USPS click and ship

[Wayne02]

I find myself taking a few packages to the usps, fed ex or ups about every other week on average. The usps offices in the two nearest towns are incredibly busy with long lines no matter what time I go.

There must be a better way?

These offices have the so called automated mailing center machines in the lobby, but each time I've walked by one the person using it was cussing up a storm in frustration.

So I'm wondering if anybody uses the usps click and ship online deal and how they like it? I've looked at the usps website about it and seen their claims but I'm wondering how it works in real life.

Do you pay and print a shipping label then tape the paper onto the package with clear shipping tape?

Would a small scale be needed to get the weight of the package?

Can you do any of the shipping methods and options such as deliver confirmation, registered mail, flat-rate etc?

I'm hoping that with this method I could bypass the long line and somehow drop the package off for mailing, though I think the 'large' drop box in the lobby is not really that large. I wonder what one is to do if their package is larger than the drop box door. While I was waiting in line yesterday a lady came in with a long package, bypassed the line and set it on one of the closed teller counters and left. Maybe that is acceptable?

Anybody know if fed ex has a click and ship type option? There is a fed ex regional hub that is closer than either of the two PO's, and I believe you can just leave the packages (of most any size) on the counter and go if they already have postage.

Thanks

 

[harley0711]

I use it all the time... pay on line with C/C and You get a discount AND they will pick it up at your front door for free AND they send you the boxes to your door for FREE

Great deal...

 

[zoom6zoom]

I love it... and the free shipping labels I get with my UPS account work just fine with it, too.

 

[ditrina]

I use Post Office click and ship also.. very hassle free..

 

[handejector]

My answers in RED--

So I'm wondering if anybody uses the usps click and ship online deal and how they like it? I've looked at the usps website about it and seen their claims but I'm wondering how it works in real life.
I use it and LOVE it. Works great.

Do you pay and print a shipping label then tape the paper onto the package with clear shipping tape? Correct. Do NOT put tape over the bar code.

Would a small scale be needed to get the weight of the package? Yes, unless you are REALLY good at guessing weights.

Can you do any of the shipping methods and options such as deliver confirmation, registered mail, flat-rate etc?
Kinda- Del Conf is free with all Priority.
You have the Flat Rate Priority option in all sizes.
You can do Express.
For registered, go ahead and print a Priority label, but then you have to get in line at PO to register. They give you credit for the amount paid online.

I'm hoping that with this method I could bypass the long line and somehow drop the package off for mailing, though I think the 'large' drop box in the lobby is not really that large. I wonder what one is to do if their package is larger than the drop box door. While I was waiting in line yesterday a lady came in with a long package, bypassed the line and set it on one of the closed teller counters and left. Maybe that is acceptable?
I do it all the time at my small PO- if they are busy, I stack them up and leave.
The website allows you to put all the shipments for each day on a "Scan Form". You print the scan form, and drop it with the packages. IF you entered the buyer's email and your email, you BOTH get email notices that it is shipped, and when they are delivered. This way, my gunbuyer gets informed that the FFL received the gun today in case the dealer is slow to call him.
You can also do the pickup option, and the driver can scan the Scan Form.

Anybody know if fed ex has a click and ship type option? There is a fed ex regional hub that is closer than either of the two PO's, and I believe you can just leave the packages (of most any size) on the counter and go if they already have postage. Correct- I do this also. Can do it with UPS also.

Thanks

My answers in red above

 

[harley0711]

keep in mind... UPS charges for pick-up.

I always check the prices on each site.. and also compare Insurace and go with the best deal..

 

[truckemup97]

I used the machine in the lobby on Monday. I can see why some folks would spit and cuss, but it was still better than standing in line then spitting and cussing at a live human (I think) being.

 

[USAF385]

I'd like to use it, but the mail man doesn't come to my house... actually I don't think he even knows how to get to my house. My mailbox is about 1/2 mile away from my home. For me to mail something out requires me to go to the nearest post office.. about 12 miles away.

I got to compliment UPS though... at least the driver knows where I live. Any time I get something from Fed Ex or DHL, the package arrives two days later than it should and the driver calls trying to figure out where the house is.

 

[bobelk99]

I also use Click and Ship and love it.

I agree with all the above posts but like to add one comment.
My local PM said tape over the barcode if you want to, and don't worry about it. I have send several dozen shipments with the label 100% taped and have had no issues.

I use the UPS equivalent for ammo. Pickup costs 3$ here, but lets me avoid trip to the hub and is cheaper than driving.

 

[postman93]

As long as you tape over the bar code with clear tape, our scanners will read it with no problems. I do it everyday at work. If you schedule a pick-up on line, your carrier gets a notification at his case and he must fill it out and leave one for you and turn one in to the supervisor to clear his name with the number of packages picked up. If the number is less than stated by the mailer he has to check a reason why. Mike

 

[Wayne02]

Thanks for the replies, I'm going to give it a try.