| | Author | Message |
|---|
Baka
  
| | #1 posted March 31, 2009 at 2:22am (EST) |
Save Money On Shipping (With in the United States)
First off I'll point out that the beginning part of this topic is for the new people who don't quite know how to ship things in the mail. If you already know which services to use then you can skip down to where it says "Print Shipping Labels Online".
There are different type of ways you can ship items through the United States Postal Service (USPS). Each shipping method has a different price and shipping speed. Choosing the right shipping price and shipping speed will help you determine which shipping method you want to use and in the long run and save money doing it.
First-Class Mail Delivery Speed (1 - 3 days) Starting Cost: $0.42 (42 Cents)
Quick, affordable service for your basic mailing needs.
-The least expensive, most immediate option for mailing postcards, letters, and large envelopes 13 ounces or less
-Prices based on shape and weight
Self Notes: It is very quick almost as fast as Priority Mail. This is the fastest and cheapest way to ship if you're planning on shipping a single game or multiple games who's weight is under 13 ounces. (16 ounces = 1 pound)
Priority Mail Delivery Speed (1 - 3 days) Starting Cost: $4.95
Fast and affordable delivery to every address in the United States.
-Delivers within 2 days in most cases.
-Shipping a Large Flat Rate Box at $13.95 will allow you to ship up to 70 pounds with quick delivery speed.
Self Note: This shipping method is slightly faster than the First Class shipping method. It usually delivers faster by a day or two. This method of shipping is perfect when shipping multiple games or a small game counsel that needs to get to its destination quick.
EXTRA!!!: When shipping with Priority you can get FREE boxes. These boxes can ONLY be used for Priority Shipping.
Parcel Post Delivery Speed (2 - 9 days) Starting Cost: $3.67
An affordable and reliable option for packages.
-Best value for sending small and large gifts and general merchandise.
-Prices based on weight and distance.
Self Note: This is the best possible way to ship a game counsel or a bundle of games. The shipping is not as fast as the others but it is the most cost saving. Make sure you package your items really good when using this shipping method. They can get damaged if you do not package well enough.
Media Mail Delivery Speed (2 - 9 days) Starting Cost: $2.23
The service for printed and recorded material.
-For sending small and large packages consisting of books, film, manuscripts, sound recordings, video tapes, and computer readable media (such as CDs, DVDs, and diskettes). Yes this means Video Games also.
-Prices based on weight.
Self Note: This is the best way to ship games when you want to save the most amount of money and do not care about shipping speed. You should also package your items really good when using this shipping method. They can get damaged if you do not package well enough.
I'm not going to go into the other shipping methods because the others are mostly international. But if you're interested more details can be found here.
http://www.usps.com/prices/welcome.htm
So those are the basic shipping methods that USPS has to offer.
Shipping Extras!!!!
These are some extras that you might want to consider when trading here on GameTZ.com
Delivery Conformation (DC)
Cost:$0.75 (75 Cents) When Postage is bought at the Post Office
Cost:$0.18 (18 Cents) When Postage is bought and printed Online.
-DC is highly recommend on this site. It proves that your side of the trade has been delivered and also helps the person you're trading with keep track of when they'll receive the package.
Delivery Confirmation may be used with the following services:
- First-Class Mail
- Priority Mail
- Parcel Post
- Media Mail
Note: All Package Services parcels mailed with Delivery Confirmation must measure at least 3/4" at the thickest point, or be in a rigid box.
Insured Mail (IM)
Fee Insurance Coverage
$1.70 $0.01 to $50
$2.60 $50.01 to $100
$2.60 $100.01 to $200
$4.60 $200.01 to $300
$5.55 $300.01 to $400
$6.50 $400.01 to $500
Mail
Starting Price: $10.00
-When you’re sending valuable or irreplaceable items through the mail, protect them with Registered Mail
You can use Registered Mail with:
- First-Class Mail
- Priority Mail
Certified Mail
Pirce: $2.70
-Provides a mailing receipt and delivery information.
You can use Certified Mail with:
- First-Class Mail
- Priority Mail
There are other extra services you can purchase and more details can be found here.
http://www.usps.com/prices/extra-services-prices.h...
Printing Shipping Labels Online
When you print shipping bales online it saves time and money. Not only do you get Delivery Conformation for .18 cents but you also don't have to deal with waiting in line or the annoying postal workers. (No offense but some of you are to slow for my patience.)
The free and easiest way of paying for you shipping label is through Paypal. If some of you don't have a Paypal account you can still print a shipping label online but you'll have to pay for it at the post office.
Paypal
Its easy and simple.
1st. Just follow this link
Ship Now
2nd. Chose USPS to ship with
3rd. Follow all their instructions
No Paypal
If you don't have Paypal.
Follow this link
Click-n-Ship
(Only bad thing is you can only pay for Priority Shipping through here)
If you want to chose a different shipping method besides Priority you can download the Shipping Assistant
If you decide to print a label with the USPS Shipping Assistant you must pay for your postage at the Post Office. Or you can put stamps on the package until you have enough on there to cover the shipping cost. I would recommend paying for it at the post office.
If all else fails and you can't decide which service to use you can either ask questions here or the person at the Post Office. They can personally help you face to face with what service is best for you.
--------------------------------
dog, that's whats up
| sixteenvolt420
  
| | #2 posted April 8, 2009 at 8:01am (EST) |
My post office tells me that video games do not qualify for media mail, since they are a non educational material. I argued the fact that educational video games do indeed exist, and they looked at me like i was speaking chinese. They also stated, that your media mail package could possibly be opened an inspected, and if it's found to be non educational, it could be returned to you.
 | DuffMan
BTRs
| | #3 posted April 8, 2009 at 11:00am (EST) |
That's bullcrap. I've heard of other USPS operations trying to pull the same crap (video games can't be shipped media mail).
I've seen the USPS manual section on media mail. Have them look it up. If it's media (like game discs and manuals are), you can send it media mail.
I haven't heard the "educational material" thing before, that sounds like a bit of incompetence added in for extra flavor.
~S
My username used to be Shrike. | DuffMan
BTRs
| | #4 posted April 8, 2009 at 11:02am (EST) |
Print this out and take it with you to show them, if you'd like: http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/173.htm#wp1060522
Video games and their manuals totally fit under section i. I've sent hundreds of packages media mail.
~S
My username used to be Shrike. | sixteenvolt420
| | #5 posted April 8, 2009 at 12:20pm (EST) |
It's really no big deal, first class is usually about the same price, and obviously much quicker.
| DuffMan
BTRs
| | #6 posted April 9, 2009 at 2:50am (EST) |
What are you talking about! It's the principal of the matter! USPS employees are being ignorant butt-holes!
~S
My username used to be Shrike. | Neokitty
 
| #7 posted April 20, 2009 at 4:01pm (EST)
edited April 20, 2009 at 4:02pm (EST) |
if its one game thats different first class is best but what about lots, they should be media mail, also I have told them when asked whats in them , Video games and they say nothing, though it depends on the post office. | Boss
| #8 posted May 30, 2009 at 2:20am (EST)
edited May 30, 2009 at 2:20am (EST) |
Why dont they just go after the big fish like Amazon for using Media Mail when they ship Super Saver Shipping!
| damiencorso
| | #9 posted June 28, 2009 at 7:12am (EST) |
Using the full 9 digit zip code can help speed up shipping, too. This is recommended by Amazon to it's sellers, and I've noticed an increase in speed when doing this.
I guess it lets them sort your mail and get it out the door more quickly. Doing this, I sent something from South Carolina to California and it arrived in less than 48 hours. Still not quite sure how that happened.
When I trade on here, I look up my trading partner's 9 digit zip code if they didn't provide it (and they live in the US). You can look it up at USPS.com, just click "Zip code look up" and type in the address. Takes 30 seconds of effort on your part. |
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