Can I use a Priority Mail "Express" paid label on a USPS "Priority" box?

[alittlesomething4everyone]

Can I use a Priority Mail "Express" paid label on a USPS "Priority" box?

Thanks

[lintbrush* · Accepted solution]

No, the boxes are to be used for the appropriate services.

And if you tried, that Priority Box might cause a visual delay for the Express service.  

USPS does have some Express Mail supplies on hand.  You can also use your own box.

If it's the Percussion Pad, don't forget to get Signature Confirmation.

[sam9876]

Signature service is automatically included with Express Mail unless you waive it.

[alittlesomething4everyone]

Great thank you. Moreover, thank you for the advice on the percussion pad. I sold it already and chose extra insurance for the full value and the signature option. I sent it USPS Priority.

[alittlesomething4everyone]

I didn't know that. Thank you.

[sam9876]

What was the insurance for?

[alittlesomething4everyone]

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@sam9876 wrote:

What was the insurance for?

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The drum pad sold for $775.00 so as the seller before I shipped it I got that much insurance coverage to protect myself. Good move?

[sam9876]

What does insurance protect you from?

[alittlesomething4everyone]

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@sam9876 wrote:

What does insurance protect you from?

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I used the ShipCover option to protect my $775.00 investment from damage or loss. Though I'm not covered in cases of Military action or Nuclear war. 😉 Is there something I'm missing?

[lja440]

It depends on the box. There are several Duel Use boxes available such as the Priority/Express mail tubes. And some Express Flat Rate options. 

In a pinch I think you could probably us them and add Express tape on all sides. Not saying I recommend this and you may get a side eye or two. But misusing Priority Mailers is usually done in an attempt to pay less postage, where with Express you of course would be paying more.

[lintbrush*]

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@sam9876 wrote:

What does insurance protect you from?

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Loss or shipping damage due to carrier negligence.

Yes, the do lose packages, but not often.  And yes, USPS can mangle a package.  

$775 could be a tough loss for many.

Yes, I know you know why to get insurance, and everyone has their own threshholds for loss and/or how they choose to cover the potential loss.  For this value, I'm with the seller.  

[sam9876]

How much does that insurance cost?

What are the odds of a package being lost or damaged?

[alittlesomething4everyone]

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@sam9876 wrote:

How much does that insurance cost?

What are the odds of a package being lost or damaged?

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Being new to eBay and shipping honestly, I had no idea if I needed the insurance or not.

I spent around $13.00 for the insurance coverage 1.7% of my sale price.

If USPS is super reliable then potentially it would be better to skip the insurance then eventually take a loss as the cost of doing business.

Honestly, I don't see me making another $775.00 sale from stuff in my garage.

I am however trying to learn best practices from knowledgeable sellers as I plan to sell as a part-time job.

[lja440]

Sam, when I started out I didn't have anything in my risk fund. I decided that the amount I was willing to risk was around $200. Lower items I would take the risk, but I started adding 5% of the trending prices to my starting point instead of carrier insurance. I did buy carrier insurance on a few items that sold for around $600. I can now easily eat that amount from my risk fund.

I would recommend that new sellers work toward a self insurance fund or go to a 3rd party insurer like shipcover.