Shipping

[JulieEllisDesigns]

I just reviewed an old thread discussing postal scales, so now I just need to hear opinions on purchasing postage from Etsy vs. stamps.com vs. USPS. It's my understanding that purchasing from USPS gets you a discount on the shipping cost plus delivery confirmation is free. Does it work the same way from Etsy or stamps.com?

Thanks, and Merry Christmas to everyone!!

[Former_Member]

If you purchase your postage online, you do get a discount over the USPS counter rate.

Plus its so much easier to do than to stand in line each day.

Since I don't accept DC, I use Paypal shipping for all of my postage simply because that's where the purchase payments are. The only time I use Etsy shipping is for USPS 1st class international mail as Paypal doesn't offer it. Etsy shipping is charged against your Etsy bill.

Since you already know the weight of your packaged items (you needed to know that to determine your shipping costs) all you need do now is simply enter that weight into either the Etsy shipping label or the Paypal shipping label, select the package type and print the label.

You may find this thread on shipping for US sellers from fellow Etsy seller Goto to be useful
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/business-topics/discuss/10577585/page/1

[Former_Member]

I use stamps.com when i started I got four months for free plus a free scale and 40 dollars free postage so I thought I would give it a go and I really like it now I pay a monthly amount but I get a discount on Priority shipping so it all works out in my favor in the end.

I get free boxes and bubble mailers priority only some flat rate I only use that if it is cheaper I get pick up if I want it if I have at least one Priority package

I have never used Etsy postage or Pay pal so cant comment on that just what I know

Hope that helps some

[JulieEllisDesigns]

Thank you both! I would love to hear from someone who uses USPS. Thanks!

[Former_Member]

I used USPS until a month or so ago. I went to the post office every time I had an order to send out. It wasn't a big deal since the post office is on my way to and from work, and I don't get a lot of sales. For my packages, the cost was $2.80 for domestic including confirmation and about $3.85 for international not including confirmation.
I have started using Etsy shipping, which is amazing. This has been cutting the cost about in half. My last package was $1.51 to send, and that is including confirmation. It's also easier to send the shipping notification to the buyer, the system automatically has that super long number in the note for you.
I am able to do this now since I know how much my packages weigh. I might get a cheap scale after the holidays, but for now it is working out.
It sounds like Charley has a great stamps.com experience. I never started using it because of the monthly payment.
Good luck!

[JulieEllisDesigns]

Thank you!

[PICFiberArts]

I also bought a USPS scale from USPS then started printing my labels thru easy even international. It has saved me more than enough to make up the price of the scale. I also have to go to the post because we live in an area where they don't have a drop off just a lock box, but I don't have to wait in line just hand it over and its done. Saves time and the label they can read instead of my handwriting!

[BrushStrokeOrnaments]

I've used USPS (online), paypal, etsy and occasionally travel to the post office. All online services give you a discount over buying directly at the post office. 99% of my shipping is prioirty mail. The post office will deliver free priority shipping boxes and provides free pickup which is a lifesaver for me.

I first try to print my shipping on etsy (LOVE that you can even print first class international). If there is a problem...or if I have to print a 2nd label for some reason (maybe resending something....or sending a 2nd package to the same address), I head over to paypal/shipnow where I can type in my own address (etsy does not allow this). On very rare occasion, I've had a problem with paypal being down, so I go directly to the post office website to print a label. I've never tried stamps.com - but I don't see how they could provide anything cheaper - and I refuse to pay a monthly fee.

[BrushStrokeOrnaments]

Oh, forgot to mention that I purchased a scale (I think off amazon) - so I can do all that online shipping label printing!

[PiecesofMeCardsnMore]

I printed my labels through Paypal up until recently when I had an international sale and decided to give Etsy shipping a try. It was so incredibly easy that I now use it for all my Etsy sales (even ones paid through Paypal). The cost is the same as Paypal. The only difference is that the postage fee is added to my Etsy bill, but since I pay that with Paypal it's no big deal. I've heard of sellers being restricted from shipping through Etsy until they pay their bill but I've never had that problem. Maybe I don't make enough in sales for it to be an issue.

[BrushStrokeOrnaments]

Once your etsy bill hits $500 you need to make a payment before you can print more shipping labels. It's happened to me several times. Just a few clicks (which etsy prompts you with), make a payment (using a credit card or paypal) and then you are back to printing etsy shipping labels. LOVE it!

[JulieEllisDesigns]

Great. Thanks for all the good info! Merry Christmas everyone!

[Former_Member]

Paypal is the very best. The DC is totally free, and the discount is great. I print my labels only through them and have been doing so for 13 yrs. I print it out on regular computer paper, then put CLEAR packing tape over the whole thing. The PO scanner can scan it if it is clear tape.

[Former_Member]

In my opinion, shipping using Etsy shipping is the easiest, at least for me. It is the same price as paypal but I can also do first class international shipping with it too. I have really been happy using it and find it a lot faster.

[Former_Member]

I ship my coasters USPS Priority Flat Rate, and have purchased postage online using USPS.com and Etsy. The rates and discounts are the same. I think Etsy kind of adopted the USPS model. I was using USPS Click and Ship for a while, and then started using Etsy. I still schedule pick ups at home on the USPS website. Delivery confirmation is free and it ends up being a few cents cheaper than buying at the post office. It's very convenient to print everything out at home (I just use plain paper) and to have the boxes picked up. It works out well my orders are all the same size - I haven't had to bother with a postage scale!

[JulieEllisDesigns]

More great info. Thank you very much!!