Regarding the 13 oz rule, I know for certain sites, such as etsy, USPS is allowing first class parcels up to 16 oz (1 lb) now.
If you print postage online, you will save a bit of money since online rates are always cheaper with USPS. You can get a small 10 lb and below scale for pretty cheap, which should be accurate to the ounce. The only real advantage to flat rate shipping is you get free boxes - unless you're packing them with super heavy stuff, you'll almost always pay more using flat rate Priority than first class (as long as it's below 16 oz) or even Priority with your own packaging.
My recommendation would be to save any and all small boxes you can, buy a cheap postal scale, and print off your own first class postage. For example, it costs me a little over $2 to ship a 3 oz small parcel/padded envelope with printed postage, plus you don't have to wait in line at the post office! :D
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2014-12-07 06:19 am (UTC)If you print postage online, you will save a bit of money since online rates are always cheaper with USPS. You can get a small 10 lb and below scale for pretty cheap, which should be accurate to the ounce. The only real advantage to flat rate shipping is you get free boxes - unless you're packing them with super heavy stuff, you'll almost always pay more using flat rate Priority than first class (as long as it's below 16 oz) or even Priority with your own packaging.
My recommendation would be to save any and all small boxes you can, buy a cheap postal scale, and print off your own first class postage. For example, it costs me a little over $2 to ship a 3 oz small parcel/padded envelope with printed postage, plus you don't have to wait in line at the post office! :D