34 Legal Methods to Cut High Postage Costs
- For local messages, telephone instead of sending a letter.
- Use postcards as often as possible. Save on stamps AND envelopes.
- Don't buy stamps from vending machines where a service charge is added.
- If you operate your own business, remember that postage is tax deductible.
- Pay local bills in person instead of mailing them.
- Save postage stamps off your incoming mail. Then sell them at flea markets, garage sales, neighborhood yard and tag sales, etc.
- Use 3rd class mail when speed isn't important and pocket big savings.
- Don't "overstamp" your mail. Purchase an inexpensive postal scale or have your local Post Office weigh your mail for you.
- When sending 1st class mail, remember that while the first ounce requires a 1st class stamp, additional ounces cost less. Pick up a postal rate guide from your local Post Office.
- Post Office "stamped" envelopes are expensive. Save by buying packets of envelopes from variety and discount stores.
- Don't pay extra for "airmail" between distant points in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. All such mail is automatically sent via air at 1st class rates.
- Always use your zip code on your mail for faster delivery. If you don't know the zip code, your local Post Office can look it up for you.
- If speed and timing is important, deposit your mail early in the day.
- If you have special instructions such as "Special Delivery", mark this plainly on all letters and packages, in big letters for all to see.
- Pay bills by personal checks. It is less expensive then Postal money orders.
- Avoid ordering merchandise via "C.O.D.". The C.O.D. charge is generally added to the cost of your order.
- When insuring a package or letter, insure it for its value only - and no more. If it is lost, you will be paid for the actual value only.
- Use "Special Delivery" during nights and weekends only. During the week, Special Delivery is handled the same as regular first class mail and given special attention at the destination only.
- Never spend on "Special Delivery" mail sent to a Post Office box.
- If your require proof of delivery, use "Certified" mail instead of more expensive "Registered" mail.
- When mailing large quantities of identical "printed matter" mail, investigate "bulk mail" rates. Inquire at your local Post Office.
- When shipping parcels, compare rates charged by other carriers such as United Parcel Service, Greyhound, freight companies, etc.
- When mailing books, use the lower 4th class "book rate".
- Reweigh "Postage Due" mail in the event an error has been made.
- Avoid using odd-shaped "non-standard" size envelopes. The Post Office charges extra if envelopes do not conform to certain size specifications.
- When mailing printed matter overseas, use the lower "surface rate" and write "Printed Matter" on the envelope, if airmail isn't necessary.
- Never mail cash. If it gets lost, you have no proof that it was sent.
- Be sure that your return address is on all outgoing mail. It will be returned to you it it is undeliverable and sent via first class.
- Save time! (Time is money!) Buy larger quantities of stamps at one time and avoid standing in long Post Office lines often.
- Use large brown grocery bags for wrapping packages instead of buying sheets of wrapping paper. Use saved string and twine for this same purpose.
- When shipping fragile items, decrease shipping weight by using popped corn as the packing material, instead of heavier crumpled newspapers.
- Let postal workers suggest other methods for saving on postage costs.
- Check your Christmas card list carefully and eliminate unnecessary names.
- When buying sheets of stamps, save the corner "plate number blocks". They could increase in value and make excellent future "investments".
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