posted on March 25, 2002 08:59:26 AM
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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