Okay, so there aren't very many of us up here compared to, say, New York or California. I get that. But sellers should understand that Alaska is VERY internet-shopping addicted. We have the highest proportion of internet-connected households of the states. We regularly order everything from "Outside" and then wait in eager anticipation for the package to arrive. Clothes, shoes, toys, hunting gear, books, music, videos, electronic equipment...I could go on.

The only hitch in my shopping stride occurs when I see this in an auction: "Ship to Continental U.S. only"; big sigh. No matter that these sellers are exposing their ignorance of basic geography, I know this usually means "Ship to Contiguous Lower-48 states only". Really, Hawaii is the only state not firmly attached to the North American continent. I know, because I have driven the Al-Can highway and never once did I get wet.

I understand that UPS and Fedex call us "offshore", which also makes no sense to me given that I can traverse the distance between Seattle and Anchorage with nary a ship in sight, but that is because they fly their packages up here and don't have any trucks going the distance. It should be 'air-only' or something equally accurate. However, as a seller, don't let their mistakes keep you from the sale. It is a simple thing to offer USPS shipping, they will even come and get it if you call the 800 number!

With the flat rate envelope, the flat rate box, and a free pickup service USPS is at least as convenient as UPS or Fedex. I understand that some sellers have accounts with the shippers and can therefore pay once per month. But is it really that difficult to pay postage on a credit card using the online postage tool? I think not!

Alaskans are a hardy bunch, we are used to waiting for our items to arrive. (Whatever you do, don't send it Media Mail! That takes weeks to get here. I am convinced they walk up with these packages!) We do a vast proportion of our shopping online, what choice do we have? Less than 10% of our communities are connected by roads, so unless you live in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau or the "road system" you do ALL your shopping online! Think of the untapped customer base waiting for your items to be listed! The holiday season is upon us, do you want to be in the red or the black this season? Alaska can help your bottom line!

It is simple really: a little flexibility, the willingness to work with your customers, a basic knowledge of geography, a postal scale, and a printer. Hey presto! instant access to nearly a million isolated shoppers. It's good for us and most importantly, it's good for you!