topic Rising postal rates in Community Chat

Rising postal rates

traveler — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 15:26:56 GMT

In January Alaska, Hawaii,American territories are all getting a 9.32% increase in postal rates. Seems like it means fewer purchases here.

Re: Rising postal rates

simplyfriends — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 15:58:32 GMT

I purchased a very large assortment of forever stamps years ago and still use them. I'm not sure how much it costs to mail a card or lettrr because I use my forever stamps. Buy yes, I agree mailing a package or ordering on line will get costlier as shipping issues still exist.

Re: Rising postal rates

Snowpuppy — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:01:08 GMT

While I'm not a diehard shopper, I'll gladly pay for shipping and returns within reason if it's cheaper than getting in my vehicle and driving somewhere to shop or return.

Most big box stores are at least an hour away from me.

Re: Rising postal rates

millieshops — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:17:00 GMT

@traveler As costs for many things we are used to having go up, I'm paying attention to those I can control and those I can't. Right now, I'm faced with more costs beyond my control than those I can reduce or eliminate.

I'm within the mainland, so I can just continue to order needs - I've cut the "maybes" a long time ago. I'm okay for now, but the idea that more and more people are living to 100 or more really makes me uneasy. Time flies in this old age!

Re: Rising postal rates

frenchie — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:23:11 GMT

The greeting card business is hurting already. I sent no Christmas cards at all this year, I only received two. My family will get their cards when I see them. Local mail should be less. When I was young, if you left the envelope unsealed, it cost less. I have no problem paying to send cross country, but local is rediculous.

Re: Rising postal rates

Puppy Lips — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:28:23 GMT

@frenchie wrote:
The greeting card business is hurting already. I sent no Christmas cards at all this year, I only received two. My family will get their cards when I see them. Local mail should be less. When I was young, if you left the envelope unsealed, it cost less. I have no problem paying to send cross country, but local is rediculous.

@frenchie Just curious. Why would it cost less if you left the envelope unsealed? Didn't they worry about the contents falling out?

Re: Rising postal rates

geezerette — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:12:46 GMT

@Puppy Lips wrote:
@frenchie wrote:
The greeting card business is hurting already. I sent no Christmas cards at all this year, I only received two. My family will get their cards when I see them. Local mail should be less. When I was young, if you left the envelope unsealed, it cost less. I have no problem paying to send cross country, but local is rediculous.
@frenchie Just curious. Why would it cost less if you left the envelope unsealed? Didn't they worry about the contents falling out?

@Puppy Lips

We folded the top of the envelope (the part you wet/lick) into the bottom. It was quite sturdy for normal envelopes that were not overstuffed.

Re: Rising postal rates

Teddixat — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:41:04 GMT

@Puppy Lips the price of greeting cards themselves is ridiculous.

Re: Rising postal rates

Snowpuppy — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:52:10 GMT

@Teddixat wrote:
@Puppy Lips the price of greeting cards themselves is ridiculous.

If they were a Lunchtime Special with EZ pay, they'd go flying out the door. 😄

Re: Rising postal rates

Nightowlz — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 18:24:28 GMT

That's a pretty good increase for those in Alaska, Hawaii & American territories. Only adds to the cost of what your are ordering.

I shop online a lot because there's nothing available around here. I watch what I'm ordering online because I don't want to throw money in the trash on return shipping costs. If I'm pretty sure it will work out or fit etc I will order it. If I have any doubts I pass.

Re: Rising postal rates

KathyM23 — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:34:59 GMT

@frenchie I remember Christmas cards unsealed costing less to send. Maybe they cost only 2 or 3 cents. Don't remember for sure.

I used to send about 40 or more cards, friends, relatives and business associates. Our employees I just put a card in their gift. We gave each 35 of them a gift. Thinking now they probably would have appreciated a monetary gift in their paycheck more We had a get together for them with a lunch and handed their gifts/cards then.

Last year I sent 8 cards and for our kids and grands put a card with their gifts I received 10 cards both this year and last year.

I can remember receiving many of them each year.

Re: Rising postal rates

meallen616 — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:35:57 GMT

The U.S. Postal Service, on Jan. 21, 2024, will raise the cost of Forever stamps from 66 cents to 68.

Merry Christmas,

Re: Rising postal rates

LavernLuvsShoes — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:38:56 GMT

@Teddixat wrote:
@Puppy Lips the price of greeting cards themselves is ridiculous.

Which is why I buy mine at the Dollar Tree @ $1.25 each, and in some cases, 2 for $1.00

Re: Rising postal rates

CelticCrafter — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:45:50 GMT

@LavernLuvsShoes wrote:
@Teddixat wrote:
@Puppy Lips the price of greeting cards themselves is ridiculous.
Which is why I buy mine at the Dollar Tree @ $1.25 each, and in some cases, 2 for $1.00

Me too because most times they end up in the recycling bin or garbage.

Re: Rising postal rates

KathyM23 — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:55:20 GMT

I am looking at the cards on the kitchen table getting ready for DH to put money/gift cards in for our kids and grands. There are cards totaling $39 plus tax. So, yes cards cost too much.

No wonder I only mail 8 now to some special people and that is plus the cost of postage. Seems like it won't be long that the tradition of mailing Christmas cards will soon pass.

Re: Rising postal rates

RedTop — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 21:01:32 GMT

I mailed 65 Christmas cards and have received 46 as of today.

Re: Rising postal rates

KathyM23 — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 22:05:47 GMT

@RedTop That must be a record in these times. Nice to see some are keeping up with the good traditions.

I remember how we used to look forward to the postman delivering Christmas Cards and we would check the mailbox right away to see to sent us cards that day.

Re: Rising postal rates

frenchie — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:54:31 GMT

@Puppy Lips wrote:
@frenchie wrote:
The greeting card business is hurting already. I sent no Christmas cards at all this year, I only received two. My family will get their cards when I see them. Local mail should be less. When I was young, if you left the envelope unsealed, it cost less. I have no problem paying to send cross country, but local is rediculous.
@frenchie Just curious. Why would it cost less if you left the envelope unsealed? Didn't they worry about the contents falling out?

You just tucked in the flap. There was nothing of value in there, just a greeting card.

Re: Rising postal rates

frenchie — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:59:13 GMT

Check out CurrentCatalog.com for great prices on all paper goods such as greeting cards, calendars and checks. I've been ordering from them for years. Order when they have free ship or near free.

Re: Rising postal rates

homedecor1 — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 02:11:01 GMT

I mailed about 40 cards and I received a lot of cards this year that I had to start another basket.

I enjoy doing them (and receiving, of course) so the price doesn't bother me.

I bought nice boxes of cards at CVS using my 30% off coupon.

I mailed large padded envelopes to kids with their cards & checks and GD gc's & card-- I wanted to make sure they got to them. Cost was minimal and delivery was quick🙂