I had something similar recently. I received a phone call from a repeat buyer in another state. He wanted to thank me for the excellent shipping that I have done with his purchases. See, I normally only charge $4.95 for almost everything. Yet when something sells for over $400, I send it Priority w/Signature Conf because I use a third-party insurance company that is about 10% of what the USPS charges. I eat the extra cost which is about $10. This insurance company also requires I double-box everything and have Signature Confirmation. It's worth it with the huge savings I get on the rate.
Yes, it was a great surprise to have this guy take the time to call me and let me know what a fine job in shipping I have done compared to several other sellers he has gotten things from. Being a retired Postmaster of 33 years, I also have a good understanding of how packages are handled at the processing plants, the various types of parcel-handling equipment, etc. I basically "over" package items. I have been doing it this way for over 20,000 shipments and 25 years. It's not rocket science, but I continually am amazed at how poorly sellers ship items to me that I buy. But that's just me.
Some advice on shipping - Think Amazon. Think like a business. Use only new packaging, don't reuse. Overpackage. Use extra tape. Place a clear 4" piece of packing tape over the address and half the tracking number.(This protects the most important part of the mailing label.) Pad contents like an NFL player was throwing it for a touchdown. Use packing tape on all the closable flaps on UPS and USPS provided boxes. The adhesive that comes on the box may not hold. Mark your boxes with 4" bright FRAGILE or DO NOT BEND label. Make your package stand out, especially small, padded bags. Sometimes they get stuck at the bottom of a mail bag and will be seen better by having a bright yellow or red label on them by the mail dumping clerk. I also mark everything Fragile whether it is or not. And I sell mainly coins! Who would think a package contains coins that is marked fragile. Just some suggestions!
Thanks for sharing!
mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999
