2007 Gift Shipping Cut Off Dates For Christmas Delivery - U.S.P.S. Mail

The winter holidays are a special time for families, friends, and loved ones.  It's the time of year when we want everything to be perfect.
 
We invest a lot of time and money in selecting special gifts for special people, and once we've made a purchase, we want to know for certain that it will arrive before the big event.
 
Buying from an established eBay seller with a history of excellent service is important, but it's not the only consideration when getting your package on time is of the utmost importance.  Take the time to check a seller's feedback -- especially regarding shipping time -- before you buy.
 
Your gift buying decisions should never be based on price alone.  Choosing the right shipping method for your gifts is essential, especially during the busiest shipping season of the year.  If a listing does not state a specific shipping method, be sure to ask the seller what type of shipping they use and how quickly they will ship your item.
 
Listings that offer "Standard Flat Rate Shipping" often do not disclose how the package will actually be shipped, and there is a huge difference in how quickly a package arrives when it is shipped via Parcel Post (within the U.S.) or International First Class Mail, instead of by Priority Mail.
 
Parcel Post packages sent within the U.S. can take 10 to 15 business days to arrive, and sometimes take longer.  2 to 3 weeks is a long time to wait for an important package to arrive.

International First Class packages typically take 1 to 3 weeks to arrive, depending on how busy the International Postal Customs Office is in the destination country.
 
International Priority Mail to most destinations is estimated to take 5 to 10 business days.  Although International Air Mail is less expensive -- and might arrive as quickly as Priority Mail -- packages larger than 36" (combined length, width, & height) must be shipped Priority Mail, regardless of the package weight.
 
Here are the suggested cut off dates for USPS Mail.  Whether you're a buyer or a seller, this information will help you be certain all of your Christmas 2007 packages arrive on time:

USPS Suggested Cutoff Dates for mail sent within the US

Dec 15 – Parcel Post
Dec 20 – Letters & Cards (First Class)
Dec 20 – Priority Mail
Dec 22 – Express Mail

USPS Suggested Cutoff Dates for mail sent to Africa, Central America, & South America

Dec 4 – Letters & Cards, First Class
Dec 4 – International Priority Mail
Dec 12 – International Express Mail
Dec 19 – Global Express Guaranteed

USPS Suggested Cutoff Dates for mail sent to Asia & Pacific Rim, Australia & New Zealand, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, & Middle East

Dec 11 – Letters & Cards, First Class
Dec 11 – International Priority Mail
Dec 17 – International Express Mail
Dec 19 – Global Express Guaranteed
 
 
Please note that these are guidelines only, and that the USPS does not guarantee specific day delivery during the holiday period, with the exception of Global Express Guaranteed. 
 
Within the U.S., Express Mail service is estimated to take 1 to 2 business days, to “most locations,” meaning it could take longer for your Express Mail package to arrive.   Express Mail is not a guaranteed overnight delivery service, though the Postal Service does deliver Express Mail packages 7 days per week, including Sundays.
 
Additional information can be found on the USPS website. 
 
To be absolutely certain your package arrives on time, don’t wait until the cutoff date to mail it.  If you need faster – or specific date guaranteed – service, ask your seller about UPS & FedEx rates, and whether or not they provide those services.

Happy Holidays from Victoria*Claire

Victoria*Claire ... a great place to shop