How to Save Money on Postage

Getting to the post office and finding out that the bill for mailing an item is going to exceed the cost of the item itself is discouraging. However, there are ways you can cut down on your monthly postage bill.

Instructions

1. Consider using priority mail. The United States Post Service (USPS) will provide free mailing labels as well as shipping boxes and envelopes. They will also pick up packages for free, and they offer a free forwarding and return service for undeliverable shipments. There are also discounts available for shipping online. Get more information on the United States Post Service website.

2. Consider giving gifts that can be mailed in only an envelope. Gift certificates are widely available now, and less than 50 cents postage will get your gift on its way. Let’s say you planned on budgeting $25 for a gift for a child’s birthday. You would have to pick out a $15 toy if you knew the shipping would be $10. With a gift certificate, however, the child has the entire $25 to spend.

3. Shop at online stores which advertise free shipping, even if you have to consolidate to take advantage of an offer. For example, many items on Amazon ship for free with the purchase of a certain amount. Why not buy a gift you’ll need in the near future along with your original order. Also, look for sites offering free shipping or other possibilities for returns. For example, Zappos offers free returns for its shoes, and if you order an item on line from Eddie Bauer, you can return it to one of their retail stores.

4. Post photos of your vacation, your pets, or your grandkids on a site such as Flickr rather than mailing out prints—and, of course, you’ll save on the prints as well.

5. Take advantage of email. With the advent of e-cards, it’s simple to send out attractive and appropriate cards for almost all occasions. Recipients really never know what to do with all those birthday cards anyway. In the case of party invitations, all your guests will be able to see who will be attending the event.

Resources

• United States Post Service website
• Amazon
• Zappos
• Flickr