National Administrative Assistants’ Day is a time to recognize the amazing individuals who keep our offices running smoothly. They’re the glue that holds everything together, the first line of contact, and the masters of juggling a million tasks at once. But let’s be honest, even superheroes have their kryptonite.
At Stamps.com, we understand the unique challenges faced by office administrators. We see you, and we appreciate you! That’s why we’ve identified five common pain points and how Stamps.com can help you conquer them:
1. The Postage Pit
Running out of stamps at the worst possible moment is a surefire way to derail your day. Stamps.com eliminates that stress entirely. Print postage directly from your computer with any design you choose, on demand, so you’re always prepared.
2. The Shipping Scramble
Managing different shipping carriers and accounts can be a logistical nightmare. Stamps.com offers a one-stop shop for all your shipping needs. Compare rates from carriers including USPS, UPS, GlobalPost, and DHL. You can print your shipping labels and even schedule pickups on a single platform. No more scrambling between accounts or carrier websites.
3. The Expense Enigma
Keeping track of postage and shipping costs can be a tedious task. Stamps.com provides clear, detailed reports that help you manage your budget effectively. See exactly where your shipping and mailing dollars are going and identify areas for potential savings.
4. The Tracking Tug-of-War
Juggling multiple tracking numbers from different carriers can be a time-consuming headache. Stamps.com streamlines the process by offering centralized tracking for all your shipments and mail, giving you peace of mind and keeping your customers informed.
5. The Paper Trail Peril
Managing piles of invoices and receipts can be overwhelming. Stamps.com offers paperless options, allowing you to store and access all your shipping and mailing documentation electronically. Save time, reduce clutter, and go green!
National Administrative Assistants’ Day is a wonderful opportunity to show appreciation for these invaluable members of your team. But why stop there? Stamps.com can be your partner year-round, helping to streamline workflows, save time, and reduce stress for your amazing office admins. Let them focus on what they do best – keeping the office running like a well-oiled machine.
Welcome to our United States Postal Service Updates blog, your guide to the changing postal scene. Here, we’ll share the latest news and rate updates from the USPS. Dive in as we break down the 2024 updates.
January 2024 Service Changes
Stamps.com has been informed of the recent USPS announcement which recommends postage rates increase for select First-Class Mail services on July 14, 2024. We will alert you of these and any other changes as new details become available. At this time, our current postage stamp rate remains at 64 cents.
New Mailing Technology Requirements from USPS
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is implementing a new technology standard called Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) to modernize its mailing system.
What is IMI and why is it required?
IMI replaces the older technology and provides the USPS with more detailed and real-time data on your mailings. This translates to a smoother and more efficient mailing experience for everyone. Upgrading offers several benefits:
Reduced costs: Eliminates the need to guesstimate postage, preventing overspending and returns.
Improved cash flow: Detailed transaction data makes it easier to track refunds and reimbursements.
Always up-to-date: Your system automatically receives the latest postage rates and service information.
Enhanced security: Robust security features protect your data.
Increased efficiency: IMI streamlines mail processing for the USPS, potentially leading to faster deliveries.
What does this mean for you?
The good news is, you don’t need to take any action. Stamps is already working diligently behind the scenes to ensure our technology is fully compliant with IMI by December 2024. As an approved USPS partner, we’ll make sure your mailing operation continues to run smoothly without interruption.
January 2024 Service Changes
Effective January 21st, the USPS is rolling out changes to its shipping rates, which will impact various services and package categories. Stamps remains committed to delivering top-notch service to its customers and is happy to announce that, through our partnership with USPS, customers can now enjoy enhanced discounts on Priority Mail® and Ground Advantage Rates™ compared to Commercial Plus rates.
Here’s an overview of the modifications and how they might impact your shipping and mailing strategies.
Ground Advantage™
Ground Advantage™ under 1 pound: Up to 6.6% off
Ground Advantage™ over 1 pound: Up to 25.1% off
Ground Advantage™ Cubic: Up to 21.2% off
As a reminder, Ground Advantage™ was introduced in July of 2023. This service combines USPS Retail Ground, USPS Parcel Select Ground, and USPS First Class Package Services. The January 21st changes will apply to all weights, zones, and cubic dimensions over 12 ounces using Ground Advantage™.
Priority Mail®
Priority Mail 6-10 pounds: Up to 12% off
Priority Mail Flat Rate: Up to 2.5% off
Priority Mail Cubic: Up to 15.8% off
So where will you see the biggest changes? The short answer: it depends. Exact rates will vary depending on the package details and how far it’s traveling. As always, we recommend comparing rates and services to find the best option for your business.
Mailing Services
The cost of sending a 1 oz. First Class Mail letter will increase from 66 cents to 68 cents. However, if you use Stamps.com, the Metered Mail rate for the same letter will only go up from 63 cents to 64 cents, saving you $0.04 compared to the retail rate.
USPS Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Label Changes
While the primary focus of this rate adjustment is on shipping rates, it’s crucial to be aware of unrelated changes to HAZMAT labels. Starting January 21st, USPS is enhancing safety measures for handling dangerous goods shipments. The HAZMAT labels will now feature an oversized letter “H” in the corner, the addition of 2D barcodes, and the inclusion of the word “HAZMAT” after “USPS TRACKING #.” Shippers need not take any specific action other than selecting hazardous goods under special services when printing a label when a shipment contains hazardous materials. For more information check out our HAZMAT updates blogs.
Insurance Rate Updates
In addition to the rate adjustments, Stamps.com users should be aware of an increase in their insurance rates. However, depending on your service plan, you could enjoy discounts ranging from 10% to 40% compared to USPS insurance rates.
Enhance Your Efficiency
Despite these changes, Stamps.com continues to offer substantial savings on shipping costs, with discounts of up to 89%* through its partnership with USPS and other carriers. We aim to streamline your shipping and mailing operations, providing discounted rates for a smooth sending process.
As the shipping landscape evolves, staying informed about rate changes and adjusting your strategy accordingly can contribute to a more efficient and cost-effective shipping experience. Keep these insights in mind as you navigate the 2024 USPS shipping rate adjustments. For more information check out our help center article.
*Rates are limited to shipping from the continental U.S. only. These rates and discounts exclude shipment origins from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska. Rates and any applicable discounts are subject to change at any time without notice.
Are you looking for an affordable and reliable way to ship lightweight, low-value items? Look no further! With UPS® Ground Saver, you can send your items within the 48 contiguous states of the US cost-effectively. With its variety of features and benefits, UPS® Ground Saver is an economy, residential, ground delivery service. It’s perfect for your lightweight, non-time sensitive packages.
What is UPS® Ground Saver?
UPS® Ground Saver is a shipping solution that helps small businesses and consumers save on shipping costs without sacrificing reliability or speed. UPS® Ground Saver combines the consistency and reliability of the UPS network at an extremely competitive price.
Why Choose UPS® Ground Saver?
With UPS® Ground Saver, you’ll get the convenience of seamless door-to-door tracking, which means you can keep track of your package every step of the way. This feature can be especially important for small businesses that need to keep an eye on their inventory and customers who want to know exactly when their packages will arrive.
Secondly, UPS® Ground Saver offers flexible delivery times that include Monday to Sunday, which means you don’t have to wait for a specific day of the week to receive your package. This feature is perfect for customers who have busy schedules or businesses that need to receive shipments outside of traditional business hours.
Finally, if you frequently ship small items that weigh less than 1 pound, you’ll appreciate the affordable rates that UPS® Ground Saver offers.
UPS® Ground Saver vs. Traditional Shipping
When it comes to shipping lightweight residential packages, traditional shipping methods can quickly become expensive. With UPS® Ground Saver, you can enjoy cost savings while still receiving reliable delivery services. This can translate to significant cost savings for small and medium-sized businesses and consumers alike. Plus, with the added benefit of package tracking and delivery confirmation, you’re always in the know.
How to Get Started with UPS® Ground Saver
If you’re not already a Stamps customer, the first step is to sign up for a Stamps account. Once you’re logged in, you can start using UPS® Ground Saver right away. All you need to do is select the UPS® Ground Saver option at checkout and enter the weight and dimensions of your package. The shipping label will then be generated with the discounted UPS® Ground Saver rate.
If you’re already a Stamps customer, you’re in luck – you already have access to UPS® Ground Saver! Simply select the UPS® Ground Saver option at checkout and follow the same steps as outlined above. It’s that easy!
So don’t hesitate to start saving money on your shipping costs with UPS® Ground Saver and Stamps today.
Get ready, because Amazon Prime Day 2023 is just around the corner! Scheduled for July 11-12th, this year’s Prime Day is expected to surpass last year’s remarkable $3.5 billion in sales for third-party sellers. Top-selling items are predicted to include post-pandemic essentials such as luggage, makeup, and apparel, along with in-demand products that faced shortages during the pandemic, such as fitness equipment, home-office essentials, laptops, and gaming consoles. Notably, the competition will be fierce, with major retailers like Walmart and Target hosting their own annual sales events. It’s clear that Prime Day 2023 is poised to be a massive retail extravaganza. The question is, are you fully prepared? To ensure your business enjoys a successful Prime Day, we’ve compiled five invaluable selling tips. Read on and get ready to seize the opportunity!
Tip #1 Optimize Your Product Listings There are many ways to optimize your product listing to increase traffic and sales:
Focus on short, catchy titles with clear descriptions and copy that is optimized for mobile.
Use bullet points to organize information and get to know Amazon’s character limits so you can optimize accordingly.
Utilize keywords that are significant to Prime Day as well as similar words people search for that are relevant to your product.
Take advantage of A+ Content if you’re enrolled in Amazon’s Brand Registry program.
Put emphasis on your product, not the offer.
Ensure the product details refer to the product itself—it’s a violation of Amazon’s Terms of Service to mention anything about Prime Day or discounts in the product details.
Your product image also plays an important role in optimizing. Take a look at top-selling products and observe the quality of their images. Your first image should show the product set against a white background while the other images highlight the product’s features. Customers always look at images before text, so make them look appealing.
Tip #2 Don’t Raise Your List Price Savvy shoppers already use a variety of browser extensions to hunt down deals and track pricing. Raising your list price to show a greater discount not only looks suspicious to customers but can raise a red flag with Amazon, resulting in your account possibly getting suspended. If you can’t provide a discount, it’s better to highlight your product’s superior qualities.
Tip #3 Run Amazon Sponsored Ads It’s good to have your product fully optimized before creating an Amazon PPC campaign. A PPC ad will increase visibility of your product by showing up when people search for similar items. Automatic campaigns can help you find popular keywords that can be used for your manual campaign with higher bids. To increase the chances of your ad getting seen, avoid bidding on overly popular keywords like “Prime Day.” Make sure to download search term reports and check your maximum bids regularly to ensure your ads are performing.
Tip #4 Run Off-Amazon Promotions There are many different platforms you can use to drive external traffic to your Amazon Prime Deals:
Email blasts
Amazon wish lists
Blog posts
Influencers
Affiliates
Google Ads
Pinterest
YouTube
Organic social media
Facebook groups
If you don’t have a Facebook group or audience, Facebook Ads can help you reach potential customers. Something to keep in mind with Facebook Ads is that if you send the user straight to your product listing it can be difficult to track ad progress as well as can potentially undermine your Amazon keyword ranking. Instead, send traffic to a custom landing page that has the ability to capture email addresses.
Tip #5 Take Advantage of the Halo Effect The halo effect of Prime Day can significantly help your business long after the event ends. Draw attention to your non-Prime Day deals with targeted ads for popular keywords. This can boost your products in the queue. Notice if your item is included in a “frequently purchased together” category and capitalize on the traffic overflow. Consumers are already in shopping mode during this time, so take advantage of it.
In conclusion, Prime Day 2023 holds immense potential to become the standout shopping event of the year. With thorough research and careful planning, this event can yield substantial profits for your business. So, make sure you are fully prepared, stay focused on your goals, and implement the tips provided above to ensure that Prime Day 2023 becomes your most successful sales event to date! Get ready to seize the opportunities and thrive during this remarkable retail extravaganza.
Did you know? Stamps.com has a direct integration with Amazon! Stamps.com allows Amazon.com third party sellers to easily print shipping labels at discounted rates for UPS® and USPS® shipping services. Get more info on Stamps.com’s Amazon Integration.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
The content on this blog is "as is" and carries no warranties. Stamps.com does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, completeness, usefulness, or quality of any content on the blogs, regardless of who originates that content.
