USPS Media Mail: Understanding Content and Shipping Restrictions

Shipping books, DVDs and other media? Then, USPS Media Mail is a cost-effective solution small businesses like yours need to know about. What is Media Mail? Known as Book Rate from the pre-digital age (and still commonly referred to Book Rate among booksellers), Media Mail offers low rates to ship media items – such as […]

Understanding USPS Balloon Pricing

When it comes to USPS pricing, size matters. For the most part, heavier packages weigh more. However, certain exceptions exist … and that’s where USPS Balloon Pricing comes in. What is USPS Balloon Pricing? Is your Priority Mail package – Lighter than 20 pounds? – Measure between 84 and 108 inches in combined length and […]

USPS SCAN Forms: How They Work, Benefits & Restrictions

If you’re shipping multiple packages at the same time, using the USPS SCAN Form can streamline the process from both a shipping and customer-service perspective. When using a SCAN form, you’ll automatically create an “acceptance” scan that shows you and your buyer that the package has officially entered the USPS mailstream – which isn’t always […]

How to Use the USPS Shipping Calculator

You’ve made a sale! And now it’s time to ship your merchandise to your customer – Whether you’re a new online business owner or simply interested in exploring your shipping options, the breadth of choices can feel overwhelming at first glance. Rather than worrying about price charts and the different service levels available, try using […]

How to Reduce Your Shipping Filler and Packing Materials Costs

If you’ve ever had an apple squash a sandwich in your lunch bag, you can understand why shipping filler and packing materials are so important to the shipping process. Yes, filler helps protect your products from damage during shipping – but beyond that, filler can have a direct impact on both your image as an […]

Shipping Label Options: Plain Paper vs. Adhesive Labels vs. Thermal Printer

As an e-commerce seller, whether you’re selling on a marketplace like Amazon, eBay, Etsy or via your own website, you’re bound to be shipping packages to your customers. And each package will need to include a shipping label. So, what’s the best way to print labels for the merchandise you’re shipping to your customers? Preferences […]

USPS July 2013 Updates

These may be the lazy days of summer, but don’t fall asleep on the job when it comes to your e-commerce business. With several operational changes – though no postage rate increases, make sure you’ve reviewed the latest USPS product and service updates. Here’s a quick overview of these updates. Express Mail Name Changes:  Express […]

Carrier Guidelines for Shipping Alcohol and Tobacco

Several shipping carriers, including the USPS impose restrictions on items such as alcoholic beverages and tobacco.  That being said, there are certain exceptions and online retailers can utilize a few different methods to ship these restricted items to their customers legally.  Read on to learn more. Shipping Alcohol and Tobacco with the USPS Due to […]

Shipping Perfume With The USPS

While you may be able to sell perfume online easily, shipping it to its destination through the U.S. Postal Service may turn out to be a tricky proposition. Perfumes, colognes and fragrances are typically manufactured by combining aromatic oils with alcohol. When exposed to changes in temperature or atmospheric pressure, the alcoholic components can become […]

Is Plastic Or Paper Shipping Tape The Right Choice For Your Business?

Paper or plastic? It’s not just a question heard at your local grocery store! If you ship frequently, whether you’re an online retailer or simply selling household items on eBay, choosing the right shipping tape is important. The two most common types are plastic shipping tape and paper shipping tape. Learn about the benefits of […]