If there were ever an absolute truth, it’s that the less times you have to go to the US Post Office, the better.
You can significantly decrease your trips to the Post Office by using online postage, but most people aren’t aware how to do it. I’m going to give you 5 different ways.
This allows you to print postage labels for Priority Mail, Express Mail, Express Mail International, Priority Mail International or Global Express Guaranteed. The Priority Mail labels have free Delivery Confirmation. Express includes signature for proof of delivery. Signature Confirmation requires an additional fee. Best of all, some shipping supplies are free here. For example, a 10-pack of flat rate envelopes costs zero dollars.
eBay
Many don’t know that eBay and PayPal customers can print postage right from within eBay’s system. And yes, this does include international label options. If you do a ton of shipping, they even tell you what label printers work best if you don’t feel like using your standard one.
This has been around for a while and it’s a great service. The way in which it works is stupidly easy.
You can consider this one a more advanced version of Stamps.com as it’s meant for the more business-oriented person. It does require a monthly fee to use (minimum $9.95 a month), but you do get a free 30-day trial if you want to try it out.
This is a service offered by PitneyBowes. This is a name you’ve probably heard before and they’re very good for management solutions. ShipStream, like Endicia, requires a subscription but also has a 30-day free trial. It is somewhat expensive but you do get what you pay for here; it’s the next best thing to having your own shipping department.
What are the advantages of using online postage?
There are two. Convenience and cost cutting.
The convenience is that you cut out a lot of trips to the Post Office, if not eliminate them altogether.
The cost cutting comes in the fact that you don’t have to drive to the Post Office, Priority Mail Delivery Confirmation is free the majority of the time instead of tacking on an extra fee for it, and you never run out of stamps. Your service, for whatever you choose, is there and ready to go whenever you need it.
Leave A Reply (2 comments So Far)
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Ed
1319 days ago
I get that we can print the postage and label. But I’m not clear about saving a trip to the post office. How does the package get there?
Rich Menga
1319 days ago
Standard letters obviously get chucked in the mailbox.
Carrier Pickup is free for anything under 13 ounces. And you can schedule it for next day pickup or up to 3 months in advance. This is what you use for sending Express and Priority Mail without having to go to the Post Office.
More info here: http://www.usps.com/pickup/