posted on February 1, 2009 06:32:50 AM
I just noticed the Post Office now has a new small flat rate box for Priority International shipments - in the past for items under 4 pounds you could use first class international which was in the $20 and under range but you could not insure the package - the new priority flat rate box is $12.30 (online printing rate).
i.e. A 3 pound package to Australia is $23.50 1st class mail int'l, $36.20 regular priority and 41.95 regular flat rate priority box, but only $12.30 for the priority flat rate small box.
Priority Mail International Flat Rate Options
* The weight limit for the flat-rate envelope is 4 pounds.
* The weight limit for the small flat-rate box is 4 pounds.
* The weight limit for all other flat-rate boxes is 20 pounds.
Priority Mail Flat Rate International Options (Retail Prices)
Canada/Mexico Other countries Size
Priority Mail Flat-Rate Envelope (up to 4 pounds) $10.95 $12.95 12-1/2'' x 9-1/2''
Priority Mail Small Flat-Rate Box (up to 4 pounds) $10.95 $12.95 8-5/8" x 5-3/8" x 1-5/8"
Priority Mail Regular Flat-Rate Box (FRB-1) (up to 20 pounds) $25.95 $41.95 11" x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"
Priority Mail Regular Flat-Rate Box (FRB-2) (up to 20 pounds) $25.95 $41.95 13-5/8" x 11-7/8" x 3-3/8"
Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Box (up to 20 pounds) $32.95 $53.95 12-1/4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Caroline
posted on February 8, 2009 11:56:30 AM
Thanks for posting this. Appreciate it.
_____________________
"Here in America we are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionists and rebels - men and women who ***dared to dissent*** from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, ***may we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion."*** --Eisenhower
posted on February 8, 2009 12:47:57 PM
my opinion is that the post office simply just wanted us to STOP stuffing the flat rate envelope(which was always that $12.95 overseas), so they made a box that actually fits a little less then the envelope but sturdier.
posted on February 9, 2009 03:06:23 AM
Just some info I'll send your way....Auctiva has a package insurance program for eBay items. It's less expensive than the post office, includes the shipping cost and you can insure first class international packages. You can find more info in the help section on their website but here are the basics:
What is Auctiva Shipping Insurance?
Auctiva Shipping Insurance is exactly the same as insurance offered by other services. Policies are purchased by us in bulk, and made available to you at discount prices through your Auctiva account.
It works with all major carriers for both domestic and international shipping.
Five Reasons Auctiva Shipping Insurance is better:
* It's cheaper!
* Insure up to $2,500 on international shipments.
* You won't have to go to the post office to insure your packages.
* The claims process is easy and can be done online.
* If you use Auctiva Checkout, it all takes care of itself.
Domestic Shipping Insurance*
Insurance Coverage (Closing Price + S/H) USPS**
cost to your buyers Auctiva***
cost to you (the seller) You Save
$0.01 to $50.00 $1.70 $1.45 $0.25
$50.01 to $100.00 $2.15 $1.65 $0.50
$100.01 to $200.00 $2.60 $1.85 $0.75
$200.01 to $300.00 $4.60 $3.60 $1.00
$300.01 to $400.00 $5.55 $4.30 $1.25
$400.01 to $500.00 $6.50 $5.00 $1.50
$500.01 to $600.00 $7.45 $5.70 $1.75
$600.01 to $2,500.00 $7.45 plus $.95 for each $100 over $600 $5.70 plus $0.70 for each $100 over $600 $1.75 plus $0.25 for each $100 over $600
*Shipments from the US to Canada are charged Domestic rates, but claims for these shipments follow International rules. This means that claimants must wait 45 days before filing claims on lost shipments.
Caroline