Efficent shipments of Co-ops

[Rasputin]

I would like to know what is the easiest way to do these. I have a big pile of sets to send out to other members and have never been on the shipping end. Do you use your own old boxes or buy new ones? Do you weight them at home and use the postal calculator on the web or do you go to the post office? I guess I am just wondering what the most efficient way others have found. I have so little time and do not want to be floundering with this.

[Ismene]

I haven't done co-ops, but I sell on Etsy and Ebay, so I ship a lot.

If you have boxes that are the right size, you might as well use them (provided they are sturdy and still in good condition).

Do you have a postal scale or a kitchen scale? If so, you can package them (mark them so you know which is which), weigh them, and print out shipping online. Paypal has a decent multi-shipping function (useful if people are paying via Paypal), though there are other sites. Online shipping is usually cheaper than going to the post office. You'll need packing tape to secure the edges of the label if using paper instead of label sheets, so that it won't rip off in the mail.

[Ismene]

Always round up to the nearest ounce when weighing (and don't forget the label and tape will add a wee bit more weight).

Domestic shipments 13 oz. and under
- cheapest method is first class
- once labeled, these items can be put in any post office dropbox (though I'd pick one that looks relatively secure), dropped off at the post office or given to your mail carrier.

Domestic shipments over 13 oz.
- You have a choice between Parcel Post and Priority. Parcel Post is slower but is not always cheaper. Use Paypal or USPS.com to compare.
- These packages MUST be given directly to a postal employee. No dropboxes.

International shipments
- First class is the cheapest.  It goes up to 64 oz. for international.
- You will need to fill out customs forms. There are online ones available.
- These also must be given directly to a postal employee.

[playmofire]

I re-use boxes whenever possible and wrap them in brown paper.  I put my address in the biox and on the outside of it and also on the back of the wrapping paper.  I weight at home, but then go to the post office for the actual stamping.  It brings them in business, they can offer a helpful advice, e.g. "If you send that as two 1kg parcels rather than one 2kg parcel, it will be a lot cheaper", and they're nice people to talk to.

[bonniebeth]

I always use boxes I already have from recieved shipments or from Chris's store to save money. If you must buy envelopes for smaller items, you should probably include that in the shipping price. Weighing at home is definitely easier for small packages that can be weighed on a kitchen scale. If the box is too heavy for that though, it's best to go to the post office to get an accurate weight. Shipping is a bit of a hassle! Be sure and give yourself plenty of time for filling out detailed customs forms when sending packages overseas.

[Indianna]

. . . .
Domestic shipments over 13 oz.
- You have a choice between Parcel Post and Priority. Parcel Post is slower but is not always cheaper. Use Paypal or USPS.com to compare.
- These packages MUST be given directly to a postal employee. No dropboxes.
. . . .

This rule may be different in various areas, but in my neck of the woods (Boston) we can put Priority Mail packages with online-generated paid postage labels into a package-only drop box at the Post Office - the lobby where the box is located is also open 24/7, which is very convenient.     There are also FREE Priority Mail shipping boxes and envelopes available for the taking at the Post Office. 

It is easy to set up an on-line account with the USPS which will allow you to generate the labels online and print them out yourself.  You can also request home delivery of any Priority Mail shipping items, again all for FREE, when you set up an online account with the USPS (U.S. Postal Service.) 

Also, you can use Priority Mail flat rate boxes and envelopes (again, available for FREE at the P.O. or by home delivery) which come in various sizes and corresponding costs.  This will usually cost a little bit more for relatively light-weight items like Playmobil, but may be worth it considering that you don't have to weigh anything. 

 

[Rasputin]

Thank you Ismene, Gordon & bb. I am paying attention in class 

Ismene, I do have a paypal account. Do I understand correctly that I can print my own shipping labels and pay for the actual shipping through them? Most of these are for international shipment.

Do you insure them or not? or ask each specific person? Are there any tricks on the form to save people taxes? I would imagine there are duties or taxes in some regions.

I learned in here that on paypal when you are sending funds to people you can save them money by clicking "Personal" then "gift".

Thank you

[Rasputin]

This rule may be different in various areas, but in my neck of the woods (Boston) we can put Priority Mail packages with online-generated paid postage labels into a package-only drop box at the Post Office - the lobby where the box is located is also open 24/7, which is very convenient.     There are also FREE Priority Mail shipping boxes and envelopes available for the taking at the Post Office. 

It is easy to set up an on-line account with the USPS which will allow you to generate the labels online and print them out yourself.  You can also request home delivery of any Priority Mail shipping items, again all for FREE, when you set up an online account with the USPS (U.S. Postal Service.)

Thank you Indianna,

Is there any such services for international shipments? Will an account with USPS save me time/money to open an account? It sounds like printing my own labels will save me time if it works for international.

[Indianna]

Hi Rasputin -

Yes, you can generate International Priority Mail labels through an account with the USPS and you can also generate customs forms at the same time, which is very handy.  You will need special window envelopes for the International Priority Mail labels/customs forms.  Also, since the shipping forms are loose (in a plastic sleeve) it is a good idea to also put a regular shipping label on the package and a packing slip with all shipping info inside the package, as well.

I believe that having an online account is much faster and more efficient than waiting in line at the P.O.    

. . . I learned in here that on paypal when you are sending funds to people you can save them money by clicking "Personal" then "gift".

This option means that the sender of funds will pay the fees. 

I also should have said that you can even arrange for USPS to pick up the packages from your location.

[bonniebeth]

I also should have said that you can even arrange for USPS to pick up the packages from your location.

That's right, and in a situation like this it's best the buyer pays the paypal fees.

Do you insure them or not? or ask each specific person? Are there any tricks on the form to save people taxes? I would imagine there are duties or taxes in some regions.

I'd ask each individual if they want to pay to have the package insured or not. If the items are of low value it isn't usually worth it.

As far as the customs form, lowering the value of the items to save on import taxes would be dishonest and probably illegal.