Silk Road forums
Discussion => Shipping => Topic started by: SIPLSD on July 02, 2011, 10:09 pm
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Wondering how to send priority mail US-US without having to go into the postoffice? Or if there is a way to do it by sending someoe in there for you such as a legit mule ? Any suggestions.. Such as can i use first class mail stamps just put the correct amount etc...
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You can buy priority mail stamps with cash, go home, pack your product, put the stamp on it, and drop it in a blue box.
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Were can i get priority stamps without having to go inside the post office or is it necessary? And is the priority stamp just one or multiple depending on the weight :)?
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It depends on the size of the package, as different sizes cost different rates to ship -- regular and bubble envelopes cost $5 to ship though. The post office is the only place you can buy them with cash that I know of.
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I assume you're asking about the red and white Priority Flat Rate envelope rate. It's currently $4.90. Flat Rate means postage is the same regardless of the weight. Contents just have to fit inside the envelope. If you want to add Delivery Confirmation you have to add 65 cents extra postage and don't forget to place the DCN sticker on. It does not matter if you use a $4.90 Priority stamp or 4/$1 stamps + 2/45 cent stamps. As long as it adds up to the flat rate you are G2G. You can also use your own packaging and get away with paying the Flat Rate providing the weight stays below 12 ounces I think it is.
There are a couple ways to calculate exact postage on your own. One is to go to usps.com and use the postage calculator. Another is to download their Shipping Assistant and use that top figure out exact rates. Another is to use their APC machines(which is a self-service machine looks like an ATM sorta) which are usual placed in the busier PO's. The only thing you really need to do as far as F2F with postal clerks is buying stamps. APC's sell stamps but I've never seen one that took cash plus they are equipped with cameras same as ATM. It's not a big deal to buy stamps..they are untraceable except maybe if they tried to extract DNA from the stamp. Just don't lick your stamps. :)
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Hmm nice thanks for the info guys.
So if i was to use first class forever stamps id just need to put the correct amount of stamps on the package lets say its a bubbler envelope ?
And if id wanna send priority mail with confirmation , it would pretty much be easier just to get a few priority mail stamps and the delivery confirmation stickers , right? Would i have to place an extra stamp for the delivery confirmation cost.. of course you would, but whats stamp is good to use for that?
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If you have a good place to ship to, you could always purchase "Prepaid Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes w/ Delivery Conf." from shop.usps.com (using a gift card CC and whatnot, obviously.)
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Hmm nice thanks for the info guys.
So if i was to use first class forever stamps id just need to put the correct amount of stamps on the package lets say its a bubbler envelope ?
And if id wanna send priority mail with confirmation , it would pretty much be easier just to get a few priority mail stamps and the delivery confirmation stickers , right? Would i have to place an extra stamp for the delivery confirmation cost.. of course you would, but whats stamp is good to use for that?
Just use two regular 44 cent stamps.
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Is a yellow bubble envelope more than 1/4 inch thick $2.90 first class?
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What if i just send it via bubbler just regular priority mail , it just i sent out a few envelopes and they didnt make it for some reason. Should it be printed on a bubbler or can ut be neatly written?
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My main concern is how to you add tracking, can you get a tracking slip from a post office and then affix it to your package and then drop it off in a blue box (with additional postage), or does the tracking tag have to be scanned at the time of purchase by an employee? I feel tracking/delivery confirmation is a must when shipping expensive items. I don't want to be scammed and have to send in a team every time I my funds get tied up for non delivery.
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google it bro.
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USPS Delivery Confirmation is NOT tracking and tracking is NOT DCN. These are two totally separate and different services. People who use the US Postal Service need to understand the difference.
If you are sending Priority you just affix a DCN sticker to the pkg and drop it. The only way to guarantee it's scanned into the system is to hand it off to a retail clerk. The PO does does not offer Tracking for Priority packages, only for Express.
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I have been using usps boxes and envelopes. I buy priority stamps w cash and I add two regular stamps for the delivery confirmation which is $0.80 when you buy it and add it on your own and not at the window or on line [don't forget to get the delivery confirmation slips from the post office supply kiosk where you pick up the boxes and envelopes. they are green.]
this process is very safe and secure and leaves no trace. I handle all the materials with plastic gloves on so no fingerprints either :) [I wipe down any stamps or envelopes I handled while at the post office.]
this way you can show proof of delivery if someone says they did not get it. if it is good enough for paypal and ebay then it damn well should be good enough for silk road.
so far, all my transactions have been perfect and fast.
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Can i just buy a priority stamp at the post office put it on my bubbler envelope and drop it off and good to go?
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Have you read the previous posts in this thread? Your question is answered directly at least 1X probably more.
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Does this work for international shipping? Assuming the package is < 13 ounces, can it be dropped off at a blue box still?
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USPS Delivery Confirmation is NOT tracking and tracking is NOT DCN. These are two totally separate and different services. People who use the US Postal Service need to understand the difference.
If you are sending Priority you just affix a DCN sticker to the pkg and drop it. The only way to guarantee it's scanned into the system is to hand it off to a retail clerk. The PO does does not offer Tracking for Priority packages, only for Express.
+1 I just studied this and you are spot-on.