What's the difference between sending a package Priority Mail versus Parcel Post?

Most people think something like this ''Let's see . .  $4.95 or $4.85 . . . . Ummm . . . about 10 cents?''

Priority Mail is faster and MAY contain personal information; it is not subject to postal inspection. In general, Priority Mail cost more; but the use of Flat Rate envelopes and boxes may make it less expensive than Parcel Post. It cost less to purchase Delivery Confirmation for Priority Mail.  Also, if a Priority Mail package is undeliverable, there is no charge (postage due) to forward it or to return it to the sender.  Did I mention the FREE boxes and labels?

PRIORITY MAIL
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Priority Mail is First-Class Mail weighing more than 13 ounces and, at the mailer's option, any other mailable matter weighing 13 ounces or less.  Priority Mail rates are required for a mailpiece that weighs more than 13 ounces when the mailpiece contains matter that must be mailed as First-Class Mail.  Bills and statements of account must be mailed as First-Class Mail. Mail containing personal information must be mailed as First-Class Mail

All Priority Mail receives expeditious handling and transportation. The USPS follows uniform guidelines for distributing and delivering mail but does not guarantee delivery within the specified time.

Each USPS-produced Priority Mail flat-rate box is charged $8.95, regardless of the actual weight of the piece or its destination.

Did I mention the FREE shipping boxes, envelopes, and labels?  Did I mention FREE pickup service just by calling the post office or going to their website?

Priority Mail gets FREE Delivery Confirmation when printing out your PayPal shipping labels (compared to $0.18 for Parcel Post).  And you it costs $0.65 at the post office retail counter ($0.10 less than Parcel Post).

If the Priority Mail Package is Undeliverable as addressed, it will be forwarded or returned to sender at no additional charge.

PARCEL POST
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Parcel Post mail consists of mailable matter that is neither mailed or required to be mailed as First-Class Mail. Parcel Post mail is not sealed against postal inspection. Regardless of physical closure, the mailing of articles at Parcel Post rates constitutes consent by the mailer to postal inspection of the contents. The USPS does not guarantee the delivery of Parcel Post within a specified time. Parcel Post might receive deferred service.

Markings that have the character of personal correspondence require, with certain exceptions, additional postage at the First-Class Mail rates.

An invoice, whether it also serves as a bill, may be placed either inside a Parcel Post piece or in an envelope marked "Invoice Enclosed" and attached to the outside of the piece if the invoice relates solely to the matter with which it is mailed.

Incidental First-Class Mail matter may be enclosed in or attached to any Parcel Post piece without payment of First-Class Mail postage. An incidental First-Class Mail attachment or enclosure must be matter that, if mailed separately, would require First-Class Mail postage, is closely associated with but secondary to the host piece, and is prepared so as not to interfere with postal processing. An incidental First-Class Mail attachment or enclosure may be a bill for the product or publication, a statement of account for past products or publications, or a personal message or greeting included with a product, publication, or parcel such as "Do Not Open Until Christmas" or "Happy Birthday Grandma."

If the Parcel Post Package is Undeliverable as addressed, it will be forwarded or returned to sender and return postage will be charged (postage due).

CONCLUSION
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In general, Priority Mail is faster and may contain personal information; it is not subject to postal inspection. In general, Priority Mail cost more; but the use of Flat Rate envelopes and boxes may be less expensive than Parcel Post. You get FREE Delivery Confirmation when printing out those PayPal shipping labels on your home computer; and PayPal requires Delivery Confirmation to help you avoid those nasty chargebacks.  Did I mention FREE boxes and pickup service?  If a Priority Mail package is undeliverable, there is no charge (postage due) to forward it or to return to the sender.  For eBay sellers, there is one more factor to consider . . . higher customer satisfaction means more Feedback Stars!  And more Feedback Stars means more $ALE$ for you!