Can you imagine a world without smartphones? it’s hard to believe that just 15 years ago they didn’t exist! Smartphones have changed everything since their inception, from how we communicate to how we share information… and even how we shop. The smartphone is arguably the most important tool in the e-commerce landscape, enabling business owners to ship billions of shipments to customers around the world, but have you ever wondered what the rules are for send cell phones?
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- first class packaging is the cheapest way to ship a cell phone
- save more money on your packages with shipping software
- cell phones contain lithium-ion batteries
- be sure to properly insure your shipment
first class packaging is the cheapest way to ship a cell phone
first things first. Contrary to what some people may tell you, USPS won’t ban you from shipping a cell phone, so go ahead and ship those bad boys to your heart’s content!
When it comes time to ship, you’ll want to get the best rates possible. Without exception, the cheapest service for shipping a cell phone is USPS First Class Parcel Service. First Class Parcel is the cheapest shipping service USPS offers for packages weighing less than 15.99 ounces (or just under 1 pound), which is the weight category that nearly all phone shipments fall into. cell phones.
Like Priority Mail, First Class package shipments typically reach their destination within 1-4 business days, and all packages come with a tracking number that you can track on the USPS website.
quick notice
First Class Parcel is one of the postal service’s most popular services, but there are a few caveats you should be aware of. First of all, USPS does not offer any free packages for First Class packaging, so you will be responsible for providing your own boxes or envelopes. If you’re looking for some packaging options, the Uline website has everything you’ll need and more!
secondly, the first class package does not include any built-in usps insurance. therefore, you’ll need to find another way to protect your shipment(s), which we’ll get to in a couple of minutes.
save the most money on your packages with shipping software
Whether you’re an individual shipping a single phone or a major retailer with thousands of orders, you should always use shipping software to purchase labels at the greatest possible discounts. When you use shipping software, you not only have the option to purchase and print postage from home; You’ll also get access to a special level of savings USPS calls commercial pricing. USPS typically only reserves these special discounts for large carriers that ship tens of thousands of packages…but the best shipping software companies hook you up with these savings for free!
When you use shipping software to purchase premium package labels, you can save up to 65% of what you would pay to ship the same package at the post office, in some cases. pretty sweet, right?
mobile phones contain lithium ion batteries
one thing to keep in mind is that cell phones contain lithium ion batteries and you need to put the proper markings on your box in order to ship them correctly. Lithium-ion batteries typically require special shipping processes and shippers can only ship their packages via ground service. however, when it comes to cell phones, lithium ion batteries are installed inside the equipment they power, so the usps will not restrict it to ground transportation.
when you ship with usps, you can ship a phone with any air service, such as a first class package. you just need to put this special un3481 label on the outside of your box, and you’re good to go!
make sure you properly insure your shipment
Since the First Class package does not come with any USPS insurance attached, we always recommend that you purchase additional insurance to protect your package. This way, you will be able to file a claim if your package is lost in transit or if the cell phone arrives damaged or cracked.
The thing is, some insurance companies won’t insure your cell phone shipment unless you also pay for the signature confirmation service in addition to the cost of shipping. This is important to remember, as you do not want to pay more for insurance and then have the company deny your claim for lack of signature confirmation. so regardless of the shipping software you use to purchase labels, be sure to obtain signature confirmation and read the fine print for insurance terms and conditions, if available.
Looking for the right shipping software for you?
For the biggest discounts on USPS First Class Parcel Service, check out our guide:
choosing the best shipping software