Clutch-Me.Com

2013 Shipping Rates

USPS raises rates yearly and 2013 rates will be effective January 27, 2013.  (All photos courtesy of USPS.com)  The international rates have increased substantially:  however, it is still unbelievably much cheaper than rates from all other carriers in the US so it’s still your cheapest option.

Before you buy from us, please note the following:  All orders are shipped using USPS Flat rate Priority Mail service that comes with free Delivery Confirmation, which provides you with a tracking number.

*If your package is delayed or lost?  Please use this tracking number with your local USPS office to try to locate your package.

*If you want to ensure that your package will not get lost?  Please contact us for the same service plus SIGNATURE confirmation for an additional $2.55.

*If you need your package there quickly?  Please contact us for Guaranteed Express Delivery (prices vary depend on region).

*What if you used either service of Signature Confirmation or Guaranteed Express Delivery and your package is late or was never delivered?  Per USPS, the shippers are not able to file a claim: only the recipient (you) can file a claim.  But to put your mind at ease, since 2009, only 3 packages have been lost so this rarely happens.  The risk of shipping mishaps (e.g. damaged and lost packages) is borne on you, the customer, so I advise getting insurance for your package.   I have not had one customer with a damaged package.  🙂  YAY!

*What if you want to insure the package in case it’s lost of damaged?  Please contact us for this additional service.  This charge depends on the value of the contents of the package.  The following are approximate costs to insure based from USPS.

USPS Insurance rates:

Package contents value $1-50 = $1.85 to insure

Package contents value $51-100 = $2.35 to insure

Package contents value $101-200 = $2.90 to insure

Package contents value $201-300 = $4.85 to insure

Package contents value $301-400 = $5.95 to insure

Package contents value $401-500 = $7.05 to insure

Package contents value $501-600 = $8.15 to insure

*Is there combined shipping?  Yes!  If you order several items from me, I will try to fit everything in as few boxes as I can to give you the most economical shipping.  You will be refunded any excess shipping fee that was charged to you in Etsy’s cart over $1.  Please note that you are never charged for packaging (boxes, tissues, poly-bags) or for handling (it takes about 10 minutes per order for a set of 5 frames).

*Why does the shipping cost in my Etsy cart so expensive?  The shipping program within Etsy makes it very difficult to get the correct shipping rates for the various items in my shop.  Shipping metal purse frames that are heavy and that come in many sizes is most economical via a flat rate Priority Mail box.  Shipping Gutermann glue, while extremely light, but takes up precious space when added in with the frames makes this task even harder for Etsy to have the correct shipping rates applied.  Below are the boxes used along with rates and dimensions.

1st tier – small flat rate Priority Mail

US:  $5.80

Canada:  $19.95

All other countries:  $23.95

2nd tier – medium flat rate Priority Mail – **Best bang for your buck for ALL customers (domestic US or INTERNATIONAL)**

US:  $12.35

Canada:  $40.95

All other countries:  $59.95

3rd tier – large flat rate Priority Mail 

US:  $16.85

Canada:  $53.95

All other countries:  $77.95

The key is:  whatever I can fit in the smallest box, I will try to fit.

My recommendation:  plan your purchases and save on shipping!

January 19, 2013 - Posted by Thy K | WhileBabyNaps General Updates