How to Avoid Waiting in Line at the Post Office

One of the very few downsides to selling one of your handmade items online is having to wait in line at the post office to ship it. Sure, you can try to get there mid day to avoid the traffic, but nothing is as fast as simply walking up to the counter and dropping off the package. If you ship Priority you may not need to go to the post office at all. Here is what you need to do to avoid waiting in line.

You will need to print your own labels. Not only is this convenient, but rates online from USPS.com are lower than the rates you get by going in person to the Post Office. To learn about ways of printing your own labels see this article:

How to Print Your Own Shipping Labels

Unless you are using a Priority Box or flat rate envelope you will need a tape measure or ruler and a scale to get the dimensions and weight of your package. For more information about shipping scales and about the one I use, please see:

Shipping Scale Recommendations

Once you have your prepaid label on the box you can go to the post office and drop it off at the counter. There is always an area off to the side where you can simply walk right up and drop off prepaid packages. If you want to avoid the Post Office all together you can schedule a pickup or get your package picked up for free when your mail carrier delivers your mail.

The Post Office allows you to schedule a free pickup online:

https://tools.usps.com/go/ScheduleAPickupAction!input.action

There is a FAQ that you can click on at the top of the page that covers all the details.

Packing your handmade items may take some time but actually shipping them doesn’t have to.

Happy Shipping

Richard

Tags: avoid lines, long lines, pickup, post office, shipping