So, which shipping method is best for you?…Well, a lot will depend on the weight of your package and where you live. Generally, if you’re only ordering 1 or 2 single DVDs USPS First Class Mail will be your best bet. First Class mail has the same delivery time as USPS Priority, but cost less and is limited to packages that way less than 13 oz’s. For packages weighing more than 13 oz’s, but less than 4 lbs, USPS Priority in most cases will be your best bet. Many customers that live on the West Coast will also enjoy the benefit of receiving the order usually in only 2 to 3 days from the postal service while UPS will take 7 days.
On the other hand, UPS is usually the best bet for heavier packages like a step (22 lbs). We had a customer today that wanted to order a step
International customers should always select USPS International Mail if you want to save money as it is many times cheaper than UPS and you’re less likely to have to pay import taxes and fees. If you’re more interested in delivery speed and money is not an issue then you should select UPS for your international order, but be prepared to always have to pay import taxes and fees in addition to a much higher shipping cost.
Why dont you also add fedex and DHL for other shipping methods too so that there is more shipping opsions for your costermers.
I agree with the comment above…maybe include FedEx Ground as an option.
Thanks for the info regarding UPS vs USPS. As I am overseas, I greatly appreciate that USPS is available as an option. I think continuing to offer both services is beneficial to meet most people’s needs. 🙂
We would always pick UPS instead of USPS here. USPS in our locale, stinks. They are very slow and many items have been damaged. We just found an expensive photo we ordered lying in the gutter in the street because it was marked “do not bend” and the USPS person just left it lying on the ground since it would not fit in the mailbox. In contrast UPS always delivers fast and is very careful to leave everything in a safe, dry place on our front porch. FedEx is very good here too. The UPS and FedEx folks are always willing to get out of their trucks to put something on our porch safely. The US Postal service either crams things into the mailbox and damages them, or leaves them lying in the gutter next to the mailbox.
i think both options are great. like you say depends on what you order and the weight of your package. i just wish all options offered tracking. i am sure from smaller business i deal with, that if they can do it, SNM can do it as well. that way we all get in the excitement of tracking packages, especially those pre-orders 😉
as also from the poster above, it would also depend the on the quality of your service in the area. we have great mail carriers and helpful post office workers at the local offices so i will go with them if possible/cheaper. ups is touch and go depends on the guy on the route but they have been improving a bit.
With our system upgrade we do now have Tracking on all USPS packages too. However, USPS tracking it not quite the same or as good as UPS tracking.
I much prefer USPS. UPS seems to hold onto the package, even though it’s right there in the “next” town (or so). My Shock Cardio sat for at least a week, maybe more, with me just watching the status not change. Very frustrating! Whereas when I order things through USPS, they come so quickly I’m shocked.
But, with the heavier things, maybe it is good to have multiple options….
Could you add DHL as a shipping method as well so that thtere is at lest 3 or more opsions avalibe.