Shipping a package?

Question

I want to ship a package to a friend domestically, but I've never done this before. Do I bring the items to the post office and package them there? Do I just walk into the post office with my items and get postage and everything there? If I package them at home, how do I address it? Do I just use a sharpie on the box or something? The package is pretty light and won't be very large...maybe shoe box size. Can I just hand this to a mail man?

Answer 1

I suggest visiting the post office website.  (www.usps.com) It will explain all of the options which include flat rate shipping regardless of the shipping weight or just regular parcel post.  Either case, you have to package and seal the items. It will also give you the option to print out the postage and a shipping label which you then have to tape onto  the package. No need for a sharpie.  But sharpie is just as good. Then it is a matter of handing it to the postman or if you need a receipt to bring to the post office.

If you aren't inclined to do so, then go to a private pack and ship service which can help you with the packing as well as ship via the Post Office, UPS or any of the other shippers.  You pay a fee of course for the service and any packing material.  It can get expensive so I would ask the price before agreeing.  It cost me over $11 in fees to ship a box that I could have packed myself but was in a hurry.

One other suggestion.  Place a shipping label inside of the box with all of the pertinent information.  If your glued on label falls for some reason, they will open it up to check.