USPS 1st class & Global Priority

crinolinegirl

crinolinegirl

Alumni
I decided to post this message here as I know that there are some sellers on the public board that aren't on the trade board and just thought that I would share my experiences with the new USPS international 1st class post and Global Priority shipping methods.
I know that there was a lot of hoo hah about them on the VC&A board and here lately when the USPS introduced them a few weeks back before VBO.

I bought LOADS this last VBO, about half of my parcels (coming to me in the UK) had 1st class airmail shipping and the rest were all Global Priority.
I had quite a few sellers not want to use the 1st class method as the USPS website didn't give a specified shipping time so they charged me Global Priority rates.

WELL, ALL of my 1st class parcels got here REALLY quickly, some in the first week after VBO ended! The global prority ones are just starting to come in, I'm still waiting for three more.

Another interesting point is that all my 1st class parcels were delivered by the Royal Mail and none incurred customs charges.
The global priority ones that have come so far, have all been delivered by Parcelforce and HAVE ALL INCURRED CUSTOMS CHARGES! One of the three I'm waiting for, is stuck at Parcelforce awaiting charges.

UK customs seems to be looking out for Global Priority parcels and leaving the 1st class ones.

Sooo, for US sellers sending things to the UK, it may be best if you give both options and let the UK buyer choose. I tending to think that 1st class airmail is the better service as it's quicker and customs seems to leave those ones alone.

Lei
 
Oooh, thank you for that review! I've been wondering, as my US mail delivery has been excruciatingly slow lately. Another seller I know speculated that a lot of mail carriers are on vacation and the subs aren't moving as fast.

And just this week, a customer in Italy emailed me because it has been two weeks and her 1st class package still hasn't arrived. I asked her to be patient a little while longer...I've got my fingers crossed.

Laura
 
I switched already to 1st class on all new listings and revisions. Its cheaper and indeed seems to be dependable and timely.....interesting about the customs! Thanks for the info! Ang
 
Originally posted by crinolinegirl

I bought LOADS this last VBO, about half of my parcels (coming to me in the UK) had 1st class airmail shipping and the rest were all Global Priority.
I had quite a few sellers not want to use the 1st class method as the USPS website didn't give a specified shipping time so they charged me Global Priority rates.
Click to expand...

SUCH a good VBO buyer!
and I'm glad to hear that 1st class is doing so well. I try to use it on pretty much anything I have to mail overseas....
 
Domestic 1st class has strict restrictions, but international 1st class is pretty comparable to the old airmail as far as restrictions. You can still go up to 4(?) pounds, etc.

Last week I sent a small stack of 60 postcards in a size 0 (4x6) bubble mailer, and it had to go parcel post! It was less than 1/2" thick, but I think it was too rigid for 1st class. I was surprised at the cost.

Laura
 
I thihnk its also a size thing, too. I tried to send a blazer in an padded envelope 1st Class International and the envelope was too big.

Hollis
 
1st class is quicker coming into Canada too Lei,
(at least where I am, it's usually a week).
I was told there is a reason for that, those
parcels are not examined like the higher end
service ones are.

Generally it's (or the old letter post) is twice as fast
as Priority or Global.

I was actually doing some shopping this morning,
and if there wasn't first class available, I just moved
on to another listing.

I'm sure some of the sellers may have been willing to
use it if asked (and I certainly understand it's much
easier to use the other with supplies provided), but I
just wanted to buy, pay, and be done with it without
extra emails.
 
that's it - 36" combined. That's what I ran into. It's about the size of the old air letter post.

Good for blouses, undies, slips, light dresses, even some skirts. Doesn't work for suits or big gowns.

Hollis
 
that's it - 36" combined.

That's the size allowance we have too (it's called
Small Packet Air), but we only get 2.24 lbs. :(

I actually don't mind paying for the higher end service,
epecially on higher ticket items, but for small stuff the
cheaper one is so much quicker, it has me spoiled. :)
 
1st class is quicker coming into Canada too Lei,
(at least where I am, it's usually a week).

What Lynn said....I'm in Ontario. Lynn is in Eastern
Canada.


Generally it's (or the old letter post) is twice as fast
as Priority or Global.

Exactly what I've found! And, I've never had a letterpost
or (so far) the new FCMI go missing.

I was actually doing some shopping this morning,
and if there wasn't first class available, I just moved
on to another listing.

Same here. The interesting thing I've found is that a lot
of newer sellers, or sellers that sell a variety of different
sellers are offering FCMI. Sellers that specialize seem to
be sticking to Global Priority or even higher priced options. In most cases the items that they were selling were not
high ticket (my budget only allows me to shop cheap! :)

Sue
 
I have only had one international sale since the new rates went into effect. It goes out Monday via First Class to Canada. I am still skeptical for anything going to Australia, for example.......the variable shipping time has me a bit spooked.

For this first "new" experience, I had to purchase a special padded envelope to fit the item in as I can't use the Global Priority box. I think I am going to have to add a Handling Charge from now on....something I have never done to International Buyers. I have always charged the exact postage.........

Gail
 
Thanks for all the great info. I will definitely be sure to mention that I will ship First Class International. The first few I did after the change I shipped Global Priority. They were probably cursing me when they had to pay customs. One of the customers had a low feedback rating and the other was just being a pain and I wanted to be able to insure the packages to protect myself. I wish they would offer insurance or some type of tracking on First Class.
 
Carrie, they may yet offer insurance on FCMI.

Canada Post Small Packet Air is equivalent to FCMI (previously letterpost air) and up until a short time ago,
insurance was not included. Insurance up to $100.00 is now
included in the rate.

Gail, Canada has never (as long as I've been selling) had
free packing boxes, envelopes, etc. and I know that
a lot of CA sellers don't charge any handling fee - just
the exact postage. You can get quite creative with
turning grocery store, other store boxes inside (ones that
will fit within the dim. weight rate of FCMI). Also watch
office supply stores for bulk buy specials on the larger
padded mailing envelopes - that will keep any packaging
expense down.

Sue
 
Thanks for the info Sue. :) I do stock up on boxes, ect anyway for items not sent through Priority but, of course, this item would not fit into any that I already have. :( (it's a girdle that is rather long and has boning which I want to protect completely).

I will offer both options for items from now on....thanks for the information everyone. :hiya:

I was excited to read that we can use Priority or Global Priority boxes for the International Priority which gives alot more options with the free shipping boxes through the usps website ....meant not having to sweat finding appropriate boxes. ;) I am just getting lazy, I guess. ;)

Gail
 
Thank you, Lei

I had asked about shipping International from everyone here, and believe me, my wee little hands were shaking, but my first package to Australia, First Class International, arrived without a hitch.

I have been offering First Class International and Priority International but have only had 2 sales thus far, one to Italy and one Australia.

Nadine
 
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