Why We Use Only USPS Priority Mail

 

We receive many e-mails from customers asking why we do not use First Class Mail for small orders.  We really do understand that shipping costs add quite a burden to the shopper and want you to understand our shipping rationale.

 

  • Using USPS Priority Mail shipping allows us to include “delivery confirmation” at no extra charge for domestic orders (and the International Flat Rate BOX).  The delivery confirmation number provided provides a safeguard for us and our customers to help keep track of packages.  If we use First Class US mail there would be an additional charge for the delivery confirmation fee.  
     

  • Many companies add extra costs to their products to cover the cost of packaging materials.  Since I have many local customers I do not.  The small handling fee covers only tape, paper, and ink for labeling. 
     

  • The Priority envelopes and boxes are free from the USPS.  If I used First Class or Parcel Post US mail, the added cost of a padded envelope or small box would have to be passed along to the customers with a larger handling/packaging fee.
     

  • The ability to print labels on line saves us a lot of precious time and assures greater accuracy since the labels are printed directly from the information provided by the customer.  I ship out so many orders per week, if I had to provide hand-written address labels for even half of them, there would be even less time to make soap!
     

  • A small two sample order with packaging would weigh about 7 ounces.  USPS Priority Mail would cost $4.60, plus a 75 cent handling fee. 
     

  • First Class Postage for the same order would be about $2.00.  If you add to that the delivery confirmation fee, cost of the packaging materials, a larger handling fee because of the added time to hand write address labels plus a trip to the Post Office (we used to charge a $2.50 handling fee for orders under $20.00)--the total cost would actually be more not using priority mail!!

A COMPARISON

   USPS Priority Mail USPS First Class Mail
     

Boxes

Free Extra Cost

Delivery Confirmation

Free Extra Cost

Print Labels on Line

Yes No

Free Package Pick-up

Yes No