USPS three day vs USPS ground

[neighborhood_bike_works_philadelphia]

I'm getting some push back on the cost for shipping small items three day USPS priority. What are peoples thoughts on switching to USPS ground. It does lower the cost. Has anyone else tried this?

I realize in a day and age of Amazon two day free shipping people don't realize the actual cost of shipping something. 

Thanks.

[orangehound]

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@neighborhood_bike_works_philadelphia wrote:

I'm getting some push back on the cost for shipping small items three day USPS priority. What are peoples thoughts on switching to USPS ground. It does lower the cost. Has anyone else tried this?

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Priority Mail is usually cheaper for packages under a cubic foot, or in zones 1-4 (until dimensional rates begin applying this Summer).

[nobody*s_perfect]

The difference between the two services (Priority Mail vs Parcel Select Ground)  is less than a dollar, so it's not worth considering. Are you using First Class package for your items that ship up to 1 pound?

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

[richard1rst]

If by USPS ground you mean USPS Parcel Select (what used to be called Parcel Post) you will find that unless the package is heavy and/or over 1 cubic foot there will be NO savings and it will take longer to get there

You describe it as “small”. But what is the weight? If it is under 16 ounces you can use First class mail and that will be cheaper.

If over 16 ounces, then investigate Regional or Flat Rate boxes and envelopes.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@orangehound wrote: ... Priority Mail is usually cheaper for packages under a cubic foot, or in zones 1-4 ...

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I don't know of any examples of Priority Mail being cheaper than Parcel Select for packages of the same weight/zone.

[nobody*s_perfect]

I checked a few of your listings and the shipping and handling costs don't match any USPS prices. Have you added a handling fee?

EDIT: The listing for Suntour Con Shifters seems to be charging a postage cost for 1 pound via Priority Mail plus a $2 handling fee.  If that item is indeed not over a pound, it could ship for under $6  as a First Class package. A $2 handling fee is unusual especially if you're shipping via Priority, which provides free boxes.

[neighborhood_bike_works_philadelphia]

Thanks, this makes sense and first class is much more cost effective.

[nobody*s_perfect]

The eBay postage calculator in listings defaults to show the retail price, so if you print your labels through eBay, there's a built-in handling fee. At current rates for First Class packages, it averages about $1.

[mvls1]

If you are a TRS then many time priority rates are less expensive then parcel select. TRS get an additional 3% discount on the priority postage rates. Unless the package weight gets up above 3 pounds it is almost always less to ship priority for us.

[nobody*s_perfect]

But the OP is't a TRS, so it makes no sense to tell him that Priority is "usually cheaper." He's paying the regular USPS rates.

[orangehound]

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@nobody*s_perfect wrote:

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@orangehound wrote: ... Priority Mail is usually cheaper for packages under a cubic foot, or in zones 1-4 ...

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I don't know of any examples of Priority Mail being cheaper than Parcel Select for packages of the same weight/zone.

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@nobody*s_perfect 

Sorry.  I should have clarified ... I was not writing about retail rates, but commercial rates with eBay TRS discounts.

For example, 3 pounds to Zone 4 using Priority Mail with eBay TRS discounts is $8.09 ... that same package shipped Parcel Select will cost $8.24.

Even without the TRS discount, the commercial rate for Priority Mail is typically right around the Parcel Select rate, and there is really no advantage to saving a few pennies.  In my example, the commercial rate for Priority Mail would be $8.34 ... so for 10 cents more, you get insurance, faster delivery, and better exposure for your listing.

[nobody*s_perfect]

Yes,  Priority and Parcel Select prices are very close,  so giving a 3% discount on Priority makes  it cheaper than Parcel Select.    

But that's a moot point for the OP, who is not a TRS.  Telling him that Priority is "usually cheaper" is incorrect, since it won't be cheaper for him. HIS prices for Priority will never be lower than Parcel Select, because he's paying the published rates (whether retail or Commercial).