Print USPS Shipping labels from home......print postage TOO! (Priority, Express, Global)

[iamme]

You can print labels with or without postage. You pay with your credit card, and there aren't any extra fees or commitments. Seems pretty cool. They do recommend using a LASER printer. They said that inkjets aren't as reliable when they try to scan the barcodes. They do Express and Priority. If you want to do insurance, you need to take it to a counter. You get delivery confirmation for free (normally $0.40).

Printing was a bit slow for me. It takes a little bit to start up. When you print only the label (w/o postage), it starts up a bit faster. Regardless, it beats standing in line at the Post Office.

Looks like you can do international shipping too. I've never tried this, though.

USPS Shipping Labels

 

[iamme]

Oh, and when taping the label to your envelope, DON'T tape over the barcode! Even if you're using clear tape.

 

[cmatthes1]

Thanks for the info... Too bad I can't use it because the Postal Service forces to go to a post office for any boxes over 1 lb. Otherwise I might just use Postal Service to mail all my packages....

 

[oaaltone]

Originally posted by: cmatthes1
Thanks for the info... Too bad I can't use it because the Postal Service forces to go to a post office for any boxes over 1 lb. Otherwise I might just use Postal Service to mail all my packages....

With these printed labels, I've never had a problem handing the packages to my mailman, or even dropping them in blue boxes. I know the 1lb. limit used to be for items with stamps... but that may have changed.

 

[VaG]

Welcome back from your slumber.

 

[RideFree]

The "ANS" url was a hoot!

Will try this out...looks better than stamps.com $4 or $5 or $6/mo.
(Can't remember exact price.)

 

[858diver]

I agree, Ridefree, although you still can't do things like certified first class - would be nice.

 

[psloan]

I tried this, the printing is slow. I also had quite a few failures and when I get to the post office I still have to wait in line. I asked the guy at the counter and he said, 'Yes you have wait in line so we can scann these in for your and you can not just drop them off at the side counter'. Not really an improvement if you ask me. I switched back to using the USPS shipping assistant to print my labels and then paying for postage a the po.

--pat

 

[aanooo]

Can some one tell me how I can save every thing printed so in case it does not print I can just print it again instead of making a new label and trying to get a credit for the other one.
TIA
Cherrie

 

[oaaltone]

Originally posted by: psloan
I tried this, the printing is slow. I also had quite a few failures and when I get to the post office I still have to wait in line. I asked the guy at the counter and he said, 'Yes you have wait in line so we can scann these in for your and you can not just drop them off at the side counter'. Not really an improvement if you ask me. I switched back to using the USPS shipping assistant to print my labels and then paying for postage a the po.

--pat

They are wrong. You do not need to wait for them to scan it, it is already in the system as soon as you print it online. That's why it's free, they don't have to take the trouble to scan it in.

Originally posted by: aanooo
Can some one tell me how I can save every thing printed so in case it does not print I can just print it again instead of making a new label and trying to get a credit for the other one.
TIA
Cherrie

If you're using Windows, go into Control Panel > Printers > Go into the properties for the printer you're using > Advanced Tab > Check the box marked "Keep Printed Documents". Once that's set, just click on your printer whenever you want, and you can reprint anything...

Make sure you empty the saved print jobs every once and a while...

 

[HarryK]

Originally posted by: psloan
he said, 'Yes you have wait in line so we can scann these in for your and you can not just drop them off at the side counter'. Not really an improvement if you ask me

Not according to the FAQ:
Q. Can I drop my online label package in a USPS collection box?
A. Yes, if you have paid for postage online and printed a label with PC Postage service.

Originally posted by: cmatthes1
Thanks for the info... Too bad I can't use it because the Postal Service forces to go to a post office for any boxes over 1 lb. Otherwise I might just use Postal Service to mail all my packages....

Not according to the FAQ:
If you use a postage meter, you can drop your Priority Mail item in a collection box as long as it doesn't weigh more than 5 pounds. If you are using postage stamps, aviation security requires that you take packages 16 oz. and over to your local Post Office for mailing.

 

[HarryK]

Originally posted by: olliebg
If you're using Windows, go into Control Panel > Printers > Go into the properties for the printer you're using > Advanced Tab > Check the box marked "Keep Printed Documents". Once that's set, just click on your printer whenever you want, and you can reprint anything...

I've seen somebody (perhaps you) post this before. This option does not appear for any of my printers on my PC. Each of my printers has a different set of "Properties" and "Keep Printed Documents" isn't on any of them

 

[VaG]

Originally posted by: psloan
I tried this, the printing is slow. I also had quite a few failures and when I get to the post office I still have to wait in line. I asked the guy at the counter and he said, 'Yes you have wait in line so we can scann these in for your and you can not just drop them off at the side counter'. Not really an improvement if you ask me. I switched back to using the USPS shipping assistant to print my labels and then paying for postage a the po.

--pat

Now that you have been properly trained by your fellow anandtecher's you can't return to the post office to properly train the USPS employees. I can assure you as other have you do not need to stand in line.

I agree, Ridefree, although you still can't do things like certified first class - would be nice.

Send certified mail the easy way. And save time & money! Not sure if it's certified first class. I didn't want to sign up to see.

 

[oaaltone]

Originally posted by: HarryK

Originally posted by: olliebg
If you're using Windows, go into Control Panel > Printers > Go into the properties for the printer you're using > Advanced Tab > Check the box marked "Keep Printed Documents". Once that's set, just click on your printer whenever you want, and you can reprint anything...

I've seen somebody (perhaps you) post this before. This option does not appear for any of my printers on my PC. Each of my printers has a different set of "Properties" and "Keep Printed Documents" isn't on any of them

I've done this for years... it currently works for all of my printers in XP, and I have quite a few

 

[JJd]

For rebate submissions the least expensive way to send them from home (or anywhere) is 1st class mail/certified. Cost would be about $2.60 total and you can trace its delivery online if the rebate center should deny ever receiving it, right? Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I really like to have some sort of proof of delivery w/o having to pay $4+ for Priority. Thanks!

 

[Athena]

«Too bad I can't use it because the Postal Service forces to go to a post office for any boxes over 1 lb»

Actually, you can hand any size package to your regular letter carrier because you are "known" to him. You cannot put packages over 1lb in a mail box unless you have a meter or software that incorporates a license number in the indicum.

 

[jimmyhaha]

Actually, you can hand any size package to your regular letter carrier because you are "known" to him. You cannot put packages over 1lb in a mail box unless you have a meter or software that incorporates a license number in the indicum.

really ?

so I just hand all the stuff over 1 lbs to the USPS delivery guy ?

Introducing USPS shipping assistant

this is much better than the lame @ss web interface and support all class too..

 

[aanooo]

Originally posted by: aanooo
Can some one tell me how I can save every thing printed so in case it does not print I can just print it again instead of making a new label and trying to get a credit for the other one.
TIA
Cherrie

If you're using Windows, go into Control Panel > Printers > Go into the properties for the printer you're using > Advanced Tab > Check the box marked "Keep Printed Documents". Once that's set, just click on your printer whenever you want, and you can reprint anything...

Make sure you empty the saved print jobs every once and a while...[/quote]

Thanks so much I'm all set now. Your help is truly appreciated

Cherrie

 

[WiseOne]

you can't do prepaid labels in USPS shipping assistant.