When you send something in the post, you want to be sure the package arrives safely and promptly. On top of that, you don't want it to cost you an arm and a leg. Here are 10 tips to help you decide how to ship your package.
- Choose media mail for media.
If you're shipping with United States Postal Service (USPS), you can use media mail to ship things such as books, videotapes, DVDs, CDs, printed music, and other sound recordings. This shipping method is relatively cheap and will usually take the same amount of time as if you sent it ground mail. - Get insurance for expensive packages.
Not everything you ship needs insurance. If you're shipping a $10 book, you can purchase insurance if it makes you feel better, but it’s probably not necessary. However, be sure to get insurance for anything you consider "costly." What amounts to “costly” is different for everyone, but if you cannot pay to replace it or lose it, then insure it. - Choose between first class and priority mail.
For USPS, the difference between first class and priority mail boils down to the weight of your package. If you're sending something that weighs more than 13 ounces, you cannot send it first class. Priority mail allows you to send packages weighing up to 70 pounds. The price is about the same and so is the amount of time it takes the package to arrive at its destination. - Consider the reputation of the shipping company.
Companies can be known for certain things, and they're not always good. One example is that DHL shipping services are known for being late. I can't tell you everyone's experience, but I've never received a DHL package on time. Other popular shipping companies include USPS, UPS, and FedEx. - Consider whether pickup is important.
If you are a business or ship packages as a side job, you may need a service that will pick up your packages. Instead of taking them all to a drop-off area, use a company that will do all the heavy lifting for you. - Compare prices for international shipping.
While you may not consider international shipping to begin with, you may eventually have to ship something to another country. Call around and talk to your favorite shipping companies to compare prices. Many companies post their prices right on their websites. - Use more than one service.
If you can't find a service for all of your shipping needs, feel free to mix and match. If you like USPS media mail, but you enjoy UPS services, there’s no reason you can’t use both! - Insist on online tracking.
Above all, find a company with easy online tracking and notifications. UPS is a champ at tracking. UPS offers tracking numbers, and signing up online for a free account allows you to get immediate updates on what is going on with your package. It will even send email and text notifications when your package status changes. - Consider price, but don't let it be the only factor.
When you're looking to ship something, the price is an essential factor to consider. However, it shouldn't be the only thing you research. Some companies have low costs but may also treat your package harshly—kicking, shoving, and throwing it around. Cheap doesn't equate to good, and expensive doesn't mean the best. - Investigate possible discounts.
Some carriers will offer a discount if you do a lot of shipping with them. For example, if you send more than 50 packages per month with either USPS, UPS, or FedEx, every package over 50 is free. If shipping items is your business, one of these companies is an excellent option.
