Mail Smart: Home Postal Solutions for USPS.com Users

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses various home postal solutions for mailing host packets, focusing on experiences with USPS.com and other mailing services. Participants share their methods, preferences, and challenges related to printing postage and shipping packages from home.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions purchasing a postal scale to avoid frequent trips to the post office and inquires about using USPS.com for mailing host packets.
  • Another participant confirms that Stamps.com has a monthly fee, while ClicknShip through USPS does not.
  • One participant shares a negative experience with Stamps.com, citing issues with refunds and postage reprinting, leading them to consider USPS.com instead.
  • Another participant notes that USPS.com only allows printing for Priority mail and suggests checking rates before affixing postage.
  • One participant describes using PayPal for printing labels, mentioning a small fee for Delivery Confirmation and their method of using regular paper when labels run out.
  • Another participant discusses using a personal postage printer from Pitney Bowes, highlighting the convenience of printing exact postage amounts and the monthly fee.
  • Two participants share their experience of using USPS for host packets, specifically mentioning the use of free flat-rate envelopes and ease of printing labels at home.
  • One participant asks about the cost of shipping priority and shares their experience with Automated Postal Centers, noting challenges with timing and functionality.
  • Another participant confirms the cost of shipping a flat-rate envelope through USPS and mentions the option to order free envelopes online.
  • One participant discusses using Endicia.com, noting its monthly fee and benefits for tracking postage for tax purposes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the best mailing service to use, with some participants expressing satisfaction with USPS.com while others share negative experiences with Stamps.com. No clear consensus emerges on a single preferred method.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences regarding mailing solutions, focusing on convenience and cost-effectiveness in their business practices.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for alternative mailing solutions or those interested in the experiences of peers regarding home postal services may find this discussion relevant.

wadesgirl
wadesgirl
Gold Member
Messages
11,383
I just purchased a postal scale because I'm sick of running to the PO all the time. Who uses usps.com to mail their host packets, etc? Does the postage just print out on your home printer and you tape it on? Which program through USPS.com do you use? I noticed stamps.com had a service but I'm betting the have a monthly fee. They had another one, I think it was ClickNShip which doesn't require a fee.
 
Stamps.com has a monthly fee. ClicknShip through the USPS does not.
 
I used to use stamps.com but they p---ed me off. And when I called for the refund about 2 weeks into my cycle they told me I had to wait til the end of my cycle to cancel. I called at the end of my cycle and they charged me the full amount of the cycle (apparently their cycles run weird). I was so mad, I could have saved money.

Plus the never sent my free scale or anything. I had trouble reprinting postage and then I had to mail in a claim. It was a P-I-T-A!

Anyway...I will try usps.com but I am not eager to do so.
 
You can only print Priority and above at usps.com. But if you know the weight, you can check rates and affix the appropriate postage yourself--it helps to buy stamps in various denominations.
 
I print my labels from Paypal. I use the multishipping area. My host packs always weigh the same, so I have a preset that I select from and enter the host's address. I use Avery 5126 shipping labels, but when I run out i just use regular paper and glue it on the envelop. I never go to the Post Office. My packets are picket up with the regular mail, or I drop them in a blue box if I am going out. Paypal charges a small bit, I think it is 18 cents, but it is worth it.
 
That 18 cent charge through PayPal is actually to cover Delivery Confirmation, but you can't get the postage without it.
 
I have been using a personal postage printer from Pitney Bowes for about a year now. The printer hooks into a USB port, and was free. I pay $8.95 per month, but I can print exactly the amount of postage I need. So if I need $1.67 in postage I print a stamp for $1.67. There is an online postage calculator directly from the site I use, and I have never had anything returned by the P.O. I think $8.95 a month is totally worth it to me to have to NOT go to the P.O and stand in line. If you want more information go to the Pitney Bowes website. I love it. I even print stamps with a logo, picture, or message on it.
 
I use USPS for all of my host packets. I send them in a priority flat rate envelope, which I get free at the post office. I print the label off on my printer and I use a glue stick to attach. It is really easy. The post man picks them all up on my front porch.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
cincychef said:
I use USPS for all of my host packets. I send them in a priority flat rate envelope, which I get free at the post office. I print the label off on my printer and I use a glue stick to attach. It is really easy. The post man picks them all up on my front porch.
Click to expand...
How much is it to ship them priority? I already pay $4.80 or so to mail mine.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I usually don't stand in line at the PO because we have Automated Postal Centers in the PO's around my house. My worst thing is trying to make the cut off at the one closest to my house when I get off work. It always seems that someone sends something and I need to get them out today (like my host who just gave me the guest list for a show on Monday!). If I don't make the one closest to me, I have to drive further to the one that is available later. Or there are times that the APC is out of function like today then I had to stand in line. I thought I would see if it did any good and take it back after a while if it didn't.
 
Priority for a flat-rate envelope is only $4.60 - and that includes delivery confirmation. I do everything online through USPS.com. You can even order the FREE flat-rate envelopes and have them delivered to you.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
ljeffries said:
Priority for a flat-rate envelope is only $4.60 - and that includes delivery confirmation. I do everything online through USPS.com. You can even order the FREE flat-rate envelopes and have them delivered to you.
Click to expand...
Good to know!
 
I use Endicia.com They have a 9.95 monthly fee but I just print onto paper and glue on the envelopes. They keep up with your postage all year and you just print it out for taxes. I have used them for 4 years now with no problems. It verifies every address to make sure it is right for you.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mail Smart: Home Postal Solutions?

Mail Smart: Home Postal Solutions is a service designed to help USPS.com users manage their postal needs more efficiently from home. It provides tools and resources for printing labels, scheduling pickups, and tracking shipments, making the mailing process simpler and more convenient.

How do I access Mail Smart?

You can access Mail Smart by visiting the USPS.com website and navigating to the Mail Smart section. You will need to create or log into your USPS account to utilize the full range of features available.

What features does Mail Smart offer?

Mail Smart offers several features, including label printing, package tracking, scheduling pickups, and access to shipping calculators. These tools are designed to streamline the mailing process and improve user experience.

Is there a cost associated with using Mail Smart?

While accessing Mail Smart itself is free, you may incur costs for postage and shipping services when using the platform to send mail or packages. The pricing will depend on the type of service you choose and the weight and dimensions of your shipment.

Can I use Mail Smart for international shipping?

Yes, Mail Smart supports international shipping. Users can select international shipping options when preparing their shipments, and the platform will provide the necessary customs forms and information required for international mail.

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