If you’re like most people, you’d probably like to spend less on things like shipping boxes and postage this year. That way, you’ll have more to spend on actual gifts. Here are some ways you can save time and money when it comes time to sending all those holiday shipping boxes.
Send your shipping boxes as soon as possible
Why? Because the slowest shipping speed for shipping boxes, unless something incredibly strange is going on at the post office, will be the cheapest choice. Of course, using the slowest option for shipping boxes means that you’ll have to be ready to send your packages early. But you know when Christmas is, right? It’s the same date it was last year and the year before. That’s where planning ahead will help you save money.
Print your shipping boxes postage online
One of the coolest new features that the more Web-friendly USPS offers is the ability for you to print your own shipping labels for your shipping boxes. This was done in response to companies like Stamps.com, who were the first to offer stamps and labels online. The good news is that the USPS has made it even easier. Unlike Stamps.com, you don’t need to pay for the service and you don’t need to download any special software. You’ll also get the chance to take advantage of shipping specials the post office may be running.
Use the right options when shipping boxes
Priority Mail is always fast, right? Not really. Priority Mail isn’t guaranteed to be there in two or three days. All Priority Mail means is that it’s first-class mail for packages that are over a pound. But it’s not always the best deal. Consider Media Mail for shipping boxes. That’s usually the best way to ship things like DVDs and CDs cheaply.
Compare Shipping Rates
If you’re like most people, then you probably have one preferred shipper, whether it’s the USPS, UPS or FedEx, for all your shipping boxes. But the next time you have to ship something, check out sites like ShipGooder. Enter the size, weight and preferred date of arrival and you’ll find out what shipping service will give you the best deal.
Hit the post office at non-peak hours
Opening, lunchtime and closing are when the post office is usually packed. Save time by avoiding those times. If you can get there in mid-morning or mid-afternoon, you’ll not only be able to drop off your shipping boxes quickly but they may also get processed quicker.
Use light packing material
Poly foam offers great protection for shipping boxes, but it may not be necessary for more rugged items, like books. For glass items, bubble wrap may work. And sometimes you can get by with ultra-light packing peanuts. Take time to think about what you’re shipping and compare prices of packing material.
Don’t go with next-day delivery
Do you really need your gift to get there on December 25? Will people really care? Ok, we can see why it’s important to have your gifts arrive on Christmas. But in other situations, it may not be as important. Many people think that their tax returns have to arrive on April 15. But they don’t. The products really only need to be postmarked by April 15.
