Let's plan for rising postal rates and try to mail at cheaper rates for the rest of 2012. A good postal scale, a variety of boxes and packing peanuts will help us reach our goal. The USPS rates increase on January 27, 2013. Stamps for a normal envelope only increase by one cent but all forms of packages will cost more to mail. Using a regular box and mailing Priority Mail saves money for US packages. Use a better brand of tape to seal packages and less tape. The media rate is fine for vintage books but not for magazines or items with advertising. Bubble wrap and packing peanuts weigh less than shredded paper or kraft paper. Combining items into one box and using Parcel Post will also save postage.

First Class International rates are rising. The packages weighing under 4 pounds go at a reasonable rate to Canada. The rate is calculated by ounces and zones with Japan and Australia in zones 3 to 5. Bulky but light weight items do best in First Class International regular boxes. Heavy items are best shipped in a flat rate Priority Mail box. The Large Flat Rate box can hold up to 20 pounds. Since postage is costly for overseas countries, I often add a small gift to the box. It can be a postcard, origami bird or a trinket.

Small light weight items can be shipped First Class mail in the US. The box must weigh under one pound. A postal worker can remove one extra piece of tape to get a package or stuffed envelope under the maximum weight. The staff can suggest the best method of shipping or which size box to use.

While checking out internet sites for packing material, I saw a video for the "Scotty Stuffer 2.0" by BubbleFast. I have order the boxes that fold to 9"X5.5"X3.5". A special box of this size fits into a USPS Priority Flat Rate Padded envelope. It was designed to mail a coffee mug at the cheapest rate. They suggest a bubble wrap bag to hold the cup inside the box. You need to slide the sealed box into the padded envelope. It takes some practice but saves on postage. I know I can use the "Scotty Stuffer" for an ice cream scoop, small vase, salt and pepper shaker, figurine, nut chopper and a small wine glass. I would use tissue paper and bubble wrap before sealing the box. Shops that sell jewelry sets may find this box helpful.

The USPS Priority boxes are helpful and free but many items do not fit inside the box. After discovering this, I began to use regular small boxes for Priority Mail. I am hoping shop owners and readers will share ideas for saving money on postage.

Let's encourage customers to shop early for Priority Mail is suggested after December 14, for Christmas arrival. Please pack carefully so breakable items arrive in excellent condition. Mark packages with Fragile or Glass on all sides. Use small boxes inside a large box for multiple items.

Written by Noel Merkel

Chessie & Nestor Go Antiquing on Ruby Lane