I just sent out two boxes of bulbs. They were medium size and I packed them layer by layer with styrofoam peanuts. The cost was 26.15 to send priority mail. That's 2-3 days guaranteed. Regular mail has no guarantee and at $18 apx. doesn't seem much better. There were 100 bulbs. But, geeze. Anybody have any suggestions? Is this normal.
Thanks,
C
The bulbs wer medium size, and the boxes weren't that big either.
This message was edited Monday, Mar 17th 6:49 PM
Cost for shipping
yikes, how much did they weigh??? wonder if I wouldn't have sent bulbs parcel post.
UPS would have been cheaper too. It is high priced for 1-2 pounds, but after that gets cheaper than the PO.
That seems extremely high. They must have been pretty heavy, and perhaps going to a distant zone? The guarantee does not always ensure prompt delivery, and as tiG pointed out, bulbs could be sent the cheapest way, unlike living and growing plants. Should be more like 4 or 5$ even priority for a nice trade...
arghhhhhh
Should have checked into it more. I hate expensive lessons. Usually occur when I try to rush. O, well. :{
just had one myself. all you can do is kick yourself then laugh. Lifes too short to dwell on it.
This is kinda off the subject but thought I would share anyway. I sent a box one time not even sure what the postage was on it I know it was more than then the normal trade. And this person had asked for them for sase and I said just send me herbs in return. Folks that was one of the best trades I ever did and that person is now a very dear friend. I think she will know who she is as soon as she reads this and to to think a great friendship was made over a box of orange daylilies. lol Koko maybe you will end up as lucky as I was.
Peggy, you are so easy to love, I don't wonder that your trader (probably Badseed?)became a good friend. Just reading about how you are always sharing and helping, I didn't even need a trade to feel like you were a best friend. Often, I find myself wishing you lived close to me so I could bask in your sunshine. Off-topic, sorry!
The cost for shipping is likely to get even worse with the price of gasoline. We have to use every possible method to save where we can. I am astonished at the postage I see on packages of online purchases. Our harmless hobby is close to being out of reach for anything common. Like my favorite, wildflowers. Maybe we will have to save up what we have and take it all to roundups, so we at least get to visit as we trade.
Good morning everyone,
What a lovely day we are having here in the north country. Ground is still snow covered and frozen....but a heat wave is moving through...finally. lol Hey...we'll take it!!
The post office has an envelope (13 1/2" x 9")(thanks kokopelli for getting the size)that you can send...any wt./any where(US)for $3.85. It can not be sealed by any other method but it's own flap.(no tape,staples,etc.)or it can not go for $3.85. It is not padded(can be added) but might be an alternitive. Seems some local post offices don't know this available?? You can call 1-800-344-7779(postal #)for more info. Check it out and let me know what you think?
We need to find the best/economical method and then all of us support it....we can make a difference...:-) (Maybe Dave's crew could research("twist some elbows") and advise...then we could support that method and company with the best price)??
Have a nice day.
Dave (Dave_62950@yahoo.com)
Good advice, Dave. I think many things could easily go first class instead of Priority, but it is just so easy to use the free packaging, rather than finding or buying materials. John
Hmmmm I know there are sleeves of bubble wrap that you can slide into an envelope of about that size. If you put the bubble wrap in and taped the inside of the envelope to make it sturdier then maybe, just maybe you could send some plants that way.
I am itching to try doing this. Anybody need some wild white yarrow or wild chicory? I have lots of those plants for SASE of $3.85. LOL
In most cases, parcel post is only a few cents cheaper, and a very few..I have received plants in envelopes, not a good idea unless they are really small..
Larkie
yep me too and I agree.
well i recieved those two boxes and the one is HUGE and packed full! oh my goodness there were alot of Iris in those boxes im still potting them!
The one had to weigh close to 10lbs maybe more! it was HUGE!!!
cathy-thanks again and let me know what all ya want
Just learned today that under a pound will go anywhere in US for $3.85. And, that's in a free priority mail box from the post office. Not a bad deal.
yr welcome nm. I'll let you know!
Hey, Koko, you can also get free tape for those priority boxes. If you can get to the USPS website, you can order packing materials and have them delivered to your mailbox. I have acquired things my post office doesn't get.
Yes, I ordered 3 different size boxes, lables and tape for my Hosta co-op, plus other trades. It's easy. I got the first batch of 25 boxes last week. Then today I did get a letter from the USPS asking for my signature that these materials would only be used for Priority/Express shipping.
I have used the boxes for a long time, but sometimes the PO would be out of the size I needed or low on them, so I would only ask for a few at a time. I do have a small scale so I pretty much know the postage. All you have to do then is slap a stamp on them and away ya go!!
You can call 1-800-610-8734 or fax your order 1-800-270-6233. You can get the supply order form at your PO, or order one free.
I forgot about this link - I never could get it to work.
You can print pre-paid mailing labels for Priority and Express Mail at the USPS site, too. If you know the weight of your package, that is. It is so handy, and it includes free delivery confirmation, something which normally costs an additional 40 cents. I use them all the time! https://sss-web.usps.com/ds/jsps/index.jsp