Friday, November 28, 2014

Petersburg Post Office

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it's time to start thinking about getting those packages ready to send to friends and family.  It's also time to think about the crew who make sure our packages get a good start on their journey.  I have come to really appreciate the hard work and dedication of our Post Office crew, Post Master Theresa, Nels, Karin, Kim, and Kathy.

I am happy to say that in the year and a half that I have had my Etsy shop, Christmas Jul, I have sent over 1000 packages to customers around the world right from our post office.  During this time I have learned a lot about shipping packages.  Here are some things to think about as you prepare your packages.

 1.  Make sure you use sturdy boxes.
2.  Be sure your packages are well taped.
3.  Be sure your address is clear and accurate on the box.
4.  If the box contents are breakable, be sure to insulate them well and write FRAGILE on the box.
5.  MAIL EARLY


USPS.com offers a Click and Ship option, which allows you to purchase shipping labels on-line.  Labels purchased on-line are less expensive than the labels purchased at the post office counter, They include tracking, and you don't have to stand in line at the post office.

On the USPS website, page, scroll down to the "Click. Print. Ship. icon on the blue menu bar.  You can also set up an account on this page if you don't already have one.


Type your name and address at the top of this form.
Type the name and address of the person you are sending your package to in the next section of the first form.

BE SURE TO SELECT THE DATE YOU WILL BE BRINGING THE PACKAGE TO THE POST OFFICE ON THE DATE MENU.
The next step is to select your service type.  
The blue button will direct you to this page.  You will also select your service on this page.  You can compare the cost of shipping your item via regular package vs/ flat rate box.  If you have a flat item that is less than 4 pounds, you can choose a flat rate envelope.




There are many steps to the Click and Ship form but the directions on the form make it easy to follow.   If you haven't tried it, do, it's fun to walk past the long line at the window and set your package on the counter and leave.  I think it makes life lots easier for the person behind the counter too.

 There is a form for international packages that is very similar to the domestic package form, but it has a customs form to fill out.

It is VERY, VERY, VERY important to mail your packages early.  Things really slow down during the last two weeks before Christmas.  Mail goes out at about 9:15 AM.  The weather can make it impossible for planes to fly, so figure that into your shipping timeline.
My customers leave comments on my shop's web site.  The most common comment is 'very fast shipping.'  These accolades are due to the hard work and dedication of the staff at our post office.  I have a much greater understanding and appreciation of the hard work they all do.  This holiday season you might want let them know just how much you appreciate the hard work they do by getting your packages in early with a pre-printed label.

Thank you Theresa,  Nels, Karin, Kim, and Kathy and Happy Holidays!!!


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