This is my first instructable. I invite feedback, coaching, and correction.
My wife finally started selling stuff on the internet. One of the big things that distinguishes sellers is shipping costs. If what you are selling (in our case used boutique baby clothes) is heavier that 13oz. you have a lot of options* of how to ship. The same package could cost you $8.60, $10.95, or $4.75 depending how smart you pack it. I was able to package 2 shipments by hand in about 40 minutes. Once I made the jig I could do it in 3 minutes flat.
* Technically you have one les option, since the cut-off for the cheaper first class mail is 13oz. If you can ship first class, you should. It's the best value. So, for packages 13ox and under, I think there is really only 1 choice.
My wife finally started selling stuff on the internet. One of the big things that distinguishes sellers is shipping costs. If what you are selling (in our case used boutique baby clothes) is heavier that 13oz. you have a lot of options* of how to ship. The same package could cost you $8.60, $10.95, or $4.75 depending how smart you pack it. I was able to package 2 shipments by hand in about 40 minutes. Once I made the jig I could do it in 3 minutes flat.
* Technically you have one les option, since the cut-off for the cheaper first class mail is 13oz. If you can ship first class, you should. It's the best value. So, for packages 13ox and under, I think there is really only 1 choice.
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Signing UpStep 1: The supplies
Here is what you need.
Supplies
1. A 12 1/2in x 9 1/2in Flat Rate shipping envelope, price $0.00
2. A strip of plywood* ripped down to a width equal to the shortest dimension of your box, price $2.00 or free (scrap)
3. 8 wood screws 1 1/4in length or longer, price $1.79 or free (scrap)
Tools
Table Saw for ripping the plywood (not needed if using a 2x4)
Miter Saw for cutting the sides to length
Drill
Philips P2 bit (or T20 if using DeckMate, the only wood screws I use)
Counter sink bit (recess the screw heads, it's prettier)
Forstner bit , Wood Spade , or Auger
* You can opt for a simple 2x4 if you don't have a means of ripping the plywood, but it won't be very useful for stuffing.
Supplies
1. A 12 1/2in x 9 1/2in Flat Rate shipping envelope, price $0.00
2. A strip of plywood* ripped down to a width equal to the shortest dimension of your box, price $2.00 or free (scrap)
3. 8 wood screws 1 1/4in length or longer, price $1.79 or free (scrap)
Tools
Table Saw for ripping the plywood (not needed if using a 2x4)
Miter Saw for cutting the sides to length
Drill
Philips P2 bit (or T20 if using DeckMate, the only wood screws I use)
Counter sink bit (recess the screw heads, it's prettier)
Forstner bit , Wood Spade , or Auger
* You can opt for a simple 2x4 if you don't have a means of ripping the plywood, but it won't be very useful for stuffing.
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According to USPS.com's flat rate priority mail page:
"Shipping shouldn’t take a lot of time and guesswork. With Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes and Envelopes, if it fits, it ships® anywhere in the U.S.* for a low Flat Rate. And no need for those zone maps."
Also,
You may submit complaints to grievance through the USPS site. It WORKS! Your local USPS will NOT like this. =D Make sure you leave your actual information when filing a complaint so when your local post office calls you to discuss any matters, you can actually go in and let them see your face. Next time, they will know better than to mess with you!
However, this link says differently. BRING THIS TO THE POST OFFICE, NEXT TIME THEY SAY SOMETHING.
http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/123.htm
The fact of the matter is this:
This method works for stuffing the maximum content into the cheapest container.
If your contents fit and weight less than 70lbs, they will ship it in these flat rate packages.
I'm glad someone appreciates the idea.