USPS rate increases for 2020

[steelernation2007]

Here we go again. It's getting to be almost an automatic thing every year. Rates for Priority Mail are hiking up again. I fear that in just a few years a small flat rate box is going to cost $10.00. Every cost keeps going up for us as sellers. For me the increase will be absorbed personally rather than passed onto customers because I always offer free shipping. I can't take the chance of losing more business.

https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2019/1009-usps-announces-new-prices-for-2020.htm

[extrememobility · Accepted solution]

I take it you  heard that UPS is also increasing there rate 5% AND adding a $25.00 surcharge to anything weighing over 50 lbs?  That is substantial!

[alcoforever]

Food, gasoline, rent and taxes are going up also.

[nobody*s_perfect]

In addition to that news release from last October, you might want to review the complete approved set of rates here:

https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/January%202020%20-%20Notice123.pdf

One significant change is that "dimensional weight" will now be applied to packages shipped via Retail Ground, as well as to Priority Mail and Parcel Select Ground.

[steelernation2007]

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@alcoforever wrote:

Food, gasoline, rent and taxes are going up also.

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I take it you are just trying to be dismissive and flippant with that remark.

[mtgraves7984]

I understand the increase, but I choose USPS with every shipment. I receive great service, it's done from my home and it's easy for a buyer and seller to keep an eye on movement.

I do NOT offer free shipping. It's a separate line item; it's a valid cost... why tell anyone something ships for free?

[steelernation2007]

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@nobody*s_perfect wrote:

In addition to that news release from last October, you might want to review the complete approved set of rates here:

https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/January%202020%20-%20Notice123.pdf

One significant change is that "dimensional weight" will now be applied to packages shipped via Retail Ground, as well as to Priority Mail and Parcel Select Ground.

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It's sort of like mission creep. Every year they tack on a few new surcharges and rules to see what customers will tolerate or accept. If one thing sticks, they will add more next year.

[steelernation2007]

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@mtgraves7984 wrote:

I understand the increase, but I choose USPS with every shipment. I receive great service, it's done from my home and it's easy for a buyer and seller to keep an eye on movement.

I do NOT offer free shipping. It's a separate line item; it's a valid cost... why tell anyone something ships for free?

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I'll tell you why. Because for the buyer it's free and that's what matters most. It moves product faster.

[divwido]

Considering the cost of flying mail all over the US and sorting it too plus all those trucks-it's really not that bad.  

[steelernation2007]

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@extrememobility wrote:

I take it you  heard that UPS is also increasing there rate 5% AND adding a $25.00 surcharge to anything weighing over 50 lbs?  That is substantial!

I just heard about that. Fedex also. I try to avoid using either of those shippers for anything.

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[pink.fish.rule]

Hmm.yet again moved to Shipping & Returns board because god forbid any SELLERS might need a heads up.

[m60driver]

The ever increasing parcel rates means that inevitably many items will become more competitive in stores where the store can purchase in bulk and also receive a substantial discount from the parcel delivery services.  Ebay only passes on a small percentage of their parcel rates discounts to sellers.  This is but one point where Ebay's business model is less competitive than Amazons.  The trend is clear and the only response will be to slowly cut out some products for sale.  Resistance is futile.

[steelernation2007]

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@pink.fish.rule wrote:
Hmm.yet again moved to Shipping & Returns board because god forbid any SELLERS might need a heads up.

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Right, I found that puzzling as well. 

[johnrj1226]

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@steelernation2007 wrote:

Here we go again. It's getting to be almost an automatic thing every year. Rates for Priority Mail are hiking up again. I fear that in just a few years a small flat rate box is going to cost $10.00. Every cost keeps going up for us as sellers. For me the increase will be absorbed personally rather than passed onto customers because I always offer free shipping. I can't take the chance of losing more business.

https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2019/1009-usps-announces-new-prices-for-2020.htm

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There was a time when -

1. a McDonald's plain hamburger was 15 cents - a nickle more for a cheese burger.

2.  had summer jobs building Ford Mustang - '65  thru '67 for $2.54 to $2.67/hour (union scale  rates).

3.   4-1/2 years of college was and average of $1048.00/year ( tuition, room & board, books).

4. After graduation with an engineering degree  was paid $650.00 per month - no OT pay - just get the  tasks done on or before due date.

4.  my first  house (new) was $19,900 - Chicago area.

5.  A six pack of Coke cost  more than a six pack of Bud ( the sin taxes for rapid transit system corrected that real fast)

6.  could go on  forever

In a nut shell everything goes up with time.

PS:  Since USPS, UPS, FedEx rates go up for all sellers just don't  adsorb the  increase in shipping cost at the expense of your profit - your total amount the buyer pays  whether free ship or separate ship needs to go up.