Why do I use, and what is Priority Mail Service?

Who knew that in September of last year that I'd start selling on Auction Sites and have to make a trip to the post office a daily routine? I've been using this service for the majority of my auction sales for anything over 2 ounces. Priority mail is supposed to guarantee delivery of your item within 3 business days for any item over 2 ounces, and up to 70 lbs in weight with a 108" total girth measurement of your box (all sides equal to less than 108" total). Prices start at $3.55 & UP!

What else can I get in combination with my Priority Mail Service? How much does it cost? What will it do for me?

-SIGNATURE DELIVERY CONFIRMATION - The USPS's newest delivery confirmation which requires a signature upon delivery. I have not used this service, and can not fairly review it. Check on USPS.com for further details!

-Delivery confirmation - Form #152 - Costs .35 cents
- It's a green and white form that has a scannable bar-code on the half that remains on the package, and there is a tear-off section with a delivery confirmation number, article sent to section (to be completed by mailer), a section to indicate priority or standard mail, and a postmark area for the accepting Post Office to stamp with the date the package is mailed.
- You can track your package (similar to the service offered by UPS) by viewing the status (number on your confirmation receipt) via internet, or by calling 1-800-222-1811 (printed on your half of the ticket).
- This service offers you the peace of mind to know that your package is in route to it's destination.
- PLEASE NOTE - there is NO GUARANTEE that your package will get there within the time alotted by Priority Mail, or that the accepting carrier will remember to scan in the delivery time/date. I'd say that 80% of my confirmations are done correctly. The post office front desk people blame the carriers in rural sections of the US for not following through with the final scan, but I find that it even happens in big cities. 80% accuracy is pretty good for a small time Seller like myself to be able to prove that I did mail the package on the date I said I did. The confirmation will show originating offices acceptance with the date/time/branch that the package was accepted in. PLEASE NOTE: I TAKE EACH UNCOMPLETED TRANSACTION RECEIPT TO MY POST OFFICE'S CLAIM PERSON 30 DAYS AFTER THE ORIGINAL MAILING DATE FOR A REFUND ON ALL UNFINISHED RECEIPTS. I PAID FOR A SERVICE THAT WAS NOT COMPLETED, SO YES, I WANT MY 40 CENTS BACK! This also brings attention to the fact that some carriers may need training. I don't want to get anyone in trouble, but when I pay for a service, I want my service!!!

Insurance - Prices start from $1.10 for up to $50.00 insurance, and goes up in value based on the amount of insurance needed per shipment. Please consult USPS.Com for pricing guides.
-Green receipts are printed out for your records for purchasing up to $50.00 insurance. Over $50.00 will get you a blue & white form showing insurance amount/delivery zip code, and a bar-coded ticket for your box.
-Purchasing insurance for your priority mail item will give you some assurance that your item WILL arrive in one piece at it's destination. HOWEVER, if it doesn't, be prepared for a "run for your money" to file a claim.
-I recently had to file a claim for an $8.00 sale that was a glass decanter set. It was completed crushed/broken/splintered when arriving at my Buyer's address. The box was obviously damaged in shipment (Even thought it was clearly marked fragile AND insured!), So a form #1000 for a claim had to be filled out. Three trips to get all information between the two post offices straightened out, and about 1 hour 45 minutes in total waiting time for the process to be done. You have to prove cost of item sent (purchase receipt/picture/payment acceptance receipt), proof of mailing (insurance ticket stub), and the final destination's post office has to physically see the damaged item(s). Both USPS stations have to communicate and verify that you are telling the truth before a money order is issued. One good note is that they refund insurance cost, your paid postage, as well as the cost of the item you sent. It just takes A LOT of time to get your money back. It's really worth the aggravation if you have an expensive item come up missing or damaged!!!

Why do I continue to use this service?

I find that 90% of my shipments (that are within the US of course) get to their destination in the three business days that the USPS states they will deliver it by. Why on 80%? I find that there are times in the year that things go missing for extended periods of time, then reappear like magic. Here's a specific example: Mailed a priority package from the main post office here in NJ on December 21. It was going to Ohio which is only two states away. The item went missing after 5 days (I also use the delivery confirmation for all priority shipments). I went into the post office for them to track the item only to find out that during the Christmas season the United States Post Office hires outside contractors to help with the abundant load of boxes. Three days after December 25th the Post Office fired this specific sub-contracted company for not delivering close to 50% of the boxes within the allotted time. My package was now in the hands of an outside carrier, and the package arrived at it's destination exactly one month, and one day from the actual departure date from here in NJ. Now did you know that other companies are handling your USPS packages during the rush season? Keep that in mind when mailing that special gift during that time!!!!

Where can I get supplies?

- You can obtain Priority Mail boxes, envelopes, and address labels, as well as delivery confirmation tickets at any USPS branch.
- You can also order Priority supplies such as boxes, packing tape, address labels, priority sticker rolls, and odd shaped boxes for Priority and Express mail at USPS.com. Look for the order supplies section. They usually take 4 weeks to arrive, and you have to sign a letter after your first shipment that you are not using the material for anything other than priority mailing services. (WONDER IF MY FOUR YEAR OLD TAPING (WITH USPS PRIORITY TAPE )HER CARDBOARD BOX THAT WAS TORN THAT IS HER CASTLE BE CONSIDERED A FEDERAL CRIME????

Generally reliable service, and I'll continue to use it on a daily basis for delivery of my auction goods, as well as my mailed gifts during the holiday season. Not everyone is perfect, I just INSURE everything! I suggest you do the same!



Recommended: Yes