Is there a more cost-effective method of shipping than USPS First-Class?

[shammus]

So I mailed a $100 card out today and noticed that costs to ship the card were as follows -

$4.20 - First Class USPS postage
.69 - small padded envelope
$3.15 - $100 worth of Insurance
9% - State Sales Tax

All added up, the price exceeded $8.75 just to ship a relatively inexpensive card. Is there a cheaper way to do this that's as safe that I just don't know about? Or is this just the way it is for everyone?

Looking forward to some thoughts/responses. Thanks guys!

[53toppscollector]

1. buying postage directly through ebay/paypal will give you a discount compared to buying it at the post office

2. you typically dont add insurance to something unless the buyer specifies it (and pays for it), especially under like $500 in value

I've shipped hundreds of raw/graded cards in the last few years, have never had a card get damaged or lost (knock on wood) and it typically costs me between $3 and $3.50 to ship.

[shammus]

Thanks James, those are both solid pieces of advice.

I should mention - I don't sell on Ebay at all. Really just here on BST. However, I do use PayPal constantly. Can I still buy postage through Paypal or qualify for that discount? I was looking at my account just now on their site and didn't really see anything about that.....

[t206kid]

As mentioned PayPal shipping is about $1 cheaper.

Bubble mailers are about a dime in bulk.

Shipping insurance is a pure waste of money and should never be used. Even if something gets lost and it’s their fault all three services will try hard not to pay out.. If you’re concerned get a personal collection policy with mail coverage.

I don’t know why you’re collecting sales tax unless you’re a dealer and person is in state.

Done at minimum it’ll cost $3.50-$4. Hope this helps. I ship a lot

[Carter08]

Random thought and this is based on limited experience but I’ve had great experiences with USPS First Class. It’s USPS overnight or expedited that has caused issues for me.

[Frankish]

For small items (single cards), USPS first class is my pick. For slightly larger, USPS Priority Mail box. For larger still, FedEx Ground. I have had far fewer issues than I would have expected over the years. I should mention that I don't sell on ebay and rarely even here, but I do trade cards with friends, send them for consignment or grading, etc.

Originally Posted by t206kid

Shipping insurance is a pure waste of money and should never be used. Even if something gets lost and it’s their fault all three services will try hard not to pay out.. If you’re concerned get a personal collection policy with mail coverage.

This is my feeling as well. When I see how much the insurance costs and guesstimate the chances of both having the package lost and successfully getting reimbursed for it, I choose to self-insure.

[53toppscollector]

Originally Posted by shammus

Thanks James, those are both solid pieces of advice.

I should mention - I don't sell on Ebay at all. Really just here on BST. However, I do use PayPal constantly. Can I still buy postage through Paypal or qualify for that discount? I was looking at my account just now on their site and didn't really see anything about that.....

paypal.com/shipnow

that link should take you to the page. You enter the address, then on the following page pick USPS first class, the package/weight, etc, and calculate shipping.

Cost is based on what zone you are in and what zone you are shipping to. For 4 ounces and under, you should be paying $3.49 max. In the same zone will be $3.01 I think.

Buy your supplies in bulk from amazon and they'll be cheaper.

50 pack of nice bubble mailers, $15 ($0.30 per piece)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076DYK8TG

Bubble wrap, for graded cards, $13.50 for 2 huge rolls

https://www.amazon.com/Cushioning-Pe.../dp/B07QZCMCVT

3 large rolls of painters tape, for closing sleeves/toploaders, $11.50

https://www.amazon.com/ScotchBlue-Or.../dp/B089NYWHJ5

Buy in bulk, and your averages will be much lower.

Also, if you plan to do any kind of selling/shipping at scale, invest in a thermal printer. Then you will never have to buy printer ink again, and you can buy labels with adhesive on them, so you click, print, peel and attach. No fuss. If you sell/ship in volume, it will pay for itself in a few months.

[Carter08]

Perhaps for a different thread but the thermal printer made me think of it. Can anyone recommend a good quality low cost scanner for someone with a moderate collection but who sells a fair amount just to mix things up?

[savedfrommyspokes]

FWIW, the USPS is raising their 1st Class package rate by 30 cents across the board starting Oct 3rd........"peak rate surcharges"????

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Announ.../ba-p/32303386

[53toppscollector]

Originally Posted by Carter08

Perhaps for a different thread but the thermal printer made me think of it. Can anyone recommend a good quality low cost scanner for someone with a moderate collection but who sells a fair amount just to mix things up?

Make sure you get a scanner with a CCD element or all your scans of graded cards will be cloudy and unappealing. I bought a refurbished Epson off amazon for $140 and its worked really well.

[Tabe]

Originally Posted by Carter08

Perhaps for a different thread but the thermal printer made me think of it. Can anyone recommend a good quality low cost scanner for someone with a moderate collection but who sells a fair amount just to mix things up?

Epson v300 off ebay. Used ones are $50.