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Question: What options does the U.S. Postal Service offer small business or frequent mailers who want to print their own postage?
Answer: We have various options starting with our free Click-N-Ship service at USPS.com. This service allows customers to pay — with either a credit or debit card — and print out Priority and Priority Express Mail labels on regular copy paper right from their own printer. Other options include the usage of a postage meter
in conjunction with our Click-N-Ship for Business software. This allows businesses to pay their postage separately using their postage meter as payment and to have the ability to also print a shipping label through the use of our software. USPS also has partnered with two PC vendors who are USPS approved to dispense postage: Stamps.com and Endicia.com. They offer a suite of services such as integration and customization to fit each business need.
Q: What are some of the other services available under the Postal Service’s PC Postage program?
A: All of our PC postage programs offer discounts when paying for most of your shipments online. Priority and Priority Express Mail for both domestic and international, and First Class Package International are available for discounted prices on USPS.com. All PC postage programs allow you to utilize our free Package Pickup service for the next day, to order free Priority and Priority Express shipping supplies, and to calculate postage and verify addresses for your domestic shipments.
Q: What tracking services does USPS offer?
A: All Domestic Priority Mail shipments now come with free tracking at both the retail window and via our PC postage programs. International Priority shipments have tracking capabilities to most countries. Tracking is also available for Domestic First Class Package and Standard Post for a nominal fee at the retail window. Free tracking is available for Domestic First Class packages using our PC vendors. We also have Signature Confirmation for customers who want to receive a signature for their Domestic First Class, Standard Post, and Priority shipments for a nominal fee at the retail window and for a discounted fee when using our PC postage programs. Express Mail comes with free tracking with your option of requiring a signature at the time of delivery. Otherwise, signature will be waived and delivered to expedite the delivery unless delivery is inaccessible or not safe.
Q: Can mail be tracked if you’ve lost your tracking number?
A: While it’s always better to have a tracking number to locate a mail piece, such pieces can sometimes be located through a detailed description of the piece and its contents.
Q: What factors should be taken into consideration when deciding to use a flat rate box or other mailing options?
A: Flat Rate envelopes are your best shipping choice for all local and mainland destinations. However, Flat Rate boxes are most cost-effective to the mainland; we suggest using these boxes for shipments over 3 pounds. For neighbor island shipments, Regional Rate boxes — which come in three sizes — are ideal. Each size has its own maximum weight and cost.
Q: What new programs is USPS offering?
A: USPS now offers free tracking and insurance for all retail domestic Priority and Standard Post parcels. $50 or $100 in insurance is now included (depending on the payment method) for all domestic Priority Mail parcels. Insurance up to $100 is now included for all domestic Priority Mail Express parcels. We’ve also made some name changes to our Express Mail services, which will now be called
Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Express International. Online tracking information will also include day-specific delivery targets according to the origin and destination of your parcel.
Q: Are there any direct mail programs being offered to local businesses?
A: For larger mailers, opening up a mailing permit would be the most cost effective way to mail in bulk. We also have a program geared to small- and medium-sized business owners called the Every Door Direct Mail Retail program. For as little as 16 cents a piece, businesses can reach every household and/or business on a mail carrier’s route without the cost of a mailing list or a permit. USPS has created a great interactive online tool that will provide customers with a mapping tool and the ability to target specific geographic locations and know exactly what their postage will cost.
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