How much does it cost to mail a host packet?

[naekelsey]

I just about died when I looked at the price to mail a host packet! Is it really almost $5.00 to mail one???

I remember when it was $2.00. I knew it probably went up a little but not that much.

 

[otisbg]

What are you putting in it?? You know you can stuff a Priority Mail envelope and print a label online for $4.90.....and that is for 3 catalogs, mini's and paperwork. I send host packets for $2.60 with address forms, 1 catalog and instructional letter.

 

[flemings99]

Mail just went up. Priority flat rate is now 5.15. I tried a March pkt. going regular mail and it was 5.30. If you are getting it cheaper, please share how you are doing so.

 

[ChefBevShu]

I sent out a packet this week that had 2 catalogs, 5 order forms, host and guest specials and one other piece of paper and it was around $3.50...maybe the person at the post office didn't charge me right???

 

[otisbg]

If you print the priority lable online and pre pay it is still $4.90

 

[Melissa78]

Do you need special labels or printing programs to print your own?

 

[naekelsey]

Gosh darn, I have 4 packets I need to mail out. Didn't realize it would be $20 to mail them out.

 

[Melissa78]

Feb and Aug are the two months of the year I end up mailing the most b/c of having to wait for supplies - otherwise, I learned my lesson the hard way with the postage adding up. I ALWAYS have more than enough host packets with me at a show. If the show doesn't hold, no biggie. It cost me only a fraction for the packet than it would to mail it.

 

[BethCooks4U]

Do you need special labels or printing programs to print your own?

No special program or paper needed. It's called click n ship. You just print it on regular paper and you get all the possible ways to ship - you just pick what works for you. Parcel Post postage has to be purchased at the PO but all priority choices are there. You save when you do it all on line and it includes delivery confirmation as well. You need the weight of the item and if you are doing a flat rate envelope you can fit 3-4 catalogs, outside order forms and flyers, a pack of mini's (invitations) for $4.90 including delivery confirmation.


I often give out the catalogs when I book the show (if I run out of packets) and then mail the rest for about $2.

 

[sandilou]

Think about hosts. We ask them to mail out 40. If they do that its almost $20 if they send the mini. :yuck: If we mail them, that comes out of our pocket. Then if ingreds are around $15, that's $35 to do a party! Mail is killing us!! :cry:

Sandi

 

[naekelsey]

Unfortunately, all 4 of these parties were either from outside order customers, a friend who just decided to have one and we didn't have March catalogs yet

 

[naekelsey]

I can't believe I am saying this but it might be cheaper to drive them to the houses!! A couple of them live 20 minutes away...

 

[sandilou]

I meet them for coffee. Cheaper and I know I have their full attention.

Sandi

 

[wadesgirl]

It is cheaper to send 2 catalogs vs 3! I started sending only 2 catalogs for catalog hosts because of this. I'm seriously considering doing less for my regular hosts if I have ot mail the packet.

 

[naekelsey]

I was going to be put 3 but glad I settled for 2...

 

[CJMoore]

Don't forget to keep up with what you spend on postage and you can use it as a business expense at tax time. Always keep your receipts to go with your return in case of audit.

 

[naekelsey]

I do. I realize all of this is tax deductible but sometimes some of these expenses don't fit into my budget now. Sometimes I need to put gas in my car and buy food for my family before I pay for the other. I am doing all sorts of things in order to not have to worry about some of these expenses now but until then....