Question
I've read conflicting information about how the new postage rates will affect what I mail. When I was at the post office this morning, there was nobody in line so I thought I'd see what I could find out. I mean- they're the ones who should know, right?
My question: How will the new rates affect the postage charges for *packages like these* (which I had with me, and showed to them)?
The answer? Wait for it...
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"I don't know- they haven't told us yet how the changes will work."
WTF?!?!?!?! How are you supposed to figure your shipping charges if the clerks of the very "business" which will be doing the shipping haven't even been told how the new charges work???
AARRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
Okay- rant over. Carry on.
Answer
I'm not surprised. Even after the changes go into effect there will be plenty of window clerks who will have received NO training or information.
When I was a clerk, the USPS's SOP was to send only ONE clerk to any kind of training class...management always cried that they couldn't spare any other employees. Then when that clerk got back to the office they were supposed to basically train the other clerks WHILE they were waiting on customers. We always had clerks, especially the ones who only worked the window on Saturdays, who wouldn't even know a change had occured.
It's a great system.
Answer
Originally Posted by mapledr
It's a great system.
Just to be clear- I'm not complaining about the clerks (all of the clerks at my post office are great)- it's the process of implementing these changes that suck big time.
Answer
Wait till the computer changes take place at the P.O. and the person standing in line for a stamp flips out.
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My posties told me they were getting a class on the new rates this week...but also said, plan to spend a good bit of time when you come in from the 14th-about the 20th of May.
They said after the 1st week of the new rates it WILL get better, LOL!
Maybe I'll take a vacation about mid may till they figure out what's going on......
Answer
Talked to my postie today & she went thru the class yesterday.
She said to make sure you have a calculator nearby when you do postage cuz you're gonna need it. Length width girth measurements just like shipping with UPS or DHL. Shipping will be determined by those PLUS weight & Zone.
Also said alot of the things I ship in large bubble envelopes at 1st class will be cheaper to be sent in the assorted priority rate boxes the PO provies as opposed to ANY consumer purchaed shipping choices. (It's almost like they want to force us to use their products)
She said that from what they have been told at the class folks who use online postage (via ebay, PP, USPS site etc) be getting a small DISCOUNT in shipping fees as opposed to doing it at the PO counter. Now, she DIDN't say if that discount would be like NOW with the discounted DC or if it was actually off the shipping cost itself.
(She's gonna get me more info)
She also said that the online venues (ebay, PP, USPS etc) for postage will NOT BE UPDATED TO THE NEW RATES UNTIL THE 14TH OF MAY So don't plan to be ahead of the game & do your postage on the 13th to ship on the 14th because the site won't be correct to the new postage till the 14th. (Not sure if it's at midnight on the 14th or "business" hours.)
I'm sure this info helps immensely! NOT!
Hazel
Answer
Originally Posted by Flutterbees
She said that from what they have been told at the class folks who use online postage (via ebay, PP, USPS site etc) be getting a small DISCOUNT in shipping fees as opposed to doing it at the PO counter. Now, she DIDN't say if that discount would be like NOW with the discounted DC or if it was actually off the shipping cost itself.
Hazel
The discount is just for INTERNATIONAL rates... (online postage/labels)
The discounted DC price will continue (at $.18 though)
I think she's probably mistaken about the priority boxes being cheaper than first class pkgs unless your packages are HUGE...(such as more than 108" girth plus length.) A 13 oz 1st class package will be $3.17, which is still a lot cheaper than a one lb Priority box at $4.60.
Really, the first class mail rates for the first ounce are a lot higher for flats and packages, but they increase at only $.17/oz for each additional ounce which is LESS than the increase per ounce we pay now, which is $.24/oz.
Answer
Flyer at the PO:
Introducing Pricing Based on Shape
The new pricing system emphasizes shape to more accurately reflect our true cost of doing business. Our old system treated letters, large envelopes and packages (parcels) the same, recognizing only the difference in weight. However, bigger packages take up more space and require more effort to handle, so they cost more to transport. Our new pricing system encourages you to ship with boxes that are just big enough for their contents. Now, the less space a package occupies, the less it will cost to deliver*-a fact reflected in the new First-Class Mail prices:
Postcards: 26 cents
Letters: 41 cents first ounce
Large envelopes: 80 cents first ounce
Packages: $1.13 first ounce
Additional ounce(s):17 cents (except postcards)
Weight Limit
The weight limit for letters is 3.5 ounces - letters weighing more than 3.5 ounces are subject to large envelope rates. The weight limit for large envelopes is 13 ounces. Letters and large envelopes with certain characteristics are subject to additional rates.
Visit usps.com for the tools that make it easy to calculate pricing based on shape.
*Shipments using complimentary packaging, including flat-rate boxes, are exempt from pricing based on shape.
Answer
Now, the less space a package occupies, the less it will cost to deliver*-a fact reflected in the new First-Class Mail prices:
*Shipments using complimentary packaging, including flat-rate boxes, are exempt from pricing based on shape.
Boy, that sure is a convoluted logic in that flyer....
We're talking about first class shipping with a footnote about priority boxes...?
Answer
Originally Posted by goodworks1
An up-to-13 oz 1st class package will be $3.17, which is still a lot cheaper than a one lb Priority box at $4.60.
The current price for an up-to-13 oz 1st class parcel right now is $3.27, so I guess the news isn't all bad.
Mostly just painful for the very lightweight items in relatively bulky packages (like multiple scrubbies... ) One scrubby will take $1.30 in stamps, where currently it's $.63. (not counting DC in either of these calculations)