USPS Announces Postage Rate Decrease – Starts April 10, 2016

April 12th, 2016 Comments off

262456_Postage-Rate-Decrease_blogFor the second time in 2016, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will be changing its rates on April 10th, 2016.  The good news is that this time rates are decreasing for USPS Mailing Services products. 

What Are The Changes?
Here is a summary of the April 2016 postage rate updates:

– First Class Mail Letters (1 oz.) rates will decrease from $0.49 to $0.47 when purchased at the Post Office. Each additional ounce will cost $0.21.

– The discounted “Metered Mail” category for First Class Mail Letters (1 oz.), which includes online postage providers and postage meters, will decrease from $0.485 to $0.465. Each additional ounce will cost $0.21.

– First Class Mail Flats (1 oz.) will decrease from $0.98 to $0.94. Each additional ounce will cost $0.21.

– Postcard rates will decrease from $0.35 to $0.34.

letters and postcards

– First Class Mail – Parcels available at the Post Office will also see a decrease and rates will start at $2.45 (previously $2.54) for a 1 oz. package.

first class mail parcels

Important:  While the Commercial Base rate for First Class Package Service for mailpieces weighing between 1 and 3 ounces is $2.60, Stamps.com has incorporated the lower Post Office pricing into its program!  So, instead of paying $2.60 for a 1 ounce package, Stamps.com customers will only need to pay $2.45.  To get this discount, Stamps.com customers must download Version 13.3.

– Media Mail rates will start at $2.61 instead of $2.72 for a 1 lb. package.

media mail

Why Are USPS Rates Decreasing? 
The 4.3% exigent surcharge that was granted to the USPS by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) in January 2014 is being lifted.  This temporary postage rate increase was granted to help the USPS recoup the losses it encountered during the recession.  Since these losses are estimated to have been recouped by April, the USPS is implementing a postage rate decrease. 

No Action Needed For Stamps.com Customers
Stamps.com will automatically update all USPS rates inside the software and web-based version (Stamps.com Online) on Sunday, April 10, 2016.  If you are a Stamps.com customer, no additional actions are needed and you will see the new reduced USPS rates automatically.

Special Note:  If you want the discounted metered mail rate of $0.465 for First Class Mail Letters (1 oz.) and lower $2.45 Post Office rate for First Class Mail – Parcels weighing 1-3 ounces, make sure to upgrade to Stamps.com Version 13.3.

Why Use Certified Mail To Mail In Tax Forms?

March 7th, 2016 Comments off

Certified 1Tax season is here and it’s time to get organized!  If you are mailing in your tax returns this year, consider using Certified Mail with Return Receipt.  With this service, you get a receipt showing when your mail was delivered or when delivery was attempted and also who signed for your return, making it perfect to use at tax time.  Remember, if your tax return is postmarked by April 15th, the IRS considers it filed on time. 

 

Tax Time Tips for USPS Mailers

– Make sure your return is signed, otherwise the IRS will return it and penalize you for filing late tax returns!
– Make sure to deposit your returns in a collection box whose pickup time has not passed.
– If your return feels heavier than one ounce, weigh it and apply proper postage.  The IRS will not accept a return with postage due!

How To Print Certified Mail With Stamps.comCertified 2

Stamps.com makes it really easy to print postage for Certified Mail, the ideal choice for mailing in tax returns.  Here is how it works:

– Type in the destination address or have Stamps.com import it from any address book.
– Stamps.com prints all the necessary information on its built-in Certified Mail forms.
– Your mail carrier picks it up.
– Stamps.com stores all the information including Certified Mail number and certified delivery date in an easily accessible and searchable database. 

If you are a Stamps.com Premier member, you can use our automated Certified Mail forms.  With this feature, you can print postage, address information and all Certified Mail requirements (including a mailing receipt or Return Receipt) in one simple step.

If you are not a Premier member, you will need to fill out and attach USPS form 3800.

USPS Announces Postage Rate Increase – Starts January 17, 2016

October 22nd, 2015 Comments off

Blog_Postage_Rates_2016The U.S. Postal Service has proposed a postage rate increase for select mail classes and services in 2016, pending approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC).  If approved by the PRC, the new postage rates will start on Sunday, January 17, 2016.  Below are some highlights on the upcoming rate changes:

Priority Mail Express
The Priority Mail Express service will see an average increase of 15.6% in postage rates next year.  2016 Commercial Base rates for your Priority Mail Express packages will increase across the board, with the exception of packages weighing less than 0.5 lbs being shipped to Zones 5, 6 and 7.

PME
Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Boxes & Envelopes
In 2016, Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelopes will see an increase of $2.55.  Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Boxes will be discontinued next year.

PME Flat Rate
Priority Mail
Priority Mail rates will see an average increase of 9.4% in 2016.

PM
Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes & Envelopes
Postage rates for Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes as well as Envelopes will increase across the board in 2016.

PM Flat Rate

Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes
Postage for Priority Mail Regional Rate Boxes A and B will be increasing for a large majority of the zones as shown below.  Priority Mail Regional Rate Box C will be discontinued in 2016.

PM RR

First Class Package Service
First Class Package Service rates will see an average increase of 12.8% in 2016.  The maximum weight for First Class Package Service Commercial Base pricing will be increased from up to 13 ounces to up to 16 ounces.  First Class Package Service Commercial Plus pricing will no longer exist in 2016.

FCPS

Parcel Select Ground
Currently known as Parcel Select Nonpresort, this ground service will undergo a name change in 2016 and will be referred to as Parcel Select Ground next year.  Parcel Select Ground rates will see an average increase of 1.9% in 2016.  Postage prices will actually go down for packages weighing between 3 – 10 lbs. and being shipped to Zones 1 – 5.

PS

International Shipping
International shippers will also see an increase in postage rates starting January 17, 2016.  Below are some highlights on the upcoming rate changes for international mail classes:

Global Express Guaranteed postage rates are expected to rise by an average of 7.1%.

Priority Mail Express International postage rates will increase by an average of 11.6% next year.  Flat Rate Boxes for this international service will be discontinued in 2016.  In addition, prices for Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes will be further separated into additional country groups.

Priority Mail International postage rates will see an overall increase of 10.2% in 2016.  Commercial Base and Commercial Plus pricing for this service will be the same next year.

First Class Package International Service postage rates will increase by an average of 21.6% in 2016, however Commercial Base and Plus prices will remain the same next year.  The average price increases by pound are:

– Up to 1 lb. – Average Increase of $5.17
– Up to 2 lbs. – Average Increase of ($1.77)
– Up to 3 lbs. – Average Increase of $1.63
– Up to 4 lbs. – Average Increase of $11.58

Additional Changes
Below are details on additional changes that will be implemented next year:

Critical Mail:  In order to further simplify its product offerings, the U.S. Postal Service will discontinue the Critical Mail service in 2016 once the new rates are implemented in January.

Click-N-Ship Features:  Available on USPS.com, these features will move to retail pricing once the new rates are implemented in January 2016.  Commercial Base pricing for these features will no longer be available.

Stamps.com Will Automatically Update to the New USPS Rates on January 17, 2016
Stamps.com will automatically update all USPS rates inside the software and web-based version (Stamps.com Online) on Sunday, January 17, 2016. If you are a Stamps.com customer, no additional actions are needed and you will see the new USPS rates automatically.

[Infographic] Complete Guide to USPS International Shipping

October 14th, 2015 Comments off

Stamps.com recently released a Complete Guide to USPS International Shipping infographic, that includes tips for international shipping, shipping carrier cost comparisons, eBay’s top categories for international sales and much more!

Below is the complete infographic. Learn how to ship your USPS packages to international customers and expand your business globally by tapping into the growing demand for American-made products.  Download your FREE copy of the Complete Guide to USPS International Shipping eBook here!

Can’t see the Complete Guide to USPS International Shipping infographic? View it here (use your browser zoom to enlarge).

complete-guide-usps-international-shipping

Want to learn more about expanding your business and selling to customers across the globe? Download the FREE eBook, Complete Guide to USPS International Shipping.

 

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Easily Mail Wedding Invitations with Stamps.com

August 5th, 2015 Comments off

Blog_Easily Mail Wedding Invitations With Stamps.comPlanning a wedding can be stressful, especially when you’re on a budget.  One of the essential tasks during wedding planning is selecting and sending out invitations to your guests.  Keep your stress levels low and be prepared by learning how much you’ll need to spend on postage to mail out your wedding invitations!

What You Need To Know About First Class Mail Postage
A standard First Class Mail envelope measures between 5” and 11.5” in length, between 3.5″ and 6.125” in height and between .007” and 0.25” in thickness with a maximum weight of up to 3.5 oz.

Postage for your First Class Mail wedding invitation is determined by how much the envelope weighs.  You get a 1% metered mail discount if you use online postage with Stamps.com.

Wedding Blog Post600

Extra Fee for Square and Odd Shaped Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations (and even holiday greeting cards) may not always comply with the USPS standards for First Class Mail.  If your custom invites are square, odd-shaped, or have non-standard closures like clamps or strings, the USPS will charge a $0.22 surcharge per mail piece.  The additional surcharge fee can add up quickly if you are sending invitations to a large group of guests.  Often times, square shaped wedding and greeting cards are discounted, but if you don’t want to pay the additional surcharge fee, stick to the standard envelope size for First Class Mail!

How To Mail Wedding Invitations With Stamps.com
To make things easier, you can weigh your sample wedding invitation using your Stamps.com digital scale.  This way you’ll also know exactly how much it’ll cost to mail all your invitations.

As a finishing touch, you can even customize your mail piece by using one of Stamps.com’s wedding-themed NetStamps or by creating personalized PhotoStamps.

Save money and eliminate trips to the Post Office by printing postage for your wedding invitations right from your computer using Stamps.com.

Call us toll-free at 1-888-434-0055

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