Is anyone still using Priority shipping?

[fern*wood]

I have a ton of Priority boxes in all sizes, but haven't used one in ages.  At first when Ground Advantage rolled out, I thought Priority was still workable for nearby zones, but it must have changed.   Even close by destinations are much higher now.   My supply of plain boxes is no longer adequate.   I'm either going to have to actually buy boxes or pay more for Priority.

What are you guys doing now?

[1786davycrockett]

@fern*wood 

If my buyers prefer Priority to Ground Advantage, I'll definitely adhere to their choice.

Otherwise, I'll simply compare the shipping price between Ground Advantage and Priority, and choose what is cheaper.  

And this may work out advantageously for my buyers, as well -- if an item (or several items) are listed as Ground Advantage, and a buyer purchases a quantity of those items, Priority shipping may save us both some $$$ -- and I'll simply upgrade the shipment to Priority for my buyer, and share the discount with them -- a definite win-win for both of us.

Finally -- some of the items which I sell are "high value" items, and I'll always ship them by Priority, rather than Ground Advantage.

[chevymontecarlo88]

I have used it this morning. Many of my items fit in the priority mail padded envelope. Yes, it does cost me a few dollars more sometimes but I never have issues with long delays (some short ones) and I do enjoy the free packing supplies from USPS.

[greenlakesales]

Buying boxes is not as expensive as you might think.  Amazon Prime has free shipping on boxes and Packaging Price has a very reasonable shipping fee.  Put together 3 or 4 different size boxes in one order and the boxes run less than a dollar each. If you plan to order a bunch, Uline isn't bad either.

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@greenlakesales wrote:

Buying boxes is not as expensive as you might think.  Amazon Prime has free shipping on boxes and Packaging Price has a very reasonable shipping fee.  Put together 3 or 4 different size boxes in one order and the boxes run less than a dollar each. If you plan to order a bunch, Uline isn't bad either.

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If you opt to ship via GA, Walmart and Uhaul stores possess a substantial quantity of new boxes that are affordable. (YMMV) For me, the cost of the boxes is not as significant as the speed at which the items arrive, although Free is Free. Additionally, insurance coverage up to $100 is also included. (YMMV)

I found decent boxes here on eBay that were great and Uline does offer specific sizes that are hard to find. Although Uline does charge shipping on them which can make them rather expensive.

[buyselljack2016]

I ship mostly other than Priority. I am also sitting with Priority boxes that I likely won't ever use. Many are not "flat rate" so as they do not stock the non flat rate for customer convenience/savings the PO does not want them. I suppose I could sneak them into an unattended PO for others to use.

I buy plain cardboard boxes in bulk to ship GA for those items that fit. In most instances, the cost of a plain box saves compared to the additional cost for Priority shipping. As my time is near worthless, I also spend some time building boxes from larger one that I obtain at no cost.

[mybigsale]

@fern*wood 

Re: Is anyone still using Priority shipping?

No. But I am sure I will have situations where it will make more sense than Ground Advantage.

I have read many negative posts concerning Ground Advantage shipping time and lost packages... 

Previously shipped almost exclusively Priority Mail, except for packages under 1 pound. Now I ship almost exclusively Ground Advantage (since the USPS changes). From my experience with Ground Advantage:

1. Buyer reviews still mention my fast shipping.

2. No complaints received regarding slow mail.

3. No lost mail.

4. Ground advantage also includes the $100 coverage.

5. Still have a stash of eBay "Free" store credit boxes from those Priority Mail only years... still think it will be more economical finding boxes and using ground advantage. I haven't noticed any reduction in service as compared to Priority Mail.

[lakefor94]

The last priority box I used was a small flat rate box.

Also sitting on quite the impressive priority box selection here as well. I ordered a LOT in March 2020....... way too many as it turns out.

I don't know what to do with them. I might try to offer them up to the pack-n-ship joint down the road.

[greenlakesales]

The post office will accept any Priority Boxes you do not need anymore, at least mine did.

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[rileydone]

I have a lot of Priority boxes, of various sizes, that are not being used since GA has been working out really well for my shipping needs. The Priority Rate Box A have been working out as extra storage for items that I haven't listed yet.

[stainlessenginecovers]

2011 to 2014 I shipped PURELY Priority. 2015 I discovered I could buy Bubble Manila Envelopes for about .50c each (200 at a time, 3 sizes) and ship 'First Class'.

When GA came around, I bought Boxes (20x6x6, 11x9x5, 13x9x7, 24x8x5, 20x10x6) all for about $1 each (100 at a time) and now save (passed on to buyers when not running 'free shipping') quite a bit.

What would now cost $19 Priority is $11 GA

What would cost $12 Priority is $8 GA

Well worth the 'box' and 'envelope' purchases. 

[candd205]

When I moved, I just returned all the priority boxes to the post office. I just left them on the counter. I figured if the post office didn't want them, then other regular people would see them and take what they could use. I hate for things like this to go to the landfill.