if you need to ship a package and plan to go to the post office thinking you will only use the usps readypost package, stop right now! you will spend much more money than you need. We’ll go over why you should never use USPS ReadyPost packaging and what the cheaper alternatives are instead.
usps readypost basics
first, let’s go over some of the most common questions related to usps readypost.
what is usps readypost?
usps readypost is a small supply area offered at each usps location to purchase shipping supplies. it’s meant to offer all the shipping supplies you’d need in one convenient place to ship a package, like envelopes, tape, and bubble wrap. this service allows you to prepare your package at the post office and purchase your postage at the same time.
are usps ready to use mail boxes free?
usps ready to use postal boxes are not free. you have to buy them and they cost a lot more than buying your shipping supplies elsewhere.
usps readypost vs priority mail
so, what is the difference between ready publication and priority? USPS Ready Post is simply a mini supply store within each post office that USPS offers for your convenience. It is not a type of shipping service, you will still need to buy the postage.
Priority mail, on the other hand, is a type of shipping service you can use to send your mail. Priority boxes and envelopes are USPS branded and you can use any of them for free as long as you use Priority Mail. you can even order them at usps.com and they’ll ship to you for free.
why should you never use usps readypost packaging?
Now that you understand what USPS ReadyPost is, let’s go over why it’s such a big scam to use this service. As we mentioned, USPS ReadyPost is there for your convenience. But that convenience means shipping supplies costs much more than if you ordered them from Amazon or, better yet, reuse whatever packaging you have.
usps readypost does not include shipping cost.
Many people don’t realize that most packaging can be reused. that includes amazon boxes and polythene envelopes. If your package needs to be attractive, you can find patterned shipping supplies cheaper online than buying them at the post office.
plus, you’ll still need to purchase your postage. usps readypost does not include the cost of shipping the package. buying postage at the usps retail counter is more expensive than buying online. This is because local USPS stores charge a retail rate for postage. however, if you buy postage from a shipping software, you will get commercial prices. We show you how to buy your postage online step by step here.
Using usps readypost not only means overpaying for shipping supplies, but you’ll most likely buy your shipping label over the counter. most people wouldn’t want to go home to print their shipping label to return the package to the post office.
Buying your postage at the post office not only costs more money, it also takes a lot more time, standing in line, waiting for the clerk to weigh your package and enter your shipping information.
cheaper alternatives to send a package
The cost of shipping your package depends on the weight of the package, the dimensions and the distance it is traveling. so when it comes to packing your item, you’ll want to find the lightest and smallest packaging while protecting the contents from breaking, if at all.
If you’re shipping clothing, your best bet is to send it in a lightweight poly envelope. If your item needs a little more protection, use bubble mailers. boxes are recommended for anything that can be crushed or broken, so there is plenty of room to pad and protect the contents.
You can also use usps priority envelopes and boxes to send priority mail. If your package weighs more than a pound and the destination is across the country, USPS Priority Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes offer a great value. If your package weighs less than one pound, USPS First Class Mail will provide the most economical shipping service.