Queuing at the post office is a great way to kill time, for those who have time to kill. the rest of us need a different option. The best kept secret of online stores and e-commerce entrepreneurs is now within everyone’s reach: send a package from home or wherever you take care of business.
Sending a package from home is a bit more complicated than putting a stamp on an envelope, but it’s easier than you think. all major carriers and pitneyship try to make it as simple, cheap and foolproof as possible.
step 1: gather your supplies and information
The two most important things you need to ship packages from home are already an integral part of your home office: your computer (or mobile device) and an internet connection. there are a few other things you need to get the job done and a few things you need to make it easier:
- printer: You need access to a printer to create your shipping labels. there are thermal label printers designed for this job. but all you need is a decent laser or inkjet printer. no printer? You can schedule a USPS® pickup and the driver will bring the shipping documents for you to fill out.
- paper or labels: Regular printer paper works great and is readily available. half-sheet stickers save time and look professional. choose your option.
- Scale: No home delivery setup is complete without one. Digital shipping services like Pitneyship include a free postal scale as part of your membership. unscaled? Flat rate shipping boxes and padded envelopes are available from usps.
- Shipping information: This includes the obvious, like the sender’s and receiver’s address and phone number. but you’ll also want to think about how you want to pack your shipment and how quickly you need it to get to your destination.
step 2: choose a box, almost any box
You can repurpose an old box and stuff it with crumpled up newspaper or create a packaging experience worthy of an unboxing video. whatever you use to ship from home, just follow the goldilocks rule: not too big and not too small. fair is anything your items will fit into with room for padding if needed. if you reuse a box, make sure it’s in good condition and cross out any old shipping labels or codes.
Free boxes and padded envelopes are available in-store and online from most major carriers. pitneyship uses its partnership with these carriers to provide this same packaging as part of our service. Unless shipping from home using a flat rate*, please enter the package dimensions and/or weight for step 3.
*it is important to note that official flat rate shipping labels require you to use an official flat rate box or envelope.
step 3: buy and print your shipping label
Before you can ship a package from home, you must choose a carrier. You can do this by visiting your preferred carrier’s website or by subscribing to an online shipping service like pitneyship.
- main operator each operator has different advantages; we are lucky to have so many options. usps, ups®, fedex®, take your pick. Some carriers offer discounted rates online and allow you to purchase and print shipping labels on their website.
- pitneyship pitneyship often offers more discounted rates and more services than those offered by online operators. We partner with all major carriers, which means you can enter your package and shipping information to see all available pricing and delivery options. the pitneyship platform will guide you through every step, from purchase to printing.
step 4: place your tag on the package
Okay, this step is obvious, but there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Place your label in a place that is easy to read and scan.
- don’t allow your label to wrap around the sides of the box and avoid placing it over any of the seams of the package.
- If your label is printed on a sheet of paper, cut it to size and secure all four sides with clear tape (avoid putting tape over barcodes).
step 5: schedule a pickup
The last step in shipping packages from home is scheduling a pickup. you can do it through the operator’s online store or through pitneyship.
Need an excuse to get out of the house? Most major carriers offer package drop off kiosks and lockers that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.