How to use your PC for post office needs

Are you or your family tired of running to the post office for postage stamps? What about shipping packages? Avoid this unpleasant task by using your home Microsoft Windows Computer to do the work for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Internet Service
• Printer
• Labels
• Acid-free paper
• Bags
• Markers
• Fountain pens
• Boxes
• envelopes
• Scissors
• Access to Paypal or USPS.gov
• Priority flat rate mailing boxes (optional) and free from your local post office. (Pick a few up when you buy your postage stamps)
• Small postage scale or bathroom scale if you have nothing else
• Packing materials
• Newspaper

Use your PC like a virtual post office

1. Decide what you or your family are going to be mailing and package it accordingly.
   
   If you have a lot of items, it may be more economical to ship them in a USPS flat rate box. You still will need to address the box and print/pay for postage.
2. Weigh the box or envelope either on a postal scale or bathroom scale, if not using a flat rate box.
3. Open your web browser. Go to to post office website. Or, if you are mailing a package of an eBay item that you sold, you can access the Paypal website to create a shipping label. This costs .18 more because you will receive a delivery confirmation number.
4. Log into Paypal.com and in the column next to the item and recipient name, click on "Print Shipping Label" button. Fill in the information, including weight in pounds and ounces as applicable and how you will be sending the package (Priority, Parcel Post or First Class). The money is directly deducted from your Paypal account. Alternatively, a bank account or credit card, as applicable. Fill in the address the box and pay for postage.
5. Go to usps.gov as an alternative and Click-N-Ship to calculate cost and print postage. Select the services you would like. These are all optional.
6. Print labels on plain, white paper, attach them using a glue stick and then tape them on the front. Do NOT tape over the barcode on the bottom, the post office needs to scan this in.
7. Request a free package pickup from your post office online or call your local post office for more information if you cannot request a pickup online. They will come right to your home or business (usually during normal mail delivery times).
8. Place your package(s) in a shopping bag and hang them from your mail box (or place inside mail box if small enough to fit), alternatively, if you have rural mail pickup and live in an area where you do not have to worry about theft.

Tips & Warnings

• If a package weighs less than 13 ounces, it is usually economical and fastest to send it First Class Mail.
• This will also work for an in home or small business.
• Free carrier package pickup is limited to 70 pounds or less and must be done prior to 2 p.m.
• You will not be able to send items over 13 ounces by First Class Mail.