The cheapest way to post a parcel when buying something for someone depends on several factors like size, weight, destination and urgency. Understanding these options can help you save money while ensuring your gift or purchase reaches its destination safely.
Comparing Different Postal Services
When looking for the cheapest way to post a parcel, it’s important to compare rates from different postal services. National postal services like USPS, Royal Mail or Australia Post often offer the most economical options for standard deliveries. These services have established networks and can provide reliable delivery at lower costs compared to private courier companies.
For small parcels under 2 pounds, USPS First Class Package Service is often the cheapest option in the United States. In the UK, Royal Mail Second Class service provides affordable rates for non-urgent deliveries. Different countries have their own equivalent services, but the national postal service is usually a good starting point when seeking budget-friendly shipping.
Private courier services like UPS, FedEx and DHL typically charge more but might offer better deals for heavier packages or international shipping. These companies often have online calculators where you can compare rates based on your specific parcel dimensions and destination.
Size and Weight Considerations
The size and weight of your parcel significantly affect the cost of posting. Postal services typically charge based on either the actual weight or the dimensional weight (calculated from the package’s dimensions), whichever is greater. This means that even a light but bulky package might cost more to ship than a small, heavy one.
To find the cheapest way to post a parcel, try to minimize both the weight and size of your package. Remove any unnecessary packaging from the item you’re sending and use appropriately sized boxes or envelopes. Some people make the mistake of using oversized boxes with lots of filling material, which can significantly increase shipping costs.
When buying something for someone, consider having the retailer ship directly to the recipient if they offer free or low-cost shipping. This eliminates the need for you to pay additional shipping costs and can often be the cheapest option overall.
Packaging Materials
The materials you use to package your parcel can impact both the weight and the cost. When seeking the cheapest way to post a parcel, use lightweight packaging materials. Bubble wrap is lightweight yet provides good protection. Alternatively, crumpled newspaper or recycled packaging materials from previous deliveries can serve as free padding.
Many postal services offer free packaging materials for certain shipping methods. For instance, USPS provides free Priority Mail and Express Mail boxes and envelopes, which can be ordered online or picked up at local post offices. Using these free supplies can reduce your overall shipping costs.
Remember that proper packaging prevents damage during transit, which could save you from having to ship a replacement item. While cutting corners on packaging might seem like the cheapest option initially, it could end up costing more if the item arrives damaged.
Timing Considerations
The delivery timeframe can significantly impact shipping costs. Express or overnight shipping options are much more expensive than standard delivery services. If you are looking for the cheapest way to post a parcel, planning ahead and allowing for longer delivery times will save you money.
Some postal services offer discounted rates for packages that aren’t time-sensitive. For example, USPS Media Mail is a very affordable option for books, DVDs and other media items, though delivery might take 2-8 days. Similarly, “ground” shipping options from courier services are typically much cheaper than air transport.
During holiday seasons, postal services often experience delays due to high volume. Sending parcels well in advance not only ensures timely delivery but also allows you to choose cheaper, non-expedited shipping options.
Online Shipping and Discounts
Purchasing postage online is often the cheapest way to post a parcel compared to buying it at a physical post office. Many postal services offer discounts for online postage purchases. For example, USPS offers Commercial Base Pricing discounts when you buy and print labels online through their website or approved vendors.
Similarly, courier services like UPS and FedEx typically offer lower rates when you create shipments online rather than in-store. These online discounts can range from 10-30% off retail prices, making a significant difference for your wallet.
Several third-party shipping platforms aggregate rates from multiple carriers, allowing you to compare prices easily. Websites and apps like Pirate Ship, Shippo, and Parcel2Go can help you find the cheapest way to post a parcel by showing side-by-side comparisons of different services based on your specific package details.
International Shipping Considerations
When sending parcels internationally, finding the cheapest way to post a parcel becomes more complex. International shipping involves additional factors like customs fees, import taxes and varying delivery networks.
For international packages, national postal services typically offer the most affordable options through their international shipping programs. In the US, USPS First Class International or International Priority Mail are often cheaper than private courier services for smaller packages. The downside is that delivery times might be longer and tracking less comprehensive.
If you’re buying something for someone in another country, consider using global retailers that have local warehouses in the recipient’s country. This eliminates international shipping costs altogether and can be the cheapest option. Alternatively, look for forwarding services that consolidate multiple purchases and ship them together to reduce overall costs.
FAQs
Can I use old boxes and packaging materials to ship packages?
Yes, reusing boxes and packaging materials is perfectly acceptable as long as they’re still in good condition. Just make sure to remove or cover any old shipping labels and barcodes to avoid confusion during transit.
Do heavier packages always cost more to ship?
Generally yes, but not always. Some shipping services offer flat-rate options where you pay a fixed price regardless of weight (up to a maximum). These can be economical for dense, heavy items even though they might not be the cheapest option for lighter packages.
Is it cheaper to buy shipping insurance separately or through the postal service?
It depends on the value of your package and the provider. Postal services typically charge a premium for their insurance, while third-party insurance providers might offer better rates for high-value items. For lower-value parcels, the difference is often minimal, and the convenience of bundled insurance might outweigh any small savings.
