Shelter in Place Shipping

[Skunkie]

Hello all!
The following recommendation applies to U.S. residents as I have not researched other countries Post systems, but please feel free to research and add your specific info if you desire!

I have noticed a few sellers recently suspend their sales. I want everyone to know I respect your decision to so, however, if you are solely placing a hold to avoid going out in public: good news!
You can have the USPS schedule a pickup for free when your regular carrier delivers the mail. You will need to register at usps.com but you can also print your postage from there as well, so that's pretty sweet.
If you need boxes, you can request a free delivery of boxes, (they will be express, priority or flat rate, whichever you request so remember to match your postage accordingly).
Scheduling a pickup is super easy; granted, maybe your situation has nosey neighbors or family, or you don't have a relatively secure place to leave your outgoing package, but for a large amount of us this eliminates the need to go the PO.
During a time when one may need to sell things for extra cash or ship toilet paper to far-flung relatives, it's nice to have this as an option! ^.^
Take care of yourselves! ♡

 

[NyxErosophos]

Thank you for taking the time to make this post.

 

[Snow Pony]

Great information for sure, and it will definitely help others. Sadly, it doesn't work in all countries. It wouldn't where I am.

 

[Skunkie]

Potentially useful for those without access to a printer, the PO can also deliver stamps. They sell a variety of stamp denominations so you dont have to wrap your entire package in 50 cent stamps ^.^

https://store.usps.com/store/product/buy-stamps/big-bend-S_120804

And here's a link to the med flat rate box.

https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/priority-mail-medium-flat-rate-box-1-P_O_FRB1

Stay safe out there (in there?) ^.^

 

[cardboard7771]

I wouldn't rely on the "free" USPS pickup. They may do it once or twice, but from my experience, 80% of the time they won't take the packages, even if you hand it to them while they are delivering your mail. I've been told they don't have to take them. Try to hand it to it them a second time the next day and they will pull the old "the shipping date is for the wrong day." So then you have to buy another label with the correct date and take it to the post office your self. You can try calling your local post office to complain, and if your lucky enough to talk to a person they will just say ok, and hang up.

 

[Skunkie]

Oh no!
I'm sorry to hear you've had such poor experiences with the pickup!
Maybe I'm just very lucky, my letter carrier is pretty awesome. ^.^

 

[cardboard7771]

Oh no!
I'm sorry to hear you've had such poor experiences with the pickup!
Maybe I'm just very lucky, my letter carrier is pretty awesome. ^.^

Thats just from my experience, yours may vary. It's a very common complaint with USPS if you google it, I just thought others should know, since it usually results in very angry customers and on this forum people may think your trying to scam them.