i will give you the best free hint, never ever use fed-ex to ship to philippines, their customs people will flag it and charge you 10 dollars a day storage just because they know they can do it, they will make up total crap reason why they did it. they know you must then create a fed-ex account and pay the fee, and 100 dollars is if your lucky and catch it fast.
FedEx DOESN'T have customs. Do you even know what "customs" is? they are the people in charge of monitoring what flows in and out of the country. Most of the time they are government agents like here in Canada they are under CBSA.
I work for USPS and these tips aren't true...there is a difference between a "Flat Rate" box and "Regional Rate" box. Those are the two kinds he keeps comparing. The Flat rate is a set price for as much as you can fit in there up to 70 pounds (that's the weight limit) the Regional boxes will charge you for weight. Both can be a good deal just depends on what you are shipping. I help people everyday to ship things the best way for them whether it's a flat rate or a regional box. Don't believe everything you hear on the internet. I'm sure he means well but he isn't correct on this tip. Just trying to help also :)
Thank you for your tip. I sell on eBay but I'm confused about regional boxes. Where can I get correct information to figure out when it's a good idea to use them. I ordered them and have them on hand. When I tried using one at the post office they charged me as though it was my own box. It was like $9 to ship a 2 lb item from South Florida to South Georgia. I was shocked and gave up on using them.
Thank you so much!!! this guy is high on positive emotion he's obviously successful but he's throwing around bad information it's unacceptable for someone who makes as much money off his RU-vid channel is this guy does ($200,000+ annually)
@@TheEMC99 On ebay click on print label...enter your weight and dimensions, the drop down will provide you all the options available. It will serve you regional rates if the delivery address is indeed regional. When I first started I had no idea it was all greek. Then I kept looking at all the options and realized what a valuable tool the drop down shipping option feature is. The rate will change as you change the choice of shipping. I often first check parcel and then click on priority to find it is .20 cents more than parcel 2 -8 day delivery, so I upgrade my buyer from economy shipping to Priority 3 day. And I do it confidently as it is served right there before PRINT label action. Start today and just run through the options, and in doing so, you will learn about your regional rates. And you too will be confident you are making the right choice. And for goodness sakes buy/print your postage from your ebay account. Especially if you offer free shipping. Ebay serves you a discount on postage. IF however you are charging your buyers shipping ebay will in turn charge you a fee for the postage. So your discount is lessened. Free shipping is not charged any additional Ebay fees. Hope that helps! : )
hi Matt, as an employee with USPS (watching this on my break!) I have to make everyone aware of regional box A priority boxes...they are the best box for shipping small to medium items in and are generally a few dollars cheaper than a medium flat rate anywhere in the country! Hope that helps some people, Merry Christmas!
I would use USPS Priority mail...Priority Mail has tracking available to most international locations..The most important thing is USPS Priority mail has built in insurance with the shipping charges...
Sherman ... when it comes down to it - the tracking provided by USPS just plain sucks. The last package that I had delivered by them - I was in possession of the package for TWO days, but their tracking system still showed it as being in transit ... 5 states away.
I used to work in a UPS hub in Chicagoland, and I can tell you one way to save money. Any package that can arrive at a UPS terminal within 6-8 hours by semi, don't bother with 2 or 3 day shipping. Those get shipped by ground, even if it says air shipment on it. Also anything that says next day air, and can get to a UPS terminal within 4 hours, also goes via ground. So after working for UPS, I almost always use traditional ground shipping. If I'm that desperate for something, the only time I use express shipping, is if it's coming from California, Oregon, or Washington state. Estimated shipping times via ground to Chicagoland from the west coast, is 5-10 business days estimated. Also, during my time working for UPS, ground shipments from hubs that can arrive within 6-8 hours on the road, leave the hub by semi for sure. If it would take more than 3 days on the road, then the trailer gets loaded onto a flat bed train car, to reach destinations within 3 to 10 business days. In cases like that, those shipments will go to another hub to be resorted, and shipped to the final terminal.
I work for the USPS and i want to correct a few things He compared a small flat rate box with a cube box and yes you can fit more in the cube that's just obvious common sense BUT what he is leaving out is the flat rate no matter where and how much it weighs it is 1 price (current rate 7.15) where the cube can balloon up to 30 bucks if you max out the weight (i have seen the cube weigh 70lbs because it's full of ground lead) Also the 2nd set of boxes he shown the big one he shown wasn't a flat rate box it is called a regional box and it is your best friend if you use it properly. There are 2 kinds of regional rates A and B, both have a certain weight cap and are only able to get the very low price of the shipping if you use online shipping or "click and ship" if you don't and bring in the box to a post office they are supposed to charge you as if it's a normal priority box and jack it up Anyone who comments "i use them and don't get charged alot at my post office" that means your clerk doesn't either know the rules pertaining to regional OR doesn't want the headache of correcting you but I've seen people get suspended for not handling them properly at the window and the usps loses revenue
THANK YOU, TIMOTHY. I'm a retiree and have seen many changes since 1973. As a trainer (classroom and OTJ), I saw many USPS employees struggle with the various rates and options. I can't imagine what Joe Public must go through. Like...endicia?!?!?! I appreciate how clear your explanation is.
I work for usps and I'm 100% about helping my customers find the best rate for shipping the fastest. The cube is an awesome box but it is not going to cost the same as the small flat rate priority box because the cube priority shipping rate is based upon weight and zone. I wish it was flat rate but, as of December 2017, it's not.
EXACTLY!! Thank you for pointing out what I noticed right after the words left his mouth. lol. Not the same pricing. One is flat-rate, the other is weight-rate.
the flat rate boxes are great if you're shipping something relatively heavy, but if what you're shipping is light weight, use a plain box (or an imprinted box wrapped in brown paper) and ship it first class. the light weight items are often cheaper to ship first class than priority mail, and the service levels, priority mail versus first class, are pretty much the same thing. also, the difference in cost between first class and parcel post (fourth class) is usually no more than a nickel or ten cents for light weight items so you might as well send via first class. i know this because i used to sell chocolates on ebay and became familiar with first class versus priority mail versus parcel post shipping.
Just to clarify the cube and the bigger large box are NOT flat rate. Their prices are determined by weight and distance traveling. In most cases though if you have an item that won't quite fit in the small flat rate the cube is almost always cheaper than either medium flat rate box. You kind of have to watch out with that large non flat rate one though. Be aware of how heavy the items inside are. I have had a few instances where it was cheaper to split up a customer's shipment into a couple flat rate boxes than leaving them in the big one. And when in doubt you can always take a plain box in with you to use if another shipping option is cheaper.
A box that often gets overlooked is the USPS board game box. It’s about the width of the rectangular medium flat rate, but almost twice as long. I believe the cost is about $18 to send. If you sell wholesale clothing lots on sites like eBay, you can stuff about 20 pieces inside. Works great for quilts and blankets too.
USPS Regional A and Regional B boxes are a HUGE bargain that most people pass up on. Most of the time, it's way cheaper than using a medium or large flat rate box.
yes, the regional boxes are the best-kept secret for Priority Mail ! I rarely use flat rate boxes and even then it's only the Large Flat Rate Box, also nicknamed the "Game Box." Otherwise, using a regional box has saved me and my customers hundreds of shipping dollars!
The lady at the PO couldn't explain the regional thing to me so I hit up Google now i love it (especially since I sell succulent soil which * can * be heavy!)
I'm a window clerk and I don't know how the regional boxes work. Neither does the lead clerk or my boss! I rarely see anyone use them. If they come in prepaid we just scan the tracking. I'd like to understand how they work too so I can explain it to people. And yes mailing is confusing. I have to bring in my own stuff and have it weighed to see what is the best way (cheapest) to get it somewhere. I don't buy stuff to mail if it doesn't fit in a flat rate. I put all my Christmas gifts in one flat rate and send it to one relative in Florida. All the gifts fit in that one box. They are given out to other relatives when they visit the person who received the box. If I were to buy on Amazon I would skip the wrapping and have it mailed directly to that person. I'd also tell them to be on the look out for a package.
@@lisa9867 Wow. That's crazy? Are you in a small town? The shipping is very confusing. Recently, a customer was trying to figure something out at the counter, she was looking up at the big sign behind the counter. The clerk said, "Don't look at that, that's confusing, just tell me what you need." Everyone inside burst out laughing but I thought wow, ok, it's not just me. I fear I've been overcharged repeatedly but I can't blame the clerks. They don't have the time to correct everyone's packages to help us achieve the best rates. It's really unfortunate. If you figure out any tips please let us know. Thanks for all you do. Merry Christmas!
I appreciate the effort, but there's a lot of misinformation in this video. Regional is not flat rate and if you have to ship a hat, which will be under 16oz, do so First Class as it's much cheaper. Hope this helps.
i was a little confused on this myself, he made the small cube sound like a direct replacement for a small flat rate? but i'm assuming it's not a 70 lb flat rate
I have an issue on some of the shipping boxes. First, the first small box you used in the demo is a "small flat rate," which no matter how much it weighs will always be $7.20 (as of 8/25)... the small "cube" box is a mailing box, and WILL be charged by weight. Sometimes it'll be less than the small flat rate, but (and in your demo it's obvious) four power banks will most likely push it to around the $10 range depending on destination. They are not the same. Medium flat rate (both) cost $13.60, and the large flat rate (left) is $18.85, where the Regional rate box (right) ALSO goes by weight and destination. There is also a large flat-rate "board game" box similar to the medium flat-rate, but a lot longer (and mostly during the holidays). How do I know? I work for USPS. :)
Is there a minimum charge for the "cube"?. 😧 I think I've been duped again. I guess USPS can use all the extra pennies they can get they're hands on. At my closest local offices no one explains this stuff. They just overcharge every time. They never say, "Good citizen, use this box and stop throwing your money away. "
I use all the different boxes to ship with no matter what name is on it. That way boxes are always free. The key is get brown paper bags from the grocery stores and wrap them. Also saving you on shipping wrapping paper.
Really depends on size and distance on which service will be cheaper. And it really helps to have a business account through fedex. Also, USPS regional rates can save you big money. Saved us a lot with sending laptops vs med flat rate.
As someone who ships gifts to northern Illinois and New Hampshire this video was very helpful. I did not realize there was such a big difference in the sizes of the large boxes that cost the same to ship. Thank you.
You're right. If you shipped a few power banks as he suggested, using the cube box, the shipping cost would be calculated by weight and distance. So, unless you're shipping a short distance, the cube box would probably cost more than say, a medium flat rate box. But for shipping lighter items, like a hat as he also suggested, it's very likely the cube box would cost less to ship than flat rate.
I had no idea that USPS was cheaper and that the cube boxes existed. Thank you for all your knowledge. You can dance if you want to...let your happiness shine. Happy holidays!
It was actually a Regional C box, not a flat rate (look closely at wording on box), which is very expensive to ship unless you're shipping very, very close AND very light weight.
Steve is right, that Regional C box you're referring to would have cost a fortune to ship to California from NY... The Large Flat Rate costs the same anywhere in the continental US. Not only that but USPS doesn't even make or ship Regional Box C's since January of 2016...
No. That wasn't correct information. Regional rate boxes are NOT flat rate anywhere in the US--they are flat rate by REGION. Use the USPS shipping calculator to determine if there are savings; don't just expect them.
I work for USPS the boxes that say flat rate are flat rate, the boxes that say mailing box are charged by weight. When sending steal car parts a flat rate box is cheeper. If sending large, light items any box you have will be cheeper that a flat rate box.
I ship almost everything (3 to 4 pounds) via regional A and it costs me $7 to $10. Except to CA, WA, TX, AR (I'm in NY), for those, I use "flat rate medium" for $12.80+. You get low rates by using commercial plus pricing. and you can get that by using a hub like shipstation, etc.
I RECEIVE packages far more times than shipping them, so I can only address the 'normal' delivery side of these businesses' practices. In spite of what is said in this video, it has been my personal experience (ROUTINELY) that most of the time the USPS delivers packages SOONER than expected, and not later. If the package arrives at their nearby distribution point earlier than their original estimate, they get it transferred overnight to the local post office for delivery to me the very next day. I have noticed with both UPS and FedEx, they will give you an expected delivery date upon shipping, and then promptly get it delivered to their local distribution center and SIT ON IT (sometimes for as long as a week) because it wasn't scheduled for delivery any sooner. I've also noticed the USPS keeps their tracking service more accurate and up to date than the other two. I'll take the USPS over UPS or FedEx any day, and no, I'm not an employee of the postal service. I'm just someone who pays attention to how these organizations do (or don't do) their work.
I used to use the free USPS boxes, folded inside-out, when shipping UPS or FedEx, or even shipping non-priority USPS. Unfortunately they wised up, and the insisdes are now printed w/ USPS identifiers. Foiled again!
Note: the large box example mentions the word Regional on the bigger one, so that one is likely limited in distance compared to the other. So if your sending to more remote destination (ie:Hawaii, Alsaka), might not be useable..be advised.
I see people standing in line at the USPS all the time they usually get hosed with shipping as I have noticed the USPS employees always upsell or just automatically suggest the higher rates. Never ship at the post office do it on your computer you get a big discount. For the ebay shippers when you are shipping always enter the weight and go to the compare shipping to see what is the cheapest (and thru ebay you can ship 1st class up to 1lb and the PO I think it is only 13oz which can be a lot of money saved) . If you need to cram it to fit it though spend the extra money so you don't POff your customers. Always play with your shipping because over a year your savings can really add up. Another thing some ebayer's don't know if you pay extra for a store every quarter you can get $25 free shipping supplies.And the last thing I don't think regional rate C is around anymore.
John Doe If it's 13 oz or less it can go first class. Depending on the distance, generally it will arrive in 2-3 days. Over 13 oz it will go priority, 1-3 days depending on distance. Packages between 108" and 130" length + girth must be shipped ground and generally take about a week (Alaska takes 2-3 weeks ground).
Wait! You stopped dancing because some people said they didn't like it? Matt, if dancing is in you, it has to come out. You can't stifle it. Let it go! Some of us like the dancing...
+VonDa in Wonderland - "I've found that it's less if I have my own box." Yes, that can be true, but not always. Mostly it depends on the destination and final weight of the package you are shipping, and which USPS box you choose (compared to using your own box). First, if you choose a USPS Priority Mail box that *DOES NOT* say "Flat Rate", you will be charged based on weight and distance, at the same rate as if you used your own box. So, it doesn't matter if the box is a plain box that you purchased, or a re-used box, or a USPS Printed Priority Mail *NON-Flat-Rate* box, like a USPS "Mailing Box", the shipping cost is calculated using the same rate, by weight and the distance to the destination. For lighter weight items it will (nearly) always cost less if you *DON'T* use a "Flat Rate" box, so use the smallest box possible that allows you fit the item with padding if necessary to safely protect your item. Here are some examples: 1 pound from Washington DC to Chula Vista, California By weight and distance: $8.35, packed in any *NON-Flat-Rate* box. By Medium Flat Rate Box: $13.60. 2 pounds from Washington DC to Chicago, Illinois By weight and distance: $8.65, packed in any *NON-Flat-Rate* box. By Medium Flat Rate Box: $13.60. But, if you're shipping something heavy but dense, say something like floor tiles, or tools, then *Flat Rate* will likely cost less. For example: 40 pounds from Washington DC to Chula Vista, California By weight and distance: $97.45, packed in any *NON-Flat-Rate* box. By Large Flat Rate Box $18.85. 60 pounds from Washington DC to Chicago, Illinois By weight and distance: $55.90, packed in any *NON-Flat-Rate* box. By Large Flat Rate Box $18.85.
Wow, I had no idea there were more size boxes for Priority Mail than the few on display at the post office. This make the options much better! Thank you.
are you sure about the small flat rate cube box? it is not labeled on usps website under small flat rate box. It also doesn't say on the box "flat rate", just "mailing box"
I myself ship about 500 items per month and I can tell you that USPS is not always the cheapest definitely not. A lot of the times FedEx ground is cheaper than UPS Priority Mail keep that in mind everyone. Also keep in mind that flat rate boxes are not always the cheapest way to go. Most power bricks weigh under 16 ounces therefore can be shipped first class for about $3.50. My point being check your shipping rates don't just assume the flat rate is always the cheapest cuz a lot of times it's not.
No more Flat Rate "C". The "A" and "B" are a cheap alternative to Medium Flat Rate if you are sending to a nearby zone, like 1 to maybe 4, but you have to limit "A" to 15 lbs and "B" is 20 lbs. Also, no Post office has the regionals, order them free online USPS.com. You have to print postage online, they cannot rate them at the counter!
maybe next time I go to my local post office, I will try their shipping box, not bring my own box, but I have to tape & seal the package to the recip anyways. thanks! great money saving tip.
I always have the problem where the USPS boxes are just a bit too small for what I am shipping. ... Why are the boxes designed to be smaller than needed? An extra .25" on the length, width, and height should not make a major difference for shipping the box.
C box Eliminated at the time of this video not the same price. Flat rate box, one price no matter how far, no matter how heavy. Not very far, not very heavy, not a good deal
That larger flat rate box was discontinued before this video was even made. Also - USPS is NOT always the cheapest option. It depends on the origin, destination, size and weight. You cannot say which shipper is cheapest especially with USPSs recent rate increase. In general, smaller boxes will have USPS ahead. Unless you're shipping something extremely heavy and can use a flat rate, a box around the size of the medium flat rate will be cheaper with FedEx or UPS. For me, FedEx almost always ends up being the cheapest option with UPS nearly tied.
Nice tips. Here's another one, at least in my case. It is more expensive to ship UPS through your account, then just out of your account. Online with a CC instead of having an account. I don't know why. I spoke to 7 different people at UPS and NO ONE could tell me why.
Another thing to note if you already paid for shipping from usps online and slap the label on a box UPS will ship it no problem. They won’t charge you extra I find that my local post office closes 3 hours before the UPS Store does and went there thinking I might have to repay for shipping however they took my package and handed me a receipt for what I already paid and told me to have a good day I checked tracking the next day and it was shipped. Receipt at got it no problems. All these companies end up shipping through USPS and have to do so per their agreement with the US Government. Hope this helps someone.
One thing that is the truth...People WAIT TIL THE VERY LAST MINUTE TO SHIP.....then they complain and complain and complain about the cost. It is no one's fault but their own when they have to pay a high price IN A LOT OF SITUATIONS. I absolutly love all 3...Fed Ex, UPS and the USPS!!! and I love buying new stamps!!!
Sorry buddy, but I'm a FedEx Driver and we handle US Mail and (of course) our own packages. We are more than happy to accept a USPS or UPS box as long as it has a paid FedEx Airbill or label on it. Why would we tick off a customer because of the box they used? Same goes for USPS and UPS...we are all WAY to busy to be bumping packages back to the customer because of the box they used. It's one thing if the box is severely damaged or looks suspicious but we don't want to upset a customer simply for the box they used. I received both USPS boxes and UPS labeled boxes all the time. When I receive a UPS box I will use blank printing labels and cover their logo and their customer service numbers but that's not even required of me, I simply don't want the UPS logo being seen. By the way, this is in no way a criticism of any UPS or USPS.....we all work very hard, it's not as easy as one might think. Despite people having an issue with one company or another the vast majority of us work very hard to take care of our customers, but their will always be haters.
If it's under a pound use first class. If it's over a pound but under 20 pounds use Priority Mail Cubic or Priority Mail(not flat rate). If its over 20lbs and under 70 use a flat rate. You can get commercial rate pricing over at pirateship.com , they'll save you a few bucks which adds up quick if you're shipping a lot of items.
I'm curious.. What's the 5th shipping secret? 1 -- Carriers dislike other carriers' packaging (Sorta, but really only USPS can get away with not delivering it) 2 -- When ordering online, ship directly to your giftee (True) 3 -- 2-3 days is not necessarily 2-3 days (During the holidays yes, otherwise false (again, except for USPS)) 4 -- Different size boxes exist (... True, but, why does this need to be said?) 5 -- Profit?? Shippers don't dance? Different size boxes exist again?
Hi. Thanks for watching the whole video I appreciate it. My 2-3 shipping comment was about USPS. I ship at least 15 packages per week via USPS so it's correct during the non holiday shipping times. #4 was exploit the difficult to be found "cube box" when possible since it fits much more than a small USPS box for virtually the same rate. And #5 was... there are often two "medium" and two "large" box configurations for the same or similar rates.
Umm, the difference in the price was because you were comparing REGIONAL rates to regular rate priority mail. REGIONAL rate priority is only for within CERTAIN REGIONS.
U-Line has shipping boxes. Heavy duty construction or a lighter duty version. Personally, I don't care how much it costs to ship. (I mean, it costs what it costs). I prefer that the merchandise I'm shipping to my destination, arrives intact. USPS carriers are not supposed to mis-handle parcels (tossing and stacking) but, they handle more delivery packages around the holidays than the rest of the year combined. Real life dictates that a properly prepared, secured and packaged item, will arrive safely to it's destination. Otherwise it ends up in a pile with ten thousand other shoddily prepared over stuffed mis-fit parcels, in a land called "busted open improperly prepared parcelville warehouse". As far as re-shipping from Amazon (or other locations), again, I'd prefer to prepare the package for re-delivery and afford the additional expense. All the shipping employees are paid ok, and each has their job to do (God Bless them all) but I take the responsibility to assure the best possible "packing job" is done in such a way so I can sleep at night. PS Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ. (who can comprehend this?) so typically, I mail my important gift packages about 7 to 10 days into the new year. To me, this make sense.
The large Box you show is NOT a LARGE FLAT RATE BOX its a Regional Box C - It even shows that in your video ANYTHING larger than a medium flat rate box (EG Large Flat Rate) costs LESS via UPS Standard (though you must have a UPS account but it do even a small amount of shipping UPS will give you a 50% discount over the retail rate at a UPS store.
