ComicsPriceGuide.com Forums - Open Discussion - Shipping Advice Needed - Messages https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 ComicsPriceGuide.com Forums - Open Discussion - Shipping Advice Needed - Messages en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Jitbit AspNetForum Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:12:19 GMT Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:12:19 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from Michael Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:12:19 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from Xvipah73
And no, this was on Ebay. Just a regular sized paperback, I think it was 6 oz or something, in a normal envelope. Media was $4.63 or something like that, Ground was $4.57 or something. Not a lot of savings of course, I just found it interesting.
edited by xvipah73 on 6/24/2025]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2025 08:59:11 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from Michael Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:50:34 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from collectibleshop Xvipah73 wrote:
Yea, good point, glorkar. No advertising. Which also means a lot of the newer comics are good also funny enough.

I dunno about PO's asking about Media Mail, I always just have my mail person pick it up at my house. They never knock and ask. As far as refunding if they get a bill cause the PO opened it up and charged? Yea, that's the chance you take - much cheaper shipping for a crap ton of packages, and once or twice you may have to bite the bullet, the math has always checked out for me. I hadn't heard that they could blacklist you though. I suppose if I do ever get a letter or something I'd probably stop.

Also, side note. I was shipping just a regular old paperback yesterday, and Ground Advantage was actually cheaper than Media, so that's also worth keeping in mind. I guess under 10oz or so it's better to use Ground.

Regardless of which what service you choose to use to ship, make sure you don't just go through the USPS. Use one of the services like PirateShip or Shippo. Much better discounts (Media Mail prices are Media Mail prices, btw, no discounts for that no matter where you choose to ship it from).
edited by xvipah73 on 6/23/2025


The mail carrier is not going to ask about what's in the package or open it, that's up to postmaster at the office and their clerks. so having it picked up lowers your chances of inspection, but any picky P.O stop along the line can open it if they want. Someone I think on the CGC board posted a copy of the P.O. warning letter and I'm sure it warned about them blocking habitual offenders, I assume both thru online P.O. accounts and by your return address. there's probably a copy somewhere on the P.O. site or google.
on the paperback you shipped, the USPS rate chart for media mail says up to 1 lb is $4.63 (man has that gone up!) and the 'up to 4oz' rate for ground STARTS at $5.25, but did you use pirateship Gr Adv for it and it was less than $4.63? that's a needed detail.]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2025 18:44:09 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from collectibleshop Xvipah73 wrote:
USPS has the padded, pre-paid, express envelope that's, like, $10.30 or something like that. It fits comics pretty well, especially if you do the cardboard sandwich.
On that note, no discounts for pre-paid envelopes/boxes either. Discounts from those service are for "regular" Ground or Express.


man, I totally forgot about the flat rate envelopes, even tho I have the printed rates list and they're at the top. duh me. I use the legal size ones ($10.40), which I prefer as they give you more room for the cardboard sandwich, and for magazines, and I use my own bubble wrap. you can't get very many comics/mags in them, but still cheaper than ground or priority if over 1 lb. Have to order them by the pack off usps.com since the local P.O.'s don't stock them. And the 10.40+ rate on those is for Priority, not Express. Express flat rate is $31-$32.
The pre-paid padded ones are a $10.85 rate. The pre-paid are nice if you know you're going to ship regularly, and they include your return address too, so you can have the packages picked up at your house, if you don't mind paying in advance for them. and I see they're also 'forever' rate too, so if you have the bucks, you can stock up some before the next price increase. https://store.usps.com/store/shipping-supplies/prepaid-priority-mail/_/N-1ved7wl . and of course compare with the normal rates of pirateship etc and pick the lowest cost.
Michael in case you don't know, the rate chart is at https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm . I pick out the pages I need and just print those, and that makes it faster to refer to instead of always going thru the P.O. shipping calculator. But you do have to remember if the package has any side over 12 inches you need to check it with the online calculator to get the right rates for 'large' packages.The zip code chart is https://postcalc.usps.com/DomesticZoneChart and I print that out too.
edited by collectibleshop on 6/23/2025]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:59:22 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from Michael Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:53:11 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from Xvipah73
On that note, no discounts for pre-paid envelopes/boxes either. Discounts from those service are for "regular" Ground or Express.]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2025 10:55:15 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from Michael Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:24:50 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from Xvipah73
I dunno about PO's asking about Media Mail, I always just have my mail person pick it up at my house. They never knock and ask. As far as refunding if they get a bill cause the PO opened it up and charged? Yea, that's the chance you take - much cheaper shipping for a crap ton of packages, and once or twice you may have to bite the bullet, the math has always checked out for me. I hadn't heard that they could blacklist you though. I suppose if I do ever get a letter or something I'd probably stop.

Also, side note. I was shipping just a regular old paperback yesterday, and Ground Advantage was actually cheaper than Media, so that's also worth keeping in mind. I guess under 10oz or so it's better to use Ground.

Regardless of which what service you choose to use to ship, make sure you don't just go through the USPS. Use one of the services like PirateShip or Shippo. Much better discounts (Media Mail prices are Media Mail prices, btw, no discounts for that no matter where you choose to ship it from).
edited by xvipah73 on 6/23/2025]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2025 08:45:48 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from glorkar Mon, 23 Jun 2025 08:33:46 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from collectibleshop Xvipah73 wrote:
Just to follow up on Media Mail. I use it regularly. Again, only for bulk comics of very little value, and have never had a single issue. The PO is allowed to open and check if they are "educational" materials. In practice, it happens very little. And, if they do open it and find something, they will just charge for the difference, it's not like it's "illegal". Just for context. I am, as I type this, mailing a 13 pound package using PirateShip from FL to TX using USPS Ground Advantage Cubic.. $13. Granted, further away is more, but it's not supposed to be $15 for 2 pounds smile

true, volume-wise, they don't check very many media mail packages, but from the accounts I've read, plus the P.O.'s own statements, they've increased inspections, and they can check it for any reason. and when they charge the receiver for the diff, you get a pissed off customer, who may not buy again, unless you refund them and maybe lose some $ if the comics are few and cheap. And some of my P.O.'s and I assume others, will ask what's in the box if using media mail, and if they think you're lying they can open it right there or in the back and nail you for the priority rate. And they will 'blacklist' you somehow if they find you continue to break their rules after the 1st warning. use media mail at your own risk. it used to be that if you included some other legit piece of media mail they would allow the comics, but they got rid of that loophole too, same with bound printed.

as for "it's not supposed to be $15 for 2 pounds", I agree, but that's what it is for priority to a zone 6 these days, and $9 for ground advantage. I never heard of Ground Advantage Cubic, so checked it out a bit, but didn't run any test thru the online calculator. so the package has to be no more than 12x12x12 and under 20 lbs. I'm not selling much lately, so doubt I'll need it, but good to have the option in case someone ever buys a batch of my bit o' clearance comics. maybe some year I'll check out PirateShip.
edited by collectibleshop on 6/23/2025]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2025 02:10:24 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from Michael Sun, 22 Jun 2025 16:06:28 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from Xvipah73
Just for context. I am, as I type this, mailing a 13 pound package using PirateShip from FL to TX using USPS Ground Advantage Cubic.. $13. Granted, further away is more, but it's not supposed to be $15 for 2 pounds smile]]> Sun, 22 Jun 2025 15:14:36 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from Michael Fri, 20 Jun 2025 21:08:40 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from collectibleshop
and I'll chime in on the Media Mail suggestion-- it's NOT allowed for comics cuz of outdated and stupid postal regs, and the P.O. has been cracking down on inspections for that more the last few years. Multiple people on the CGC boards have noted that, as well as e**y feedback from mad customers.The package can be opened anywhere along the line, so even if your local P.O. doesn't ask questions and lets it thru, the next station might inspect it, or any stop after that. Then the receiver gets hit with the bill for priority mail rate, and you get a warning letter from the P.O. Not worth the risk.
And yes, many sellers who do free shipping on e**y, even if using the P.O.'s discount program or e**y discount shipping, lose money on shipping.
Google's AI says here's some discount shipping choices:
Stamps.com: Offers discounts on Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express, plus discounted package insurance.
ShipWorks: Provides access to USPS Commercial Rates and additional savings on Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and Ground Advantage.
ShipStation: As a USPS shipping partner, offers Commercial Pricing and discounts on First Class Mail, Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and international services.
Easyship: Provides access to discounted USPS rates, including up to 89% off retail prices.
Pirate Ship: Offers access to pre-negotiated USPS discounts with no monthly fees.
Shippo: Offers USPS Commercial Plus Pricing and volume-based discounts.
USPS Connect eCommerce: For online sellers, this program offers discounted rates through participating platforms, plus other benefits like free packaging and package pickup.
Click-N-Ship (PO.'s own program): All customers get lower Commercial Rates when shipping online.

I haven't tried any of those, but ones I've looked into in the past charge a monthly fee even if you don't use the service, others charge fees that negate much of their discount, many are simply a pain in the butt to use, and some you have to be a business. Pirate Ship seems get favorable reviews in the bit of search results I scanned for discount usps shipping. I find it hard to believe the 'up to 89% less' on any USPS shipping, but that's what they claim.
So that oughta give you some choices.
edited by collectibleshop on 6/20/2025]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2025 18:38:34 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from Xvipah73
So, 3 bits of advice I guess.
1. Check out your size and weight. 3 comics should be around 10 oz's, maybe a bit more or less depending on size. USPS Standard should be at around $7-8 for that weight, not $15. If the comics are super valuable then express + insurance makes sense, even then you can use prepaid envelopes or boxes to keep prices down.
2. Use a shipping service like eBay or PirateShip (they get pretty deep discounts over just using USPS)
3. People have differing opinions on this, so I'm sure someone will chime in but... When it's bulk comics, nothing all that expensive or valuable, I use media mail. Almost as fast as standard USPS and a lot cheaper (you can't add insurance, etc.. though so definitely has to be low value).]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:11:13 GMT https://comicspriceguide.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=20207 Message from Michael
Post office worker said if I used Ebay app it would be a little cheaper but I want to get that cost down much lower. I dont see how comics I order are usually $5.95 first comic and $1.95 additional. Some places even have free shipping. Are they taking a big loss?

Id like to hear any advice.

Thanks]]> Wed, 18 Jun 2025 21:33:02 GMT