Xaxaxe wrote:I almost put this in the off-topic thread, but decided it affects enough of us here to warrant a separate listing.Anyway, U.S.-based eBay sellers will want to take a look at the new USPS rates approved for a May 14 debut. This is especially important for those of us who like to use and re-use listing templates, as forgetting to change the templates will end up cost us some money.The new flat-rate fees for Priority Mail are especially interesting. Or horrifying, depending on your point of view.Here's the AP story: New USPS rates
Kosh Vorlontay wrote:Keep getting an error for the link:Error: Invalid story key (J7,20070320,NEWS18,703190360,AR).
Xaxaxe wrote:The new flat-rate fees for Priority Mail are especially interesting. Or horrifying, depending on your point of view.
Beyondthebreach wrote:Well, I've been doing some research on the upcoming postal changes . . . this is going to seriously affect international customers buying from the US.On the plus side, everything will be able to be tracked.On the negative side, if it doesn't fit in a Flat Rate envelope (for $11.00), expect to pay $37.00 to ship most items . . . at the least.Basically, all surface and airmail parcel post are being eliminated. All packages must go by Priority Mail International (there is also an express service for much more). There is the current Flat Rate envelope and a Flat Rate Box for $37.00. If it doesn't fit in an envelope, it will have to go in either a Flat Rate box or a "Pay by Weight" system. However, once the 4 lbs (1.8kg) mark is reached, the "Pay by Weight" will mostly equal and then exceed the Flat Rate.While, this makes everything easier, it will definitely bump up international cost. On, the plus side, it will definitely help out with shipping to Australia as their rates were very high and the Flat Rate box will usually be a step down in cost By the way, for Canada, the Flat Rates are $9.00 and $23.00 respectively.
Shape-based PricingThe new prices also reflect differences in the costs of handling letters, large envelopes (flats) and packages. Mailers are encouraged to consider options available to reduce postage costs. For example, if the contents of a First-Class Mail large envelope are folded and placed in a letter-sized envelope, mailers can reduce postage by as much as 39 cents per piece.
Wandering Monster wrote:Hi everyone,Just thought I'd wander on over and express my opinions of this latest postal rate hike...Well, obviously I'm not happy about it, especially as US flat rate priority mail goes up a whopping 55 cents -- guess I'll have to start doing delivery confirmation another way or something.
There is a 4-pound weight limit for the Priority Mail International Flat-Rate Envelope and a 20-pound weight limit for the Priority Mail International Flat-Rate Boxes. Tracking information will be available. Limited insurance coverage is included on Priority Mail International items, with the exception of the Priority Mail International Flat-Rate Envelope, where Registered Service will be available at the mailer's option. Receive a 5 percent online postage discount using Click-N-Ship or authorized postage vendor.
Beyondthebreach wrote:I bolded out the important last sentence. That's a 5% discount for printing and purchasing international postage online. That means $.55 cents off each Priority Flat Rate and $1.85 off a Priority Flat Rate box! The post office wants everyone to take care of this online and they're going to make sure the switch is made. Can't say I blame them . . .