How to Easily Calculate Shipping Costs with the USPS Mobile App
“You are about to launch your new business. You’ve downloaded the USPS App but for some reason you still can’t figure out the shipping costs.” Don’t worry this blog post will help you solve this problem. The USPS Mobile? app is here to simplify this process and help you get the most out of your shipping budget. Whether you’re shipping out your awesome handmade products, sending important documents, or anything in between, I’ll guide you through using this app to calculate shipping costs effectively and share some pro tips to save you money.
Please be aware that I’m not affiliated with USPS or any of the other shipping companies mentioned later. I wrote this post because a few entrepreneurs have asked about this.
Let’s jump in!
Why Accurate Shipping Cost Calculation is Important
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of using the USPS Mobile? app, let’s talk about why accurate shipping cost calculations are important for your business. Here are several reasons:
Accurate shipping calculations help you plan your finances more effectively. Unexpected shipping costs can disrupt your budget, so having precise estimates helps you avoid financial surprises. You want to make profit from the products you’re shipping out not losses.
Customers appreciate transparency. Clear and accurate shipping charges build trust and ensure your customers aren’t caught off guard by hidden fees. Once they are happy, they will buy more from you.
Knowing your shipping costs helps you price your products competitively without sacrificing your profit margins. It’s a delicate balance, but one that’s essential for maintaining a strong market position.
A streamlined shipping process means fewer errors and less time spent managing shipments. This efficiency translates into better overall operations for your business.
Getting Started with the USPS Mobile? App
The USPS Mobile? app is an incredibly handy tool for small business owners. Let’s walk through how to get started and make the most of it:
* iOS Users: Head to the App Store and search for “USPS Mobile?.” Tap the download button to get started.
* Android Users: Go to Google Play, search for “USPS Mobile?,” and download the app.
* Why It’s Important: Setting up an account lets you save your preferences, access all features, and manage your shipments more effectively.
* How to Do It: Open the app, tap on “Sign Up,” and follow the prompts to enter your details.
* Key Features: Familiarise yourself with the shipping calculator, package tracking, and postage purchase options.
* Pro Tip: Spend some time navigating the app to understand where everything is and how to use it efficiently. You explore the app’s interface like Dora the Explorer, discovering where to input package details and how to track your shipments.
Calculating Shipping Costs:
Follow these steps to ensure you get accurate estimates every time:
* From ZIP Code: Input the ZIP code where your package is being shipped from.
* To ZIP Code: Enter the destination ZIP code.
* Mailing Date: Specify when you plan to send the package.
* Package Type: Choose the type of package you’re using, whether it’s an envelope, box, or something else.
Let’s say you’re shipping a package from sunny Los Angeles (ZIP 90001) to bustling New York City (ZIP 10001) on August 1st. You’ve chosen a medium-sized box for this shipment.
Put in package weight and dimensions
* Available Services: The app will offer different shipping options based on your package details. These might include Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, or Priority Mail Express.
* Consider Delivery Times: Each option comes with different delivery times and costs.For a 5-pound package, the app might present the following options:
* Priority Mail: Costs $12.50 with 2-day delivery.
* First-Class Mail: Costs $10.00 with 3-day delivery.
* Priority Mail Express: Costs $35.00 with 1-day delivery.
* Insurance and Delivery Confirmation: Decide if you need extras like insurance to protect valuable items or delivery confirmation for peace of mind. For example you choose to add $200 worth of insurance for $3.50 to ensure your package is protected during transit. Totally up to you.
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* Review the Estimate: The app will provide the total shipping cost based on your choices and any additional services you’ve selected.
Optimising Your Shipping Strategy
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s explore some advanced tips to optimise your shipping strategy and save even more money:
Leverage Flat Rate Shipping:
Flat rate shipping allows you to ship items of any weight up to a certain limit for a fixed price. It’s useful for heavier items or if you’re shipping to far-off destinations. For instance,
A Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box costs $15.05, regardless of the weight (up to 70 pounds). This can be a great option for those bulky items that are too heavy for standard shipping.
Use Regional Rate Boxes:
Regional Rate Boxes offer a cost-effective way to ship packages within a specific region. Ideal for shorter distances where regional rates are cheaper than standard shipping. For example shipping a 5-pound package from LA to San Francisco might only cost around $8.00 using a Regional Rate Box.
Take Advantage of USPS Discounts:
Signing up for a USPS business account can get you access to discounted shipping rates. Regularly shipping items can make these discounts a significant cost saver. A business account could offer a 10% discount on Priority Mail services, reducing your costs on bulk shipments.
Batch Shipping:
Consolidate multiple shipments into one package when possible to save on costs. Use this option if you’re sending multiple items to the same customer or location.If you’re sending three items to one customer, pack them all in one box instead of sending them separately to save on shipping fees.
Package Items as Small as Possible:
Smaller packages generally cost less to ship. They’re also easier to handle and fit better in shipping boxes. Use snug-fitting boxes or padded envelopes that fit your items securely without excess space.
Instead of using a large box with lots of packing material, opt for a smaller box that fits your item perfectly. This not only reduces shipping costs but also ensures your items are well-protected.
Buy Labels Online:
Purchasing shipping labels online is usually cheaper than buying them at the post office. It’s also more convenient, allowing you to print labels from home or the office. An online Priority Mail label might cost $12.50, while the same label bought at the post office could cost $13.75. That’s a savings of $1.25 per label!
Use Third-Party Shipping Services:
Websites like Etsy Labels, Pirate Ship, and Shippo offer affordable shipping label options. These platforms often provide discounted rates and additional features. Pirate Ship might offer a discount on shipping rates, saving you up to 20% compared to standard USPS rates. Shippo provides easy integration with your e-commerce platform for seamless label printing.
Packaging Materials:
Invest in sturdy yet lightweight packaging materials. This helps protect your items and keeps shipping costs down. Consider custom-sized packaging for your products to reduce wasted space and avoid unnecessary dimensional weight charges. If you sell fragile items, use strong, lightweight bubble mailers or padded envelopes to ensure they arrive safely without adding extra weight.
Shipping Insurance:
For high-value items, it’s wise to add insurance to your shipment to protect against loss or damage. USPS offers various insurance options based on the value of the item being shipped. If you’re shipping a $500 item? Adding $500 worth of insurance will cost more upfront but provides peace of mind in case of any issues during transit.
International Shipping:
When shipping internationally, complete customs forms accurately to avoid delays and ensure smooth delivery. Understand any applicable duties and taxes for international shipments to inform your customers of potential extra charges. When shipping a package to Canada, you’ll need to fill out a customs declaration form and be aware of any potential customs fees that the recipient might need to pay.
Track Shipping Performance:
Keep an eye on delivery times and gather feedback from customers to identify any areas for improvement. Use performance data to adjust your shipping strategies and improve overall efficiency. If you notice that your shipments to a particular region are consistently delayed, consider using a different shipping option or carrier for that area.
Plan for Peak Seasons:
During busy times like the holiday season, plan ahead to manage shipping efficiently and offer expedited options if needed. Ensure you have enough packaging materials and shipping supplies to handle increased demand. During the holiday season, you might offer expedited shipping options to ensure your customers receive their gifts on time. Plan ahead by stocking up on shipping supplies and scheduling additional shipments.
Automate and Integrate:
Use shipping software to automate label creation and integrate with your e-commerce platform. Automation reduces manual errors and saves time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business. Integrating Shippo with your online store automates label printing and tracking, reducing manual entry and freeing up time for you to focus on customer service.
Dealing with Issues:
Have a clear policy in place for handling lost or delayed packages. Communicate with customers transparently to manage their expectations. Use address verification tools to reduce errors and ensure accurate deliveries. If a package is lost in transit, have a policy that outlines steps for filing a claim and reimbursing customers if necessary. Using address verification tools helps prevent shipping errors in the first place.
Stay Updated:
Keep an eye on USPS rate changes and new services to adjust your shipping strategies as needed. Stay informed about industry trends and best practices to continuously improve your shipping process. If USPS announces a rate increase, update your shipping cost calculations and adjust your pricing strategy accordingly to maintain profitability.
Finally:
Calculating shipping costs with the USPS Mobile? app can simplify your shipping process and help you manage your budget more effectively. By following these tips and utilizing the app’s features, you’ll save money, enhance efficiency, and provide a better experience for your customers.
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Additional Resources
* USPS Official Website: USPS Shipping Calculator
* Third-Party Shipping Services: Check out Pirate Ship, Shippo, and Etsy Labels.
* Simply Sallie : Need an in dept guide on all things shipping , this is your girl.
Happy shipping, and here’s to smoother, more cost-effective deliveries!