34 Legal Methods To Cut High Postage Costs

1. For local messages, telephone instead of sending a
letter.
2. Use postcards as often as possible. Sane on stamps
AND envelopes.
3. Don't buy stamps from vending machines where a
service charge is added.
4. If you operate your own business, remember that
postage is tax deductible.
5. Pay local bills in person instead of mailing them.
6. Save postage stamps off your incoming mail. Then
sell them at flea markets, garage sales, neighborhood yard
and tag sales, etc.
7. Use 3rd class mail when speed isn't important and
pocket big savings.
8. Don't "overstamp" your mail. Purchase an inexpensive
postal scale or have your local Post Office weigh your
mail for you.
9. When sending 1st class mail, remember that while the
first ounce requires a 1st class stamp, additional ounces
cost less. Pick up a postal rate guide from your local
Post Office.
10. Post Office "stamped" envelopes are expensive. Save
by buying packets of envelopes from variety and discount
stores.
11. Don't pay extra for "airmail" between distant points
in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. All such mail is
automatically sent via air at 1st class rates.
12. Always use your zip code on your mail for faster
delivery. If you don't know the zip code, your local Post
Office can look it up for you.
13. If speed and timing is important, deposit your mail
early in the day.
14. If you have special instructions such as "Special
Delivery", mark this plainly on all letters and packages,
in big letters for all to see.
15. Pay bills by personal checks. It is less expensive
then Postal money orders.
16. Avoid ordering merchandise via "C.O.D.". The C.O.D.
charge is generally added to the cost of your order.
17. When insuring a package or letter, insure it for its
value only - and no more. If it is lost, you will be paid
for the actual value only.
18. Use "Special Delivery" during nights and weekends
only. During the week, Special Delivery is handled the
same as regular first class mail and given special
attention at the destination only.
19. Never spend on "Special Delivery" mail sent to a Post
Office box.
20. If your require proof of delivery, use "Certified"
mail instead of more expensive "Registered" mail.
21. When mailing large quantities of identical "printed
matter" mail, investigate "bulk mail" rates. Inquire at
your local Post Office.
22. When shipping parcels, compare rates charged by other
carriers such as United Parcel Service, Greyhound, freight
companies, etc.
23. When mailing books, use the lower 4th class "book
rate".
24. Reweigh "Postage Due" mail in the event an error has
been made.
25. Avoid using odd-shaped "non-standard" size envelopes.
The Post Office charges extra if envelopes do not conform
to certain size specifications.
26. When mailing printed matter overseas, use the lower
"surface rate" and write "Printed Matter" on the envelope,
if airmail isn't necessary.
27. Never mail cash. If it gets lost, you have no proof
that it was sent.
28. Be sure that your return address is on all outgoing
mail. It will be returned to you it it is undeliverable
and sent via first class.
29. Save time! (Time is money!) Buy larger quantities of
stamps at one time and avoid standing in long Post Office
lines often.
30. Use large brown grocery bags for wrapping packages
instead of buying sheets of wrapping paper. Use saved
string and twine for this same purpose.
31. When shipping fragile items, decrease shipping weight
by using popped corn as the packing material, instead of
heavier crumpled newspapers.
32. Let postal workers suggest other methods for saving
on postage costs.
33. Check your Christmas card list carefully and
eliminate unnecessary names.
34. When buying sheets of stamps, save the corner "plate
number blocks". They could increase in value and make
excellent future "investments".