Best way to determine postage from home?

[SassiChic]

Hi all,

I just got an order for one of my rings and I want to post it from home. I have never done this (I have always gone to the post office...) and I want to start saving time/money/gas.

Any pointers? I need to send a 4in x 7in envelope that has bubble wrap on the inside :)

Thank youu!

[Former_Member]

Get thee a digital scale first. You can buy a kitchen scale that measures in ounces, you don't necessarily have to get a postage scale. As long as it's accurate and measures in pounds and ounces.

It's super easy to ship with PayPal. Once you log in, find your transaction and click on "Print Shipping Label" Choose how you want to ship (First Class, Priority, etc.), fill in the weight and the type of package (you'll want to select Package/Thick Envelope) and any other options you might want (insurance, etc.) Click to the next page, and confirm everything. From the next page, PayPal will throw up a pop-up so you can print your label. I use normal white paper. Once it's printed out, cut out your label and tape it onto your envelope with CLEAR packing tape. Some people use Avery labels to print their labels onto, but to each their own.

I ship all my jewelry in a jewelry gift box in bubble mailers using First Class Mail and always with Delivery Confirmation using PayPal.

Good luck!

[Former_Member]

My local post office told me a padded envelope like you describe weighing less than 3 oz is a flat $1.71 for US first class. They also reminded me that packages weighing more than 13 oz cannot be posted from home.

[SassiChic]

Thanks ladies :)

I usually pay 1.71$ per package. Can I therefore use forever stamps? If I put 4 of them, will that have me covered?

[jeminitreasures]

The best thing about ordering postage through PayPal is that you receive a tracking number that you can give to your customer. You can also track it, to ensure the customer actually received it.

[Former_Member]

Absolutely, Mana. I keep a supply of stamps at home. I have my 44 cent stamps plus some 2, 5, 17, 19 cent stamps as well (AND 78 cent stamps). This covers me for any combination I may need at any given time! I've been shipping from home for several months now. It's SOOO easy. I even print out Priority labels from my home printer. I will however be switching to Paypal...as I believe it has even more advantages. (But for SURE, there's no reason to go to the post office!!) :)

[Former_Member]

I beg to differ on the 13oz.
If your package weighs more than 13oz.
You must ship via parcel post.
I know because I've had to ship that way
Many times and it can be done from home.

[SassiChic]

Excellent! I just saved myself half an hour. Maybe I'll go to the gym instead :) haha, thank you everyone!

[Former_Member]

you can definitely ship items over 13oz (like patricia said) using Parcel Post, or use a priority box. you just can't put things heavier that 13oz in a mail box (the big ones on the street corners), would need to schedule a pick up for those!