Postal Rates . . . .

As most of us here at OLA.com, know, the postal rates have increased yet again, as of yesterday. Now, it is a mad dash to be sure that we are charging the correct and fair price for our shipping.

I have found that the parcel and priority are almost neck in neck as far as cost is concerned and can even be cheaper to ship priority rather than parcel post in some cases! Why is this?

The post office has fought having parcel post for quite awhile. You can't do "click-n-ship" for parcel post or media mail. They want us to use priority.

I figure that since so many people are still shipping parcel post, they will just let us pay more for that service!! Why not? We have always thought it was cheaper but in all actuality, it might not be anymore!

Consider this: if I ship a package from my home (50276) to my sister (80236) and it weighs 1lb, I will pay $5.14 for priority mail (I can print online and delivery confirmation is included) or I can take it to the post office, pay $5.35 (parcel post) PLUS delivery confirmation of $.85 in the post office, have to supply my own box and it takes longer to get there. Even if I print the label, using Paypal printing, delivery confirmation is still $.19 which would make the box cost $5.54 compared to the priority cost of $5.14. So, I would spend $.50 more at least!

If the box weighs 3lbs, priority will cost $7.14 online and $7.37 plus $.19 if printed online or $7.37 plus $.85 if paid for at the post office.

Regional Rate boxes are also a very good option! But they are only available to commercial so you will need to set up an account to use this service. Order them online and print the postage online. Well worth the effort!

Ordering the boxes, padded envelopes and other supplies is easy and most of these are free. Setting up an account to use "click-n-ship" is also easy! In a lot of cases, if the item is going priority, you can even request pickup!! I do it all the time!!

So, before putting something in a regular box, check out the new prices. You might save yourself and your customer some money by taking advantage of the priority rates.

You can find this information at the USPS website.

Thank you!

Now, if you're bored with my post, come on over and check out our store, Korn Kountry Treasures! We'd love to have you stop in!!

Postage Will Not Go Up January 2, 2010

By NATASHA T. METZLER, Associated Press Writer Natasha T. Metzler, Associated Press Writer – 34 mins ago

WASHINGTON – The independent panel that oversees the U.S. Postal Service has denied the agency's request to increase the cost of mailing a letter by 2 cents - to 46 cents.

The Postal Regulatory Commission announced its decision rejecting the requested price hike at a news conference Thursday.

In July, the Postal Service proposed raising first-class postage from 44 cents to 46 cents as part of a strategy for dealing with a worsening financial crisis. The Postal Service lost $3.8 billion last year, and the agency has been seeking other rate increases as well, including higher fees for periodicals, post cards and parcels.

The new rates would have taken effect next Jan. 2.

Chairman Ruth Goldway told reporters at a news conference that the Postal Rate Commission's vote to deny the rate request was unanimous on the five-member commission.

She said that in her view, the requested rate adjustment was not due to recent recession, as indicated by Postal Service officials, but was, rather, an attempt to address longterm structural problems.

The decision was applauded by the Affordable Mail Alliance, a coalition of postal customers including consumer groups, small business, chairities, utilities, national retailers and banks.

"The PRC today has helped countless businesses stay competitive and saved tens of thousands of jobs," said Tony Conway, a spokesman for the alliance. "The commissioners recognized that imposing an additional tax on Postal Service customers is not the way to address its financial troubles. Our members look forward to working with the Postal Service on the long-term restructuring needed to restore the Postal Service to competitiveness."

All Things Postage on SellerBuzz Radio Tonight!

Tonight, LIVE on SellerBuzz Radio:

ALL THINGS POSTAGE!!!

http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/69668

or

http://www.SellerBuzz.com

See You There!!!