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USPS Flat-Rate Boxes vs. USPS?

by AZJ0SH
6 replies
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USPS has a slightly higher rate, but free boxes. USPS is slightly cheaper but I don't get provided any packing material and transit time is longer.

I am selling 3-10 products per day, making $7 profit on each order currently so every penny counts.

What are you guys using for shipping?
#boxes #flatrate #usps
  • Profile picture of the author OnlineStoreHelp
    Originally Posted by AZJ0SH View Post

    USPS has a slightly higher rate, but free boxes. USPS is slightly cheaper but I don't get provided any packing material and transit time is longer.

    I am selling 3-10 products per day, making $7 profit on each order currently so every penny counts.

    What are you guys using for shipping?
    It depends. If it is under 13 ounces, I send it first class and just buy envelopes from the local supply store at .20/piece. For larger items, you will be hard pressed to beat flat rate boxes, especially if you are doing regional flat rate. If you have paypal you can get the negotiated rate on USPS Flat Rate purchasing t through paypal.
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    • Profile picture of the author AZJ0SH
      Originally Posted by OnlineStoreHelp View Post

      It depends. If it is under 13 ounces, I send it first class and just buy envelopes from the local supply store at .20/piece. For larger items, you will be hard pressed to beat flat rate boxes, especially if you are doing regional flat rate. If you have paypal you can get the negotiated rate on USPS Flat Rate purchasing t through paypal.
      My products weigh about 5-10lbs when all packed up. The smallest box I can ship is 10x12x6. My average box is 12x12x10.5.
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      • Profile picture of the author kjamesnv
        Originally Posted by AZJ0SH View Post

        My products weigh about 5-10lbs when all packed up. The smallest box I can ship is 10x12x6. My average box is 12x12x10.5.
        If you ship Priority Mail then check out a service called Express 1. They offer large discounts on Priority packages (under 1 cubic foot). Instead of paying by weight, with Exprerss 1, you pay by Cubic volume of your package. If you have small and heavy packages the savings can be significant.

        The best way to use Express 1 is with a shipping software provider like ShipWorks or ShipStation.
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  • Profile picture of the author redlegrich
    It really does not matter what anyone else is doing. Only you know your costs and profit objective. Just open up a spreadsheet and do the math. I always liked the USPS stuff as they delivered boxes to my door and it was super easy. However, that was a while ago when it was common to charge for shipping so I did not really care all that much. Now with free whipping being more the norm you have to be a bit more careful.

    Just do the math, don't listen to what anyone else does.
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  • Profile picture of the author cldnails
    Boxes and tape is not that expensive, if you are buying it in bulk. Don't bother buying from wal-mart or at the USPS counter, go to suppliers like Uline. Also, build that freight cost into your final price and call it free shipping. Then, be sure to offer expedited options, which is where you can increase profits.
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    • Profile picture of the author AZJ0SH
      Originally Posted by cldnails View Post

      Boxes and tape is not that expensive, if you are buying it in bulk. Don't bother buying from wal-mart or at the USPS counter, go to suppliers like Uline. Also, build that freight cost into your final price and call it free shipping. Then, be sure to offer expedited options, which is where you can increase profits.
      Walmart had the cheapest boxes so far. I do purchasing for a company currently and have a uline account and their boxes were very expensive.

      I haven't even considers the expedited options yet but thanks for the tip.
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