Hi all:
We might as well start thinking on readjusting our shipping costs for the 2006 season. On January 8, 2006, the United States Postal Services will raise all postage rates approximately 5.4%. The cost for a first class letter moves from .37 to .39; all other mail classes will increase by roughly the same proportion. For your information and planning, this is the first USPS rate increase since 2002, but experts predict that there will be another increase before the end of 2007.
Additionally, both UPS and FedEx have announced rate increases in January 2006. Please plan for a 3.5% to 4.0% increase in shipping costs.
Listed below are a few tips for cutting costs:
• Use USPS Certified with Return Receipt or Delivery Confirmation whenever possible. It provides a receipt, tracking, and a notice of delivery to the sender.
• Do not over insure. USPS & UPS will pay only the actual value of an item, not the declared value.
• FAX the information when time is crucial instead of using expensive quick delivery rates.
• If you need overnight services - typically Fed-Ex Over-night is a good option - service is guaranteed and generally more economical.
• Use postcards for short messages or announcements. The cost is 1/3 less than sending an envelope.
• Make sure to always use a correct address. Handwritten addresses are highly discouraged.
• For UPS packages – it is critical that you have the correct address. There is an automatic fee for incorrect addresses.
• UPS charges for undeliverable packages after three delivery attempts.
• Use free FedEx supplies when possible.
Regards, happy herping, and Happy Thanksgiving!
We might as well start thinking on readjusting our shipping costs for the 2006 season. On January 8, 2006, the United States Postal Services will raise all postage rates approximately 5.4%. The cost for a first class letter moves from .37 to .39; all other mail classes will increase by roughly the same proportion. For your information and planning, this is the first USPS rate increase since 2002, but experts predict that there will be another increase before the end of 2007.
Additionally, both UPS and FedEx have announced rate increases in January 2006. Please plan for a 3.5% to 4.0% increase in shipping costs.
Listed below are a few tips for cutting costs:
• Use USPS Certified with Return Receipt or Delivery Confirmation whenever possible. It provides a receipt, tracking, and a notice of delivery to the sender.
• Do not over insure. USPS & UPS will pay only the actual value of an item, not the declared value.
• FAX the information when time is crucial instead of using expensive quick delivery rates.
• If you need overnight services - typically Fed-Ex Over-night is a good option - service is guaranteed and generally more economical.
• Use postcards for short messages or announcements. The cost is 1/3 less than sending an envelope.
• Make sure to always use a correct address. Handwritten addresses are highly discouraged.
• For UPS packages – it is critical that you have the correct address. There is an automatic fee for incorrect addresses.
• UPS charges for undeliverable packages after three delivery attempts.
• Use free FedEx supplies when possible.
Regards, happy herping, and Happy Thanksgiving!