Is USPS Flat Rate Shipping Faster than first class? I just realized that it may not be, so it’s not an upgraded option. It’s simply a shipping condition in which a wide range of products can be shipped in similar packaging for the same price. The shipping time it takes to arrive to the customer, however, is no faster than first class. Is this right?
So the only benefit to the customer is when a product(s) is heavy and may cost more to ship via parcel post (or whatever it’s called now). Also the upgrade could be if the customer would like the additional protection of a box. I’ve been thinking all of this time that those spiffy red/white/blue packages are speeded through the mail in a somewhat-expedited way.
I’m wrong aren’t I? I have a feeling that I have to stop offering Flat Rate Shipping as an upgrade for my average and light-weight products.
Sandi
Bead Tonic
Paper Nirvana
Artsy Craftery Studio
EmbellishMart
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ArtsyCrafteryStudio Reputation: 212 See ArtsyCrafteryStudio's booth |
Priority flat rate shipping boxes…go priority which is faster than first class..
Packages other than priority go according to space available…so a priority package will go before a First Class package if space is limited..as a First class will go before Standard and Media mail
I have found that First class packages almost always arrive in 2-3 days…except during the holiday season in which they can take up to 5-7 days…whereas, priority is guaranteed 1-3 days..according to the website..delivery is expected to take 1-3 depending on location.
So essentially one is guaranteed for 1-3 days while the other is not…. flat rate boxes are usually best for heavier items. Mailing a package in regular box using priority shipping if the weight is less than a few pounds is almost always less costly than Priority Flat rate boxes…I would never use a flat rate box unless the package is more than 5-6 pounds
May find this helpful…Posted on USPS website…
Mailing Within Contiguous US
Make sure your mail and packages arrive in time for the holidays by mailing before these recommended deadlines, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
Send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25th (Actual delivery date may vary and is based on origin, destination, Post Office acceptance time, and other conditions).
December 14 — USPS Retail Ground®
December 19 — First-Class Mail®
December 20 — Priority Mail®
December 22 — Priority Mail Express®
For Priority Mail Express® shipments mailed December 23 through December 25, the money-back guarantee applies only if the shipment was not delivered, or delivery was not attempted, within two (2) business days.
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ccmom Reputation: 12648 See ccmom's booth |
Priority flat rate boxes can either be faster or slower than first class. It depends. What I will do is to the USPS website, and use their calculate price feature to get an estimated delivery date. However if you have something that will ship first class, the cost is at least $2 less than the smallest priority flat rate box. I normally do the comparison on “expensive” things that are under 16 ounces. I use whichever method is cheapest that arrives the soonest. I.e. I will use first class unless priority will get there faster. Often priority and first class will be delivered the same day, the exception being priority mail is now often being delivered on Sundays.
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patriotbearingsupply Reputation: 12 See patriotbearingsupply's booth |
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