Hi folks. I'm attempting to determine the best way to use USPS for my deliveries. I think my best bet is going to be either "click-n-ship", or "USPS Shipping Assistant" program. I'm looking for a way to print postage, delivery confirmation, and shipping labels. I'd also like to manually enter as little data as possible.
Is anyone using either of these? If so, any information is GREATLY appreciated! ThanX!!
I use stamps.com for my USPS shipments because I prefer the easy to use interface and the ability to upload my logo to show up next to the return address (and a few other features). They have a free trial, but it has a monthly fee. It has delivery confirmation, tracking, shipping labels, printing stamps (and photostamps), email notification for the customer, billing tracking, etc.
I usually just copy and paste the customer's address from the order received email into stamps.com. It saves the return address and can even hide the postage amount.
I've use the click n ship as well and it works fine. For a large volume of shipments, it seems like it would slow me down. Although, I probably would be using that (since it's free) if I hadn't hooked myself on stamps.com
I've use the click n ship as well and it works fine. For a large volume of shipments, it seems like it would slow me down. Although, I probably would be using that (since it's free) if I hadn't hooked myself on stamps.com
Hey Rodney, why would using "Click n Ship" slow you down with larger volumes? Is the process more complicated than using stamps.com? ThanX!!
Hey Rodney, why would using "Click n Ship" slow you down with larger volumes? Is the process more complicated than using stamps.com? ThanX!!
With stamps.com, the customer shipping address box is a "free form" box so I can copy and paste all 3-4 lines of the customer's address right into the box.
With Click-n-ship (last time I tried), I'd either have to copy and paste line by line or type it in by hand.
Also, everything for shipping a package on the stamps.com user interface is on one screen and I think the click-n-ship splits it up over a few pages.
With the latest version of stamps.com, you can even ship international packages right from their interface.
It could be just because I'm so used to it now, but when I tried the other ways, I felt like I was missing some features. Like I said, stamps.com is free to try, so it's worth it to check it out and see if you like the "flow". It could be that the free click-n-ship might work out perfect for your needs.
ThanX for the great information, Rodney! I'm still scratching my head, but I really don't have much to lose by trying the stamps.com method for the trial period. The free form area for paste/copy of the address may be worth the monthly expense. Hmmmmm ...
Click and ship works fine for me. once you get the hang of shipping a lot of orders you can do it in your sleep. I don't know about stamps.com but click and ship makes your delivery confirmations free and apo's can be done without a customs form. International shipping works but still isn't smooth.
I don't know about stamps.com but click and ship makes your delivery confirmations free and apo's can be done without a customs form. International shipping works but still isn't smooth.
Yep, delivery confirmations are free with stamps.com, apos can be done through the interface and international shipping can be done as well. It also emails the customer the shipment notice with a tracking link.
That's good to know that click-n-ship can also work with a high volume of orders as well once you get the hang of it. I figured it was probably just a preference thing.
You only can use delivery confirmtaion on 1st class parcels. But you can use the poly mailers as a "parcel" if it is rigid, put a piece of cardboard in it.
As I was tring to tell you on twitter, up to 13 oz 1st class - over 13, priority. For shirts, more than one is 13+ oz, but I can fit 3 tightly into a flat rate priority envelope ($4.95 or $4.80 if you run through Click&Ship, Paypal, etc..).
I always use delivery conformation when sending out items that we sell on ebay, but not all the time from the website. USPS's rates for large envelopes is less that their 1st class rates for parcels.
I use the shipping feature Paypal . . PP also has a multiorder shipping also . .
PP doesn't not charge any additional fee for using the shipping feature . . .they only charge your account the actual shipping fee . . .
you can use the shipping feature in PP for UPS as well . . I think with UPS you have to sign up through PP . .
Diane
;o}
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I do alot of personalize prints . . and I ship them via 1st class with delivery confirmation . . in a 9 x 12 polymailer . . the package normally weighs 3 oz to 8 oz . . . However . . I add a few peanuts or a folder sheet of bubble wrap to take the package to the 3/4 inch the PO requires for the package to meet the D/C requirement on 1st class mail . . . D/C is only 18 cents on 1st class e'lopes
Diane
;o}
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. . . It only takes a stolen moment in time to share a smile!
USPS Shipping 
