Shipping can be a bit confusing, even for the seasoned seller.  There are many different ways one can ship a package domestically (within the United States), and the USPS website is often less than helpful.  There are five basic ways a package can be shipped domestically: First Class, Priority, Express, Parcel Post, and Media Mail.  Many additional services are also available that will be discussed towards the end of this guide.

First Class

First Class is argueably the best way to send a package or letter weighing less than 13 oz.  The rates are reasonable and start at .39 for a one oz. envelope or package.  First class mail generally arrives at its destination within 5-7 days. 

Rate Table for First Class Mail

Weight      Postage
1 oz.            .39
2 oz.            .63
3 oz.            .87
4 oz.            1.11
5 oz.            1.35
6 oz.            1.59
7 oz.            1.83
8 oz.            2.07
9 oz.            2.31
10 oz.         2.55
11 oz.         2.79
12 oz.         3.03
13 oz.         3.27

You must use your own packing materials when shipping First Class.  DO NOT use Priority supplies for First Class mail.  If you do, the recipient may be charged the difference between First Class and Priority postage upon receipt.  Second, using Priority supplies for First Class drives up the cost of postage for all customers. 

Priority Mail

Priority Mail is a quick way to get your items to your customers, but it can be expensive.  It can be a good deal for small, heavy items that can fit inside a Flat Rate Box.  Anything up to 70 lbs. can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. for $8.10. 

Regular Priority Mail starts at $4.05.  Anything weighing less than 1 lb. can ship anywhere in the U.S. for the $4.05 rate.  For anything over a pound, the rates vary based on weight and shipping location.

One benefit of Priority Mail is that you can use packing supplies that are provided by the Post Office.  Boxes, envelopes, and mailing labels are all available free at your local post office. 

On average, Priority Mail takes 2-3 days to reach its destination.

Certain items such as liquids and flammable items cannot be shipped via Priority Mail because they are transported on airplane. 

Express Mail

If you need something to arrive fast, Express Mail is the way to go.  Packages are guaranteed to be received by 3 pm the next day (including Sundays), or you'll receive your money back.  Express Mail is very costly, however, starting at $14.40.  Like Priority, these rates vary by package weight and shipping location. 

Express Mail supplies are also available free at your local post office.  Proof of Delivery and signature confirmation are also included at no additional cost if you request them.

Parcel Post

Parcel Post is the way to go for larger items that do not need to be rushed.  Rates begin at $2.31 and are reasonable on up the scale.  The downside to Parcel Post is that it may take a while for your package to reach its destination - up to 10 days.  From personal experience, however, I can tell you that it is not uncommon for packages going across country to take as long as 30 days. 

You must also use your own packaging supplies when using Parcel Post.  Packages can weigh up to 70 lbs. and there also is a girth requirement.  For extra large packages, consider shipping via Fed Ex or UPS.  It'll be much cheaper.

Media Mail

Media Mail can only be used for media materials such as books, CDs, videotapes, etc.  Advertising materials cannot be sent via Media Mail.  Post office employees may open up packages sent via Media Mail to make sure that only media is sent this way.  Rates are very reasonable and start at .80.  The weight limit is 70 lbs.

Additional Services

Delivery Confirmation

Delivery Confimation (DC) should be used on all eBay packages.  When you mail your package, you receive a unique tracking number that will tell you when your package arrives at its destination.  Without DC, you'll have no way of knowing if a customer did or did not receive your package.  It is very inexpensive, and well worth the extra few cents.  If you purchase postage online through PayPal, it will cost .14; if you purchase it at the post office it will cost .60.  IMPORTANT: First Class Mail sent with DC must be at least 3/4" thick.  If it is not, your customer will be charged the difference between First Class postage and Priority postage upon receipt. 

Signature Confirmation

For expensive items, Signature Confirmation is a good investment.  A person must physically sign for your package, and the signature card will be mailed back to you.  This provides absolute proof that your package was delivered to the address you sent it to.  Signature Confirmation costs $1.35.

Insurance

Insurance provides up to $5000 of coverage for an item lost or damaged during shipping.  You cannot purchase more insurance than what the item is worth.  I recommend insurance for expensive items as YOU, the seller, are responsible for ensuring that a buyer receives his package undamaged.  If an item is received damaged, and you did not purchase insurance, you will be responsible for replacing the item or refunding the buyer.  Insurance starts at $1.35. 

I hope you found this guide helpful.  If you didn't please send me a message and let me know why!  Thanks!