Commentary from the staff of Auctiva.com
A Great Way to Save on Postage in 2012
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It’s a new year, and I just finished writing an article about saving money in 2012! One thing I didn’t mention, however, was the USPS Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate envelope. I use this envelope to send jeans and other pieces of clothing that are too heavy to be sent via First Class mail.
Jeans weigh between 1 pound and 2 pounds when boxed. A 2-pound package to the East Coast can cost more than $9. If I shove that same pair of jeans into a padded flat-rate envelope, the cost is only $4.95. Wow!
I’ve also been using these envelopes to send smaller pairs of women’s shoes such as sandals and boat shoes. I wouldn’t, however, recommend using this method of shipment to send designer brands. I once received a pair of Ferragamos in a padded flat-rate, and I was not happy.
I used to worry that sending clothing or shoes in a padded flat-rate would look unprofessional. But eBay buyers are so price sensitive that they don’t seem to mind. In addition, a super fashionable friend of mine, who often orders clothing online, told me that online companies send clothing in envelopes all the time. So I guess the general public is used to it!
The padded flat-rate envelope can be ordered online. Just know that the USPS only allows you to order one small box of them at a time. But nothing is preventing you from getting online and ordering a box a day, until you have enough to last you a few months. Try using the padded flat-rate envelope in 2012. It’s a great way to save on postage!
About the author
Miriam Otto is an eBay certified educator, and eBay coach for Skip McGrath Coaching, based in Northern California. Her eBay Store, Blue Frog Shoes, features name-brand shoes, and hard-to-find sizes. Miriam sells an average of 200 items per month, and finds most of what she sells at yard sales and thrift shops. When not teaching eBay classes or running her business, she enjoys writing about her latest "scores" on The eBay Life blog. In addition to living "The eBay Life," Miriam works as an independent study teacher helping adults earn high school diplomas.
Hi Miriam,
Nice article, but only geared at North-American sellers. For your information…there are also European, Asian, South American etc sellers, for whom the worth of this article is absolutely nil!
Miriam,
I’ve been selling some of our things as we downsize. In an effort to attract buyers I’ve been offering free shipping on small items via Priority Flat Rate, small box. Today, I sent my first padded envelope shipment via First Class mail. I still packed old catalog pages inside the same as in the small box. Still able to insure the item, it cost me nearly half of what the flat rate box was costing.
I hadn’t given much thought to the Flat Rate envelopes prior to reading your article, but I think I’ll order some to use for other items I’ll be selling as we continue to downsize.
Thanks much.
BTW, If your article had been about selling jewelry I’m certain Mark would have complained because he doesn’t sell jewelry. Not every article has to apply globally. Keep ‘em coming.