badcompany
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posted on April 7, 2001 07:34:25 AM new
I wondered if anyone is bothered by the fact that the post offices's new illogical rates now make sending packages via priority nearly the same as sending the same package via 3rd class parcel post? I have even found in many cases that priority works out to be a bit cheaper than parcel post!!! Gone are the days when we could send unbreakable items cheaply via third class -- unless we lie and say everything is a book or paper and then ship via media mail. I also wonder if Congress is aware of this illogical way the post office has changed the rates. Especially now that the post office is crying about its own inability to efficiently and effectively run the post office as a business that not only makes a profit -- but also satisfies its customer base. Any thoughts?
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rarriffle
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posted on April 7, 2001 09:07:24 AM new
I accidentally shipped the wrong size levis to a buyer. She sent them back priority for $3.95. I shipped the same kind, smaller size back to her, $4.16 parcel post, go figure.
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azcap
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posted on April 7, 2001 12:21:50 PM new
My favorite is how I pay $3.95 to mail a package East Copast that takes 3-4 days and I pay $3.75 to mail the same package to Canada and it gets there in 3-4 days. Maybe more of my customers should move out the country to take advantage of the cheaper shipping.
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redskinfan
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posted on April 7, 2001 12:30:48 PM new
I just sent out a book today. It cost only 5 cents more to send it priority versus book rate. I coughed up the extra nickel....figured it would make me look good to my customer and get me a good rating 
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spazmodeus
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posted on April 7, 2001 12:35:02 PM new
In another thread I mentioned that I send all my items via Priority Mail rather than media mail. However, I have noticed that since Christmas, media mail seems to be moving more quickly than Priority. Priority seems to take 3-4 days rather than the 2-3 days they promise in their advertising. If it weren't for the free box ...
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kudzurose
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posted on April 7, 2001 01:01:34 PM new
redskinfan - How much did your package weigh? How could there be just 5 cents difference?
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shrty411
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posted on April 7, 2001 01:25:01 PM new
I work there and don't get it either, but for years now there hasn't been much difference. That's why I just ship priority, unless it's really light or really heavy(I usually fall into the 1-2 lb range)
Maria
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rhpepsi
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posted on April 7, 2001 06:00:17 PM new
spazmodeus..next time you are waiting in line...check out the "fine" print under the 2-3day "promise"....look for that key word....AVERAGE
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Zazzie
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posted on April 7, 2001 06:06:18 PM new
You think you have problems---I can mail a paper back book to the States from Canada for $2.50 via Surface Mail. The same book costs $5.95 to go across Canada by Regular Post.
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reddeer
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posted on April 7, 2001 06:19:27 PM new
$5.95 Cdn = $3.96 US
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redskinfan
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posted on April 7, 2001 06:31:58 PM new
I don't know how much it weighed. It was a book. I believe a John Grisham book. The woman at the post office told me that it would cost $3.45 to mail it media mail and $3.50 priority, so I chose priority.
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kudzurose
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posted on April 7, 2001 08:05:38 PM new
redskinfan - sounds like some of the people at MY postoffice! If it went for 3.50 Priority, it would have gone Media Mail for 1.30.
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mapledr1216
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posted on April 7, 2001 08:06:47 PM new
Hi Redskinfan
I think you might want to go to the USPS web site and print out the Media Mail rates and take it with you when you go to the PO.
There isn't any $3.45 Media Mail rate. Closest would be $3.10 for 5 pounds and $3.55 for 6 pounds. I know Grisham books are big, but 5 pounds seems unlikely. And since Priority was only $3.50 that means it weighed 1 pound or less in which case Media Mail is only $1.30.
I think your clerk quoted you Standard Parcel Post (or whatever they're calling it now) instead of Media Mail.
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ihula
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posted on April 7, 2001 08:19:44 PM new
I agree with all of the above...but I wanted to give everyone the heads up. I just heard on my local news that the post office is thinking of cutting out Saturday mail delivery to save money. That would really irritate me...I like getting things organized on Saturday afternoon...and think of all the complaints that buyers will have when things arrive even later than they already are!
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roundvine
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posted on April 7, 2001 10:41:35 PM new
kudzurose: Sometimes standard mail can cost *more* than priority, for the same package. I am not making this up.
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insightwatcher
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posted on April 7, 2001 10:51:57 PM new
I deal with a WONDERFUL post office - they don't always know their costs, but I do, since we check everything on line- and if they are off, I tell them so, and they check and correct themselves. When they brought in a new girl a week or so ago, I heard the Post Mistress tell her, that what ever I said goes, that I know my rates better then they do! Guess I’m very fortunate.
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