So, what is HipStamp to do about new USPS rates?
Clearly, the new postal rates will have a HUGE impact on international sales for US Sellers on sites like this. Per my understanding, to be compliant with the law, we must now mail ALL stamps to non-US addresses as First Class Package International, and we must use customs forms on all international shipments.
I just had to jack my postage rates to $15 for non-US buyers. That REALLY stinks!
What can HipStamp do to not lose international buyers? What new features can be offered? Allow for shopping carts to add up over time until critical mass is reached to finally check out?
Lord have mercy...
Doug
I just had to jack my postage rates to $15 for non-US buyers. That REALLY stinks!
What can HipStamp do to not lose international buyers? What new features can be offered? Allow for shopping carts to add up over time until critical mass is reached to finally check out?
Lord have mercy...
Doug
Comments
Regarding the use of the customs form for only first class parcels and no longer on first class letter or large envelope, I stated that here several weeks ago, and was told by most that I was mis-informed. Believe me now?
I would suspect that most people are going to chance it with the first class letter (weighs not over 3.5 ounces) or large envelope, at least for a while. Note that a First Class International Large Envelope can weigh up to 64 ounces. That is a long letter!
USPS will have to figure this one out when the mailer's associations start complaining.
"however, we are unable to continue to permit “goods of nominal value” sent by known mailers in First-Class Mail International items because, to be consistent with the UPU requirements, we must eliminate goods of any kind from First-Class Mail International letters and flats."
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/10/24/2017-22749/international-mailing-services-proposed-product-and-price-changes-cpi
Even disguising a stamp shipment as a letter to friend, in which you have included some stamps as a gift to him, is against the UPU rules. 1st class international letters may contain "only documents."
As far as stockpiling shopping cart items, one does not have to leave them in the shopping cart and risk having the items purchased by someone else. Customers can use the "Pay by Check or Money Order" Pre-Approval process with individual dealers, to lock in their purchase, but be allowed to pay later. When the customer adds more items on another day, and chooses Pay Later, the contents of the cart will be added to the the invoice previously created that is awaiting payment.
Needless to say I'm very confused as to what the cost will be to mail used stamps internationally.
Did they have to make this such a confusing thing?
Mail Services
No Mail Services were found.
Is that the strangest? Are you having that same problem or is the wizard of USPS playing with me?
I can get to the US calculate a price, but any thing going international comes back with No Mail Services were found. IDK, maybe they are still updating the data? Just a wild guess. I'm on the site for all sales for checking delivery times so I'm rather familiar with the site. very strange.
Now, what about all the people who live in the US with family in a different country, what would their Birthday cards and letters be costing them to mail them? I'm a little brain dead with it comes to a big change like this.
Thinking maybe we all will have to drop the International selling unless someone can share a trick or two. hint hint, PM me please and thank you
Thanks Wayne
(Maybe you could write a short note on the back of the stamps.
4 days ago:
1. Send a handful of stamps to Canada in a letter size envelope ( no customs form depending on your State PO opinion) for $1.15
2. Send a handful of stamps to Canada in a 6 x 9 envelope to accommodate customs forms using Paypal for $2.50 because weight with larger envelope is now 2 oz.
Now:
It will cost us $9.50 to Canada for the same transaction because now that same 6 x 9 envelope is considered a package?? Why - it's the same service that has been provided in the past - same envelope, same contents basically but huge price increase. OK, UPU wants customs forms on all mailings, that's fine, but why does USPS consider everything mailed internationally a package? Makes no sense to me unless they're using the Martin Shkreli business plan.
And, I just received two orders from Canada. I need more aspirin and coffee!
Notwithstanding, with specific regards to the $9.50 First Class Package International USPS method noted, there are other options available (not specifically through the USPS) which are about half the price, such as:
https://stamps.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5149/~/shipping-merchandise-with-first-class-international-flats
So now we have to decide if we do enough international selling to justify the $15.99 per month fee (basic program). Another monthly fee we would have to pay coupled with Hipstamps, Paypal, etc.