MTFCA Forum

Last December I got the annual 4-5% price increase notice from UPS. Result:

Carbide tooling inserts in one cardboard box, a 4" cube; weight, 3 ounces; value $125; shipped to western NY from Michigan: $22.00.

If you see something you want or need at a swap meet, better get it there, especially if it's heavy or pricey. The cost of shipping and insurance now can easily triple or quadruple the selling price.

I use the USPS almost exclusively.

Anything that is less than a LB and does not exceed the dimension limits can be shipped USPS first class package if you generate the labels via PayPal or the USPS website. Also, if you do generate the labels online, the postage is discounted. Otherwise the limit is 13 oz for first class packages if you buy retail postage at the post office counter.

Also, for packages over one LB, if you ship by weight and dimensions instead of using flat rate priority boxes, depending on the ZIP code, priority is less expensive than fixed rate priority and typically comparable to and even sometimes less expensive than ground. And, as mentioned above, the postage is discounted if you buy it and generate the label online.

A friend in South Dakota, bought a special dog kennel/crate in Colorado. It cost $43 to send that kennel/crate to South Dakota. OUCH!!!! Thank You UPS.

I do use the USPS often, more often in fact that UPS. Trouble is, after destroying a shipment, the USPS will deny any damage claim unless you have, not a receipt, but one specific type of receipt. Any other type, including a receipt from the manufacturer along with a page from a catalog, is "insufficient proof of value."

I use UPS only for larger bulky or heavy stuff.
USPS is generally cheaper for small parts, but you do take your chances.
Without a new purchase receipt, even additional insurance is useless. Not sure if UPS is much better.
Packaging is everything....

Swap meets are fun esp if you are making sales, but for buying, also means coming up with a bunch of cash all at one time. Shopping on eBay allows the cash flow to be spread out. But ya, shipping cost has put a big damper on even that (or even buying from here for that matter) Any more it has to be something I really need to get me to buy.

It costs more to purchase shipping at a FedEx or UPS location.
USPS has an on-line service called click n' ship and many services are slightly discounted using their packaging. BUT you can get sucked into using their Flat Rate Boxes, each box has its own price but is good up to 70 lbs but doubt if you'll do that. These are usually available at the Post Office for free. You can also order from them at no cost (delivered to you for free as well) Priority Mail "Flat Rate", "Regional Boxes A & B" or "Mailing Boxes".
USPS Regional Rate Box A: Shipments of up to 15 lbs. USPS Regional Rate Box B: Shipments of up to 20 lbs
There are many sizes of "Mail Boxes" and shipping is based on size, weight and distance. You can Franken box these, splice two together to fit etc. Example using their Largest Priority Mail "Mailing Box" (12"x12"x8") to ship 5lbs from Illinois to New York $14.95. If I used their "Retail Ground Service" and my box it would have cost $13.90. If the item would have fit in their "Medium Flat Rate Priority Mail Box" cost would have been $15.50 and it would have fit in their "Large Flat Rate Priority Mail Box" with a cost of $21.90. https://www.usps.com/ship/online-shipping.htm
I have hardly shipped anything UPS. The discounted FedEx Home Delivery service is usually cheapest to a Buyer on eBay
The following costs are based on a item weighing 5lbs Illinois to New York that would fit in the respect box or Padded Envelope (you can actually put an item in a box or wrapped in carboard and stuff it in one of these for shipping!)