avmom
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posted on November 6, 2000 10:36:27 PM new
As a consumer, I hate seeing outrageous shipping charges. Therefore, I really want to be sensitive to my buyers. I am starting to branch out to pattern books, or small magazine like type of books. I STILL believe a cardboard reinforcement is in order to protect the item.
Okay, I am accustomed to sending things first-class. I am not familiar with parcel post or book rate. Could someone give me the low down on how this works? How long does it take to ship? It certainly would be nice to give the buyer a choice.
Most items mail between $1.65 to $3.00. How can cut some corners?
Thank you in advance!
avmom
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micheneraddict
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posted on November 6, 2000 10:47:52 PM new
Hello,
I ship bookrate for about 80% of my customers. When I buy, I generally prefer the bookrate also. A lot cheaper than priority.
The downside is the 7-10 days that it will take for the book to arrive. If you don't have the rates for bookrate, I'd go to your PO and ask for them. The rates start at 1 lb for $1.13, 2 lb $1.58 and up. Definetely protect the merchandise very well. Recommend first putting the book in plastic bag to protect from moisture, bubble wrap next or liberal peanuts or shredded paper to protect against bumped corners. You have to remember that your putting the book in the hands of the USPS for 7-10 days and they have a real knack for abusing items.
Micheneraddict
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Zazzie
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posted on November 6, 2000 10:51:35 PM new
USPS Postal Rates
http://new.usps.com/cgi-bin/uspsbv/scripts/content.jsp?D=9743&B=Mail_or_Ship&A=B&U=X&U1=B&U2=H#bpm
Book rate can be really quick--I had next day delivery in the same state with one book--and less than a week for across the country. Make sure you use the expanded ZIP CODES--they really seem to speed things up.
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kudzurose
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posted on November 7, 2000 03:12:05 AM new
Hi - Just remember that Book Rate is 1.13 for the first pound, and goes up in increments of 45 cents per pound. Of course, it seems there may be an increase next year. 
I send a lot of Book Rate Packages, and it seems that most get there in less than a week. I've heard that the number of days it takes may depend on how near you and the recipient are to major USPS distribution centers.
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akt
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posted on November 7, 2000 04:12:25 AM new
Hi, Also check out UPS , If you have a large lot of books to ship sometimes they a cheaper than going bookrate
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belalug3
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posted on November 7, 2000 04:43:40 AM new
I would just like to confirm that vhs movies CANNOT be sent by Standard Mail, right? Must go first class? Is there any cheaper way to go than $3.20 Priority on these? Thanks. (Hey--don't even THINK of turning box inside-out!)
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corrdogg
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posted on November 7, 2000 06:03:00 AM new
I recently shipped 270# of books (5 packages).
UPS would have run $139.70
I shipped USPS Book Rate for $86.00 and they delivered in 11 days.
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sc219
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posted on November 7, 2000 06:09:22 AM new
As far as I know VHS videos can be shipped bookrate. Usually cost $1.13 for a video. Clamshell case videos cost $1.53 or $1.58, not sure which.
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kidsfeet
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posted on November 7, 2000 06:13:20 AM new
You can't turn the boxes inside out for much longer. The new boxes have USPS stamped all over the inside preventing you from using it that way. Oh, well!! You can always tape it in brown paper.
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mballai
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posted on November 7, 2000 07:44:35 AM new
Bookrate ships on a space available basis. That means the variability is dependent on whether there's room to ship. The earlier in the day you ship may actually improve the odds of going faster.
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dman3
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posted on November 7, 2000 07:58:26 AM new
You can send Videos lower then priority I ship them for $1.50 all the time put them in a good case and ship in a enevelope or make your own light box to ship in.
WWW.dman-n-company.com
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avmom
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posted on November 7, 2000 08:05:45 AM new
Thanks a bunch for the book rate info. However I do have ONE more question. It helps me to do all the work at home vs. standing in line at the post office. Therefore, I buy lots of postage. I haven't really thought of using services such as eStamps or anything like that yet. I'm not that big of a business. Please share what you all do.
Zazzie, thank you for the link. I think the book rate will suit me fine. It's the only rate I see available for 1 lb. or less.
avmom
[ edited by avmom on Nov 7, 2000 08:23 AM ]
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dman3
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posted on November 7, 2000 08:21:33 AM new
I take one day a week to ship all my packages go off to the post office that sold and got money for that week.
small Items that can be sent from my mail box I got stamp and send from home.
stamps.com is neat though if you get your own postage scale you can sign up and you get $40 or $50 in free postage to start
you can just buy the postage you need and no monly fee, or if you have your own scale you can even just go to the PO and buy a lot of assorted stamps of different values.
keep in mind you are supose to send your packages and boxes from the Postoffice but if you are shipping small boxes and mailers they usually dont complain getting them dureing home pickup.
WWW.dman-n-company.com
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bigred66
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posted on November 7, 2000 08:29:59 AM new
You are allowed to ship book rate the following items: books of any kind, audio books, movies, compact discs or cassettes, sheet music. You are NOT allowed to ship magazines of any kind book rate nor newspapers of any kind.
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eventer
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posted on November 7, 2000 08:33:40 AM new
But you can ship magazines using the "Printed Matter" category. A tad bit higher than book rate but less than first class.
And I just mark my books "Special Standard Book Rate" on the box. The USPS office uses a stamp that says "Special Standard" on it.
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avmom
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posted on November 7, 2000 08:39:12 AM new
dman,
Hmmmm, is that why I've been getting THOSE LOOKS from my friendly USPS man? lol Yep, guilty as charged. Leaving boxes & miscellaneous packages by the mail box.
All right. I am not certain now what category my item falls under. Looks like I need to talk to the source. Darn .... 20 minutes till the p.o. opens.
avmom
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avmom
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posted on November 7, 2000 10:16:27 AM new
I spoke to the P.O. The key is NO ADVERTISING. Therefore my "educational" item falls in line with the book rate.
Great thread above!!
avmom
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dman3
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posted on November 7, 2000 11:14:32 AM new
avmom
If you think you get looks when leaveing packages piled on or around your mail box imagine the look you get when you go out and flag down the mail person with two arms full of packages and a fist full of money and each in need of postage.
been there done that too 
WWW.dman-n-company.com
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avmom
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posted on November 7, 2000 12:06:11 PM new
lol I wouldn't dare, dman, just HIS STARE would kill me. And we have really friendly postman (yeah right!) Only knew ONE friendly one.
avmom
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eventer
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posted on November 7, 2000 12:25:41 PM new
avmom,
A little kindness (aka bribery) can go a long way. From time to time, I have snacks for mine, something he can munch on as he goes on his way. And a full box of candy & homemade cookies during the holidays. Guess WHO never has a problem getting her mail delivered or picked up? [wink}
BTW, this also works w/the postal employees. I make sure mine get candy at Valentines & goodies at Christmas plus the occasional snack during the year. No problem getting my packages through quickly & w/o hassle.
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