In short, for Express Mail  – nothing changes – you can still get all Express Mail type services on all the days you currently do. If the 5-day delivery schedule was implemented, the postal service would no longer have Saturday street delivery, they would no longer pick up from the blue boxes on Saturdays and they would no longer process outgoing mail on Saturday. Any mail accepted on Saturday would end up being processed on Monday.

What would not change? Post offices would still be open on Saturday, you could still pick up packages from the post office on Saturday and the USPS distribution network between plants and distribution centers would still operate. What is your opinion on this?

                          

Some research companies have determined that buyers get antsy around day 3 and will start calling or inquiring from sellers as to the status of their package. Sellers usually send them a status email with the tracking number of the package which helps alleviate that inquiry or at least deflect it but it’s not the full solution. So, if you’ve shipped with the US Postal Service and it got there on Day 2 (or 3), you probably no longer get that call. IMHO, that’s worth a lot. You get a happier customer and you don’t have to allocate time or resources to handling those inquiries. To me, that translates to real money.

Not only that, but I have heard of cases of great service from our customers (shippers/sellers) where they will automatically resend a package to a buyer if they call complaining that they have not yet received a shipment. Then you have to deal with getting the duplicate back – if that happens. I also expect that when a buyer feels they got something back, the probability of them ordering from you again increases.

It’s funny how several customers I’ve talked to don’t include that when they factor their choice of shipping carriers or mail classes but then after the fact realize how much service has improved.  I’d love to hear about your experiences and if you’ve seen that in your business too.

                          

Most of the news today seems focused on the bad economy and the declines in mail volume.  I guess that sells better than some of the creative innovations in the postal industry and the positive growth in shipping from eCommerce that we are also seeing.  I plan to introduce some fun insights into the news, reinforce some of the innovations and maybe present how some of the changes could be affecting your business.

                          

View a roundtable style session to gain advice and knowledge on leveraging opportunities in the down economy and driving business through innovation.

Valuable takeaway tips from our panel of experts will help turn everyday challenges into opportunities to move your business ahead!

About our speakers:

In 2005 Barbara started a new venture, the multi-media company Barbara Corcoran Inc.  She is the real estate contributor for NBC’s Today Show and CNBC and also writes a weekly real estate column for the Daily News and monthly columns for MORE Magazine and Redbook. In spring 2008, Springboard Press released Barbara’s second book, “Nextville: Amazing Places to Live the Rest of Your Life.”

As a speaker, Barbara brings her front-lines experience and infectious energy to every person she meets. Motivational, inspirational and sometimes outrageous, Barbara’s tell-it-like-it-is attitude is a refreshing approach to success.

Anita Campbell is CEO and editor-in-chief of Small Business Trends (http://smallbiztrends.com), an online community touching more than 300,000 small business owners each month.  The award-winning site was named to the Forbes’ Best of the Web in both 2005 and 2008. Integral to the success of the community is the Small Business Trends network of experts, a group of small business owners who share their expertise with other small business owners, managers and entrepreneurs.

Anita was named the “Most Influential Small Business Figure 2010” by the Bizmore Bizzie Awards.  Anita provides short updates, commentary and answers to questions on Twitter, @Smallbiztrends.  She also owns and operates the small business social media site BizSugar (http://bizsugar.com).

With more than 20 years of experience in the corporate world, culminating in executive positions within Bell & Howell Company, Anita has a bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University and a law degree from the University of Akron.

                          

Email: sales@endicia.com

Phone: 1-800-576-3279 x140

Monday – Friday, 6am-5pm Pacific Time

Fax: 1-650-321-0356

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/endicia

                          

The software used with Windows software is called DAZzle and software used with the Apple Mac version is named Endicia for Mac. Additional software is supplied with the Professional and Platinum plans, described below, under the names of Galaxy, Tarantula and PlatinumShipper. All of these programs are sometimes referred to herein as “Endicia Software”. The Endicia Software License Agreement is available at the bottom of the page.

Pricing:

The latest pricing plans are posted at http://www.endicia.com/Pricing/. Endicia has several levels of plans for its Windows product; a Standard Plan, a Premium Plan, a DYMO Stamps™ plan, a Professional Plan and a Platinum (also called PlatinumShipper) Plan. For the Apple Mac Product, Endicia has one plan level comparable to the Windows Premium Plan and one plan comparable to the DYMO Stamps plan. The two DYMO Stamps Plans are free of a monthly or annual service fee. All the other plans, after an initial free period, are subject to a monthly or annual service fee. The initial free trial offer is limited to one per person and one per household. You may switch between plans at any time. Your service fee will be calculated based on the service plan that you select. Users are responsible for paying for all postage purchased from their account.

Insurance:

Endicia offers a comprehensive package insurance plan for those customers desiring this additional service. For prices and additional details please see insurance products.

Registration:

By completing the registration process for the Endicia Internet Postage service, the customer agrees to pay all fees in accordance with the terms of the service plan selected by the customer. If a customer changes service plans, the customer agrees to be bound by the payment pricing and terms of the new plan. If the account is established for a business or other entity, the person establishing the account represents that he or she has all necessary authority to establish an account with Endicia on behalf of the business or other entity.

Termination:

Endicia does not require any long term contracts or commitments. Users are free to terminate their plan at any time. In the event an account is closed, any unused postage will be fully refunded in accordance with the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) policies. Endicia accounts must be closed prior to the end of the trial to avoid any service fees. Applicable service fees will be charged should the account not be closed within the trial period. As long as its account is not closed, a customer will continue to be billed by Endicia the appropriate full service fee.

Other Products:

Endicia has available other products either from its online store or through affiliates or partnerships. Should other hardware or software be purchased along with the Endicia Internet Postage Service, applicable sales tax shall apply for those purchases mailed to California Addresses.

Order Acceptance:

Endicia reserves the right at any time after receipt of an order for products or services to accept or decline the order for any reason.

Payment:

Endicia will accept checks on U.S. banks only for advance payment of annual fees for service and, subject to certain minimums, postage and product purchases. All other service plans, products and postage purchases shall be paid for in accordance with the following:
Customer authorizes Endicia to make automatic monthly wireless bill payments by charging credit/debit card entered during the account signup process. Customer understands the following: I remain in complete control of my payments; I will receive a receipt of my Endicia charges when it is billed; should I dispute any portion of the statement, I must notify Endicia at least three days prior to the due date; variations in usage, service, and/or fees affect the monthly service charge and balance due; if I decide to cancel authorization of Automatic Credit/Debit Card Payments, I must notify Endicia; should my credit/debit card company reject the automatic payment, Endicia may charge a return fee.
Customers must include correct information (i.e., the address and phone number the credit card issuer has on file for the customer). Providing incorrect information may cause delays in establishing service. Information received in connection with purchases will be protected and treated in accordance with Endicia’s Privacy Policy.
Product Purchases:
Purchase Methods: Product and peripheral purchases can be made directly at the Endicia Web Site, via Fax or by calling the Endicia Sales Line.
Payment Types: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover/Novus, Diner’s Club International, Carte Blanche and checks and direct debit (ACH) from U.S. based checking accounts will be accepted. Payment methods are subject to change at any time.
Taxes: Applicable sales tax shall apply for those purchases mailed to California Addresses
Service Fee Payments:
Methods: Service Fees and any other additional fees (such as Insurance) are automatically billed on either a monthly or annual basis.
Payment Types: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover/Novus, Diner’s Club International, Carte Blanche, direct debit (ACH) from U.S. based checking accounts and, as set forth above, for annual fees paid in advance, checks drawn on U.S. banks will be accepted. Payment methods are subject to change at any time.
Postage Purchases:
Purchase Methods: Postage purchases are billed when a customer elects to purchase postage.
Payment Types: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover/Novus, Diner’s Club International, Carte Blanche, checks and direct debit (ACH) from U.S. based checking accounts, and ACH Credit issued to the USPS Bank account will be accepted. Payment methods are subject to change at any time. Please review USPS Payment Methods.
When an account is initiated, the minimum postage purchase is $10 and the maximum is $500 and a customer’s account may contain a maximum of $500 of postage at any given time. An unlimited number of purchases can be made. No sales taxes are applicable to purchases of postage. A customer may apply directly with Endicia’s support staff (support@endicia.com) to have the postage purchase limits on an account increased once they have used the account and established a postage buying pattern (usually a couple of weeks).
Read the USPS Payment Policy.
General Payment Conditions:
Please note that Endicia may receive updated billing information regarding your credit card account, debit card account or bank account from your financial institution and by accepting this Service Agreement you are consenting to such updating.
Postage and product purchases as well as fees related to such purchases shall be applied to the customer’s credit card at the time of purchase.
A customer is allowed to print up to the amount of postage in his or her account that has successfully cleared, as long as all service fees have been paid. If any service fee payments cannot be completed successfully, the customer will be notified that his or her service will be temporarily suspended until all past balances have been paid. Unless you cancel your account, you will continue to be billed a service fee on a monthly basis for the full amount due.
Any check that is returned to Endicia as uncollectible, for any reason, shall be grounds, at Endicia’s sole discretion, for immediate termination of service.
Unused and Misprinted Postage, Refunds and Closeouts:

Refunds for misprints: If determined valid, at Endicia’s sole discretion, in accordance with applicable USPS policies, and if done in accordance with USPS refund rules and regulations, Endicia will credit an active customer’s account an amount equal to 100% of the value of the applicable postage face value for misprinted postage – certain restrictions may apply. DYMO Stamps and DYMO Printable Postage are not currently eligible for refunds. Should any processing fees be imposed by the USPS or other entities, such fees may be passed on to the customer but will not exceed the refund amount. Valid misprinted postage shall be defined as an envelope, paper, label, or label stock containing valid postage with full, intact Indicium which is scanable and unused or items with delivery confirmation that are eligible for electronic refunds. Postage handled and/or returned to sender shall not be considered valid unused and/or misprinted postage. Upon confirmation of the validity of the unused postage and adherence to applicable Endicia and USPS policies, Endicia will credit the active customer’s account according to the refund policy.

Refunds for account closeouts or unused postage: In accordance with applicable USPS policies, Endicia will credit an active customer’s account or issue them a check equal to 100% of the value of the applicable postage face value for unused postage at the time of closing an account.

Change in Billing, Prices, Promotions and Policies:

Endicia may change billing procedures, prices, promotions and/or policies at any time or from time to time without advance notice. All such changes will be posted on the Endicia.com website and emailed to existing active account holders, and customers’ continued use of the Endicia.com website and/or service constitutes their affirmation that they have read and understood such notices and agree to the terms contained therein.

DYMO Stamps

Endicia reserves the right to discontinue operation of the DYMO StampsTM Plans on a no monthly or annual fee basis at any time upon six months e-mail notice to customers of such plans.

OTHER CONDITIONS ON USE:

Use of the Endicia Internet Postage service is subject to the terms and conditions of an end-user license agreement that will be agreed to as part of the registration process. The Endicia Internet Postage service may not be used in violation of any law or in any way that interferes unreasonably with others’ use of the service. Endicia reserves the right to verify the credit of all customers applying for the service. All transactions originating from a customer’s account are the responsibility of such customer.

USPS Postage Account Requirements:

You acknowledge and agree that the virtual postal postage account (“Postage Account”) that you will acquire through the use of Endicia Software, once you have obtained a Postal Postage Account License, is subject to the conditions established by the USPS and published in Part P030 of the USPS Domestic Mail Manual. You further acknowledge and agree that you will not have any ownership rights in the Postage Account and that the Postage Account must be surrendered to Endicia or the USPS upon demand. In addition, you acknowledge your understanding that if the Postage Account is used in any fraudulent or unlawful scheme or enterprises, or is not used during a twelve (12) consecutive month period, or if you fail to exercise sufficient control over the use of the Postage Account to preclude its unlawful or improper use, or if you take or allow the Postage Account to be taken outside the United States without prior written permission of the Manager of Retail Systems and Equipment, U.S. Postal Service, Washington DC 20260, or if you otherwise fail to abide by the provisions of postal regulations and this Agreement regarding care and use of the Postage Account, that this Agreement and any related Postage Account license may be revoked. You also acknowledge that any use of this Postage Account to fraudulently deprive the USPS of revenue can cause you to be subject to civil and criminal penalties applicable to fraud and/or false claims against the United States. The submission of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement can result in imprisonment for up to five (5) years and a fine of up to $10,000 (18 U.S.C. 1001). In addition, a civil penalty of up to $5,000 and an additional assessment of twice the amount falsely claimed may be imposed (31 U.S.C. 3802). The mailing of matter bearing a fraudulent Postage Account imprint is an example of a violation of these statutes.

No Warranties:

ENDICIA SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ENDICIA DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ANY WARRANTY AGAINST INFRINGEMENT, WITH REGARD TO ENDICIA SOFTWARE. YOU MAY HAVE CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE/JURISDICTION TO STATE/JURISDICTION BUT IN NO EVENT SHALL ENDICIA’S ENTIRE LIABILITY AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER SUCH LAWS EXCEED THE PRICE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER FOR ENDICIA SOFTWARE.

NOTICE SPECIFIC TO SOFTWARE AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE Any software that is made available to download from this server (“Software”) is the copyrighted work of Endicia Corporation and/or its suppliers. Use of the Software is governed by the terms of the end user license agreement, if any, which accompanies or is included with the Software (“License Agreement”). An end user will be unable to install any Software that is accompanied by or includes a License Agreement, unless he or she first agrees to the License Agreement terms.

Governing Law and Forum:

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California.
Endicia Internet Postage is a service of PSI Systems, Inc. which does business as Endicia.

                          

If you are a small business, or a consumer looking to make life a little easier, you’ve come to the right place. Here you can chat with others just like you and get answers to shipping and mailing questions related to your business and your life. You can also see our tips and FAQs to help you navigate the wonderful world of shipping and mailing.

If you have a question you’d like answered, please ask and we’ll try and help. Like millions of other American who “visit” the post office every day from their desks, you too can see how Internet shipping and mailing can make your life easier!

                          

• Direct/bulk mail tips: To save money on postage for your bulk or direct mail campaign, you will need to obtain a mailing permit and pay an annual mailing fee to the USPS. You can then pay postage using one of several convenient methods, including precanceled stamps or permit imprint. Online mailing services help you verify addresses and zip codes, making your mailing even more accurate and able to be sorted by zip code, which is important for mailing with the USPS.

• Preparing for tax-time: Your total mailing and shipping costs are an important expense during tax preparation. Internet postage services help you keep track of postage expenditures, while also providing a convenient way to categorize those expenses for accounting purposes. There’s no need to sift through paper receipts as all of your transactions are automatically logged on your computer where you can access them quickly and easily.

• Holiday mailing: During the holiday season, the USPS handles increased mail volumes, which is why it’s important to plan ahead to ensure your letters and packages arrive on time. Internet postage services can help by streamlining your shipping process to avoid fulfillment delays. These services are also a convenient source for timely information that can help you anticipate holiday shipping cut off dates whether you’re mailing domestically, internationally or to the military.

• Alternative to the postage meter: Paying for a postage meter adds up quick. Between the cost of a monthly lease, maintenance fees, proprietary inks and other hidden charges, meters are an expensive proposition. A lower cost alternative is to use an Internet postage service, where you print postage and pre-paid labels right on your own printer, saving time and money.

• Print stamps directly from your desktop: Constantly traveling to the post office to purchase stamps is costly, time consuming and keeps you from more important tasks you could be doing for your business. Online postage services let you print your own USPS-approved stamps right from your office computer on your inkjet or laser printer. When used in conjunction with a digital postage scale, the exact amount needed for each letter or package is automatically calculated and the correct postage is then printed. You never have to leave your desk and the postage you don’t use won’t expire. Just use it when needed.

• International mailing: International mailing couldn’t be easier when using an online mailing and shipping service. With many of these services, advanced software helps you to choose the correct customs forms, and then pre-fills the information for you. All you have to do is print out an integrated label with your postage, then declare the contents with the USPS.

• Minimize shipping and handling costs: Internet postage services enable you to print the exact postage you need for the specific class of letter or package you are mailing. So, whether it’s First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Express Mail, Media Mail, Library Mail, Bound-Printed Matter, or Parcel Post, you print only what is required. In this way, you won’t overpay for postage or risk your packages arriving to your customer postage-due. And you’ll be able to keep tight control over your shipping and handling costs.

                          

• State by state shipping laws Internet postage providers can help you easily find the specific shipping guidelines by state that will affect your shipment(s). These services act as a one-stop, convenient source of information for all your shipping needs.

• Can I ship liquids? Liquids can be shipped when properly packaged against breakage. Only liquids that meet USPS shipping standards are accepted for delivery and packages containing liquids must be clearly marked as such on the outside, indicating the nature of the contents.

• Can I ship perishable items, like fruit? All items that you ship must meet USPS standards, and for perishable items, most are against certain laws unless they are in a certain condition. For fruits and vegetables, they must be in a dry condition. All perishable items, if being shipped, must be properly packaged to protect them through their route.

• Can I ship frozen items? Packages containing frozen items are permissible when properly contained in dry ice. Each dry ice container must allow the release of carbon dioxide gas. Boxes must have sufficient insulation to prevent condensation and wetting of the mailing package.

• How should I package fragile items? To ensure that fragile items don’t shift inside your package during shipping, it is recommended that individual items first be wrapped in bubble wrap. Styrofoam packing peanuts can also be used to fill empty spaces and provide an add measure of interior cushioning for your package.

• How do I find efficiencies in small or large fulfillment projects? Online shipping services deliver efficiencies no matter the size of your project. Many integrate seamlessly with your fulfillment database, saving you time and money, while improving accuracy. Some services offer features that link an entire day’s shipments to a single bar-coded form that the USPS scans when packages are picked up, making it easier for you to track the progress of shipments as well as allow customers to track their shipments. Pre-filled and integrated customs forms also offer critical time savings when shipping overseas.