If you’re like most people, you probably don’t pay much attention to the postal service options. After all, how many different carriers can there be? Well, the answer is more than you think – more than 30! That’s why it’s so important to make sure you choose the best postal service for your needs because the wrong one can cost you time and money both in the short term and in the long term.
Here are some of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing a postal service and how to avoid them.
Not knowing the services they need
You might have heard of overnight delivery or international shipping, but do you need these services? Do you know how much they cost? If not, stop what you’re doing and figure it out right now. In addition to traditional postal services (express mail, priority mail), many companies offer extra options like delivery confirmation and certified/overnight/specialty shipping. These are usually more expensive than traditional post office services. For most people, a small percentage of packages require these special services.
Not asking important questions
You’ll want to ensure that your local post office has everything you need: from sending and receiving packages to tracking parcels or filling out customs forms. Ask about Irvine post office hours of operation and whether they have self-service kiosks for shipping internationally. Be sure you can also buy postage here if needed. You might even ask them if they offer packing supplies like boxes, labels, and packaging tape, so you don’t have to go out to purchase these things separately.
Not searching for references
Don’t be afraid to ask around—getting references from friends and colleagues is always a good idea. The best companies won’t hesitate to give you references, as it tells you that they’re confident in their services. If you’re still uneasy about choosing them after your research, ask for recommendations on how to proceed with mailing your packages without making mistakes or damaging your items.
Overlooking the whole package
While price is important, so is customer service and an excellent reputation. While it may seem like you’re saving yourself some money by choosing one of those bargain-bin services, it’s important to consider everything that comes with your chosen mailing service. Because you’ll likely be using their services for years to come, go ahead and splurge a little—you won’t regret it.
Buying based on price alone
Many people are tempted to go with a company that offers delivery for next to nothing. The only problem? Cheaper isn’t always better. If your parcel is delayed or gets lost, you could be hit with a hefty out-of-pocket fee for its recovery. Plus, many of these discount carriers use less reliable services like the Irvine post office to deliver your packages—meaning you’re risking your shipment not getting there when it should, and maybe not even arriving at all.
CONCLUSION
To help you find an honest and reliable business, we’ve put together a list of important considerations to help guide you through your decision-making process in our other post. These tips will allow you to choose exactly what type of company you need for your shipping and mailing needs like parcel lockers etc. Happy choosing!
