Getting the P.O. to pick up my package

[dina4680]

I never used the labels before but I will do so today as I cannot get to the P.O.  My local PO as well as the toll free number are not answering thier phones. How can I get them to pick up my package? It's parcel post, thry will only pick up priority mail. Thank you.

[dhbookds]

you could try to "catch" your mailman when he comes and he might take it.....but they aren't going to send someone out to get it.

[chapeau-noir]

Normally, of course, you'd schedule for priority pick up, but if you have a good relationship with your letter carrier she/he may just go ahead and take your package for you. If you schedule for priority, they may even do so, anyway, given how things are right now.  

ETA:  Ours would pick up when they deliver - but you'd have to nab them if you can.  I've taken packages in for neighbours, but you'd have to know a neighbour going that way anyway (everyone on my road knows I have a mail order business).

[mr_lincoln]

@dina4680   Parcel Post?  I think you mean Parcel Select don't you?  If so then Void the first label and print a Priority mail label through either eBay or PayPal.  The voided label cost will be credited back to your account in 14 days or less once the tracking number does NOT show up on a carrier scan.  You get a discount for printing you label on eBay-PayPal and unless the package is very big and very heavy and going to a distant shipping Zone you will actually pay a little less for the Priority Label ...

Once you have the Priority mail label I believe you can schedule a pick up the USPS site (at least that is what I seem to recall reading somewhere).

[wastingtime101]

You have to schedule pickups a day in advance before 12 am pacific time; you can't do it the same day of shipment.

Register an account at USPS.com and schedule pickups there, or you can do it through eBay after printing your shipping label (see screenshot).

[lex-talon]

If you have a good relationship with your mail carrier, he/she should be willing to accomodate you. You could also schedule a pickup at USPS.com. Choose Returns as your package option.

[chapeau-noir]

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@mr_lincoln wrote:

@dina4680   Parcel Post?  I think you mean Parcel Select don't you?  If so then Void the first label and print a Priority mail label through either eBay or PayPal.  The voided label cost will be credited back to your account in 14 days or less once the tracking number does NOT show up on a carrier scan.  You get a discount for printing you label on eBay-PayPal and unless the package is very big and very heavy and going to a distant shipping Zone you will actually pay a little less for the Priority Label ...

Once you have the Priority mail label I believe you can schedule a pick up the USPS site (at least that is what I seem to recall reading somewhere).

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That's true - if you're using parcel select it's no savings over priority.  Plus the package will move faster, and since there's a time lag between calling for pick up and your letter carrier actually picking up, it'll all come out even.

You'll get the funds back from your voided label in about a week or so.

[wastingtime101]

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@chapeau-noir wrote:

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You'll get the funds back from your voided label in about a week or so.

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More like three weeks.

[chapeau-noir]

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@wastingtime101 wrote:

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@chapeau-noir wrote:

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You'll get the funds back from your voided label in about a week or so.

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More like three weeks.

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I've gotten funds back in about a week the last few times - I recall when it used to be 2-3 weeks, though.  Might depend on various factors.

[long-gone]

These should answer all of your questions. Hope this helps.

They also will pick up First Class packages not just Priority.

https://tools.usps.com/schedule-pickup-steps.htm

https://usps.force.com/faq/s/article/What-is-Package-Pickup

[nobody*s_perfect]

I agree with the advice to cancel the label for Parcel Select Ground and purchase a label for Priority Mail.  You'll find that the prices are nearly identical.  The second table below shows the rates for Parcel Select Ground.

http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/notice123.pdf

[fern*wood]

...plus Priority includes insurance.  I can't imagine offering ground service (unless you sell perfume) over Priority or 1st class.

[dina4680]

Awesome! How do I find out what zone  my package is going to? It's going to IL 60014 from NJ 07052. Thanks! 

[nobody*s_perfect]

You don't need to know the zone.  Any online label provider will figure that out for you. Just as with eBay, you enter the package weight and dimensions and the buyer's address, and the label provider does the rest.

But if you ever do want to know a buyer's zone (for instance, to figure your totals costs for a best offer on a listing with free shipping) you can generate your own handy personalized one-page Zone chart here:

https://postcalc.usps.com/DomesticZoneChart

[scstool]

OP, do you realize you are paying a final value fee on your shipping even if the shipping cost is hidden within "free Shipping"? You are also paying more at the PO and doing a lot more work. I find many advantages advantages using the Ebay shipping system. The only time I go elsewhere is when I can save a lot using a shipper who offers cubic box and cubic softpack pricing.