U.S. Postal Service users take note: New postal rates are in effect as of May 11.
While many of the standard mailing services now cost a couple of pennies more, a few actually got cheaper. For example, the first-class mail international rate is now 54 cents for the first ounce, a reduction of 18 cents.
The cost of USPS shipping insurance rose slightly for packages valued at $300 or less. However, for anything valued for more than that, the new insurance fee structure is a relative bargain at $4.70, plus $1 for each additional $100 of value. That's down from the old rate of $5.55, plus 95 cents for each additional $100 of value.
Pricing is unchanged for Express and Priority services, both domestic and international.
Online sellers who purchase shipping labels electronically will now pay 19 cents to add delivery confirmation, an increase of a penny.
For a complete list of mailing services and pricing, visit the USPS site.
Auctiva staff writers constantly monitor trends and best practices of those selling on eBay and elsewhere online. They attend relevant training seminars and trade shows and regularly discuss the market with PowerSellers and other market experts.
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