The U.S. Postal Service announced it will increase prices for Priority and Express Mail services starting Jan. 22.
The overall price increase for all shipping services will be 4.6 percent, with Priority Mail prices increasing an average of 3.1 percent and Express Mail prices increasing an average of 3.3 percent, according to USPS.
USPS will also change its overnight Express Mail service, which currently costs between $13.25 and $109.20, depending on weight and destination, to an Express Mail Flat Rate service. The new service will cost $39.95 to any domestic destination for packages up to 70 pounds.
"The introduction of the Express Mail Flat Rate Box leverages the success of our Priority Mail Flat Rate advertising campaign, and further positions the Postal Service as the best value in the shipping business," says Paul Vogel, USPS president and chief marketing and sales officer.
In October, USPS announced increases for letter rates, also starting Jan. 22. Experienced eBay seller Rebecca Miller said she wasn't concerned about those prices affecting online merchants, but would be if the cost of Priority and Express Mail services were to rise, since prices for these services were just increased a year ago.
Last year, USPS posted an overall price change for shipping services at 3.6 percent, with Priority Mail increased at 3.5 percent. The beginning of this year also introduced new flat parcel products, including legal-size and padded envelopes.
The Postal Regulatory Commission will review the prices before they become effective, USPS reports.
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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