" discussed that actually does not cover anything over the $100 dollar mark, even if you state a much higher value????
Unless - and I don't know for sure myself - but it had been discussed that you can talk directly to FedEx and "arrange" for extra compensation if I'm not mistaken.
"FedEx Ground, if you want insurance which will pay more than $100 in the case of loss or damage, it has to be set up with FedEx Customer Service."
posted on March 31, 2005 04:06:35 PM new
Beat that poor DEAD HORSE, Ralphie!
Because, DELIVERY CONFIRMATION ain't TRACKING!
What is it?
It is: CONFIRMATION of DELIVERY!
"What is the Difference...
Between Tracking a Package and Confirming the Delivery of a Package?
Tracking services provide detailed information. You will see the item scanned at acceptance, as it travels, and when it is delivered. Tracking information is available for Express Mail® mailpieces only (including Global Express Guaranteed®™* and Global Express Mail™*).
Services that confirm delivery are designed to be a low cost alternative to full tracking. Instead of seeing the acceptance information and updated scans as the item is enroute delivery confirmation services provide assurance of delivery or of attempted delivery. This service is available with the purchase of the following:
Delivery Confirmation™ service.
Signature Confirmation® service.
Certified Mail™ service.
Registered Mail™ service.
International Registered Mail™ service.
Track and Confirm online
posted on March 31, 2005 05:01:17 PM newshe sells antiques and collectibles ... isn't FedEx "the one" discussed that actually does not cover anything over the $100 dollar mark, even if you state a much higher value
Stating a value is different from taking insurance coverage. The basic coverage for both Fedex and UPS is $100.00 and is included in the basic shipping price. Additional insurance coverage is buyable for amounts over $100.00, but you must fill in an insurance amount in the insurance box plus fill in the declared value box, not just fill in the declared value.
Dizzycrotcheting,
Delivery confirmation only shows when a package has arrived, not where it is while in transit. That is what tracking is. Very much different.
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Alive in 2005
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