Who do you use for shipping?

[Former_Member]

Hey there crafty kids!

With all the shipping options out there, I wanted to get some of your opinions on who you use. Some of the things I am looking for are:

- cost
- reliability
- trackable
- ease of use, ie: printable labels, weekly package pickup/drop off

Any other info that you can share regarding your shipping and receiving methods would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
<3
Kate

[Former_Member]

Personally, I would recommend USPS. Why? Because Paypal works seamlessly with it when you are making postage-paid shipping labels after you have successfully made a transaction on etsy.
It is also among the cheaper ones, and trackable. Also USPS offers free pick ups.
Have used them with great ease.
I know that UPS also offers the same services but I think it is more costlier, unless you have a huge volume.

[Herbfriend]

I agree with Niraj. USPS is my usual favorite for the same reasons.

[doublebrush]

I also use usps and love the flat rate shipping boxes.

[Former_Member]

Ditto on USPS. It is a bit frustrating that I have to go to the post office to ship International packages and that the packages can't be tracked outside of the US.

I also have a Fedex account with slightly discounted rates via an Etsy Deal...
https://www.fedex.com/fcl/ALL?enrollmentid=bh11921310

I use the Fedex account with larger/heavier Etsy orders in the US (because it often costs less) and for all of my wholesale orders. There's no monthly fee and I can drop packages off at my local PakMail. If you are shipping a large number of packages there's also the option of one time pick ups (for a one time fee) or daily pick up for a weekly fee.

[Former_Member]

Ditto on USPS. I've found them to be the most reliable and fastest of all the shipping options. Plus, they are the only ones with Cradle-to-Cradle certification, and they go to everyone's house/business M-S anyway, so are not adding any extra mileage to their delivery route, making them the greenest of all the shipping companies. Not to mention that they offer free shipping materials. Hands down, the best option.

[Former_Member]

Wow, this is great feedback! I'd call it unanimous :)

Thank you all for sharing your opinions on shipping. I now feel like I have a better direction for when I make my next sale!

Best <3
Kate*

[CatalinaInspired]

Yup - I agree - USPS has the best rates and service. I almost always ship using USPS. My only gripe is that you have to pay extra for tracking and it's included with other shippers - that being said - USPS is still a better deal.

[GrowingUpWild]

I uses the US postal service as well. I love being able to ship from home and to track orders right from the computer without keeping track of little papers. I also really value handwritten letters and want to see the mail service survive so I like to give them my money over other shippers. I have a great relationship with my mailman and I can count on him for anything which makes leaving my packages on my doorstep that much easier.

[CraveCute]

I also love the USPS! So happy to see others who appreciate their great service! I also print labels through PayPal and it has been working great for me for over a year. I also like the Tracking feature and their shipping has been fast and reliable.