Saving Money on Mailing Packages for Small Businesses

During the economic crunch, we're all looking for ways to save money any way we can. Like many other commodities, the cost of postage continuously increases. For those with home businesses, rising postage costs affect the amount of profit received on items sold. There are some ways to save a little money when mailing packages.

Buy packing supplies on sale.

Watch the ads in your local paper for sales on packing tape, padded envelopes and mailing paper. Buy in quantity when the prices are lower and stash supplies away for future use.

Take advantage of cheaper rates

First class is not just for letters and postcards. Small packages (under 13 oz) can be mailed first class. This rate is much less expensive than parcel or Priority mailing. To keep the weight of the package down, consider the packing materials. Use the most lightweight substances you can find to securely wrap the item to be mailed.

Media rate is much less expensive than other postal rates. It can be used for printed materials and other types of media-DVD, VHS, tape, etc.

Buy a postage scale.

It only takes a small investment to purchase a postage scale that measures in increments of ounces. You can know exactly how much your package weighs and determine which type of postage would be most economical.

Print it from home

If you have your own postage scale you can print your postage label with your computer. Go to http://www.USPS.com and register for free. Then, to mail a package, fill out the information: return address, mailing address, weight, and type of postage needed. Your fee will be charged to your credit card. You can then print the mailing label directly from your personal printer. The package can be left for your mail carrier to pick up. By weighing your own package and printing your own postage label, you save not only travel time but also gas money.

Designate post office days

There will be occasions when you need to make trips to the post office. If you own a home business, you probably mail packages frequently. Designate one or two days as "post office" days. Travel to the post office only on those days. That way you will cut down on travel and vehicle usage.

Every penny counts, especially when operating a small business. The small amount of money saved on each package will eventually add up to a substantial amount over time.