Shipping via the US Postal Service
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, E-Commerce Consultant
Web Commerce Today, Issue 26, September 15, 1999
I've been re-examining the various shipping options in preparation for the launch of a new product. I want to keep the overall price (including shipping) as low as possible, and provide shipping options for overseas purchase.
This time around I'm quite impressed that the US Postal Service is moving quickly to offer low cost shipping alternatives to FedEx and UPS. (Those of you overseas, please bear with us Yankees for a few moments.)
What difference does low cost shipping make if you pass the cost on to the customer anyway? The lower your shipping charges, the more competitive you make your products when compared head to head against other alternatives. If you can cut your costs -- or perhaps offer free shipping as a feature -- you can capture attention and new customers.
Priority Mail
For shipping within the US, Priority Mail (http://www.uspsprioritymail.com/) is quite attractive, with a flat rate envelope for $3.20, or up to 2 lbs. in another containers.
Business will appreciate the fact that Priority Mail includes free boxes and mail supplies. These include a 12 1/4" x 15 1/2" x 3" box, a 7" X 7" x 6" box, 12" x 12" X 8" box, plus a Tyvek 12 1/2" x 15 1/2" envelope, and the standard flat rate cardboard envelopes. Free shipping materials can make a substantial difference in overall shipping costs. You can order supplies online (http://supplies.usps.gov/) or by calling 1-800-222-1811, for both domestic Priority Mail and Global Priority Mail, including flat rate envelopes, and various sizes of boxes.
If you don't want to make a trip to the Post Office to deliver your packages, you can get them to pick up your prepaid packages for $8.25 per trip by calling 1-800-222-1811.
Global Priority Mail
I am particularly interested in shipping lightweight items to countries overseas, and will probably use Global Priority Mail (http://www.uspsglobal.com/) to do so. As of May 30, 1999, flat rates to many countries are available for two sizes of flat rate envelopes. For example, a regular 9" x 12" flat rate envelope can be sent to about 30 countries in Europe or the Pacific Rim for only $9 (weight limit 4 lbs.). Click here to see countries available and prices http://www.uspsglobal.com/get/prod/gpm_busi/rate.htm
Customs Senders Declaration, PS Form 2976, CN 22
Items subject to duty, and all items weighing 1 lb. or more, require a customs form: (1) Customs Form 2976 for items valued under $400.00, or (2) Customs Form 2976-A for items valued over $400.00. (Form 2976-A is placed inside the package and the top portion of Form 2976 is affixed on the outside).
For faster delivery Express Mail International Service is available to 180 countries, with typical (trackable) delivery in 2 to 3 days. http://www.uspsglobal.com/get/prod/ems_busi/prod.htm
Full information on international mail, parcels, and customs can be obtained online in the USPS International Mail Manual available in PDF format. http://pe.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/manuals/Imm/Immc1.pdf
Delivery Confirmation
I'm especially interested in trying the USPS Delivery Confirmation service that will indicate when a package has been delivered. It costs 35 cents for Priority Mail and 60 cents with Parcel Post (or free for larger mailers with special software that can electronically send and receive mailing and delivery information). One of the main reasons online retailers use courier services is so they can prove that delivery was made. Delivery Confirmation doesn't provide a signature, but the Delivery Confirmation label is scanned at the time of delivery with information updated each evening on the USPS website (http://www.usps.gov/cttgate/). Full information is available in USPS Delivery Confirmation Technical Guidelines, Publication 91 in PDF format. http://www.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub91.pdf
You can obtain Delivery Confirmation labels (PS Form 152) at your local post office. As long as the correct postage and fees have been applied, the item weighs less than 16 ounces, the Delivery Confirmation label is affixed to the mail piece, and a return address is included, you can deposit it in a postal collection box or give it to your carrier, though you wouldn't obtain a date stamped receipt (proof of mailing). Items weighing over 16 ounces must still be presented in person to local post office window personnel.
Merchandise Return Service
If you get a number of returns, you can use the post office's Merchandise Return Service (http://www.uspsprioritymail.com/et_merch.html). You'll need to obtain a permit from your local post office. Then you can provide to your customers a special preprinted label with instructions to affix it to the returning parcel. Your customer pays no postage for the return, and the service costs you only 30 cents more than actual return postage. You can also provide a Merchandise Return API on your website.
USPS Web Toolkit
The postal service has just released the USPS Web Toolkit (http://www.uspsprioritymail.com/et_tool.html). It provides technical information and documentation that enables your programmers to set up interfaces on your site to allow customers to access Domestic Rates, Tracking/Confirm, Merchandise Return, International Rates, Parcel Post Service Standards, Priority Mail Service Standards, and Express Mail Delivery Commitments. These APIs use XML to transmit information across the Web. The guide provides information on how to provide Web interfaces using ASP pages, or with CGI programs written in Visual Basic or Perl.
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