USPS 2016 Rates

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As you've likely noticed, USPS shipping rates go up each year.  This year is no different, but the 2016 increase now makes shipping overseas incredibly expensive, with an average increase of 12.8%.  The most significant increase is to USPS Priority Mail options (1-3 day domestic delivery time; 6-10 days for international).  Last year, a small flat-rate box cost $5.25.  This year, the same size box is priced at $6.10.  These are domestic shipping prices for online sellers found here via Etsy.

International prices have gone up even more considerably.  The new 2016 price for a small Priority International flat-rate box is a whopping $30--up almost ten dollars from last year.  As for the First-Class International option, it has gone up an average of $3-$5 per ounce.  A light 2 oz. package now costs $12 to ship internationally (to Canada, it is $9.00).

I've made the difficult decision to adjust my shipping costs and shop policies to reflect this change.  All orders will now automatically ship as USPS First-Class Mail, unless the (more expensive) Priority upgrade is chosen instead.  It's important for me to keep my work and shipping fees affordable, but keeping my shop open is important, too.  Thanks for understanding.

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Updated EC | TIW shipping rate info. from my Policies:

USPS shipping prices have risen sharply this year.  I currently don't offer insurance for international orders.

All packages are shipped via USPS FIRST-CLASS MAIL to your ETSY address.

I offer a shipping upgrade to Priority Mail for faster delivery (USPS estimates 1-3 days for US orders, and 6-10 days for international).  *I am not responsible for lost or stolen packages--or delivery times.*

INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIMES:
Depending on Customs, package delivery time is 2-9 weeks.  Buyers are responsible for ALL local Customs and importation fees collected at time of package delivery.

Note: I cannot ship to the Middle East, India, or North Korea--any orders placed from these countries will result in the cancelation of the order.

>> US ADDRESSES:
USPS First-Class Mail with package tracking.  At an additional cost, a Priority Mail upgrade allows for insurance up to $50.00.

>> INTERNATIONAL ADDRESSES:
Shipping is USPS First-Class International with a tracking number.  Priority shipping is now available at an additional cost, but without insurance.

New USPS Rates

As you've probably heard, USPS rates have gone up significantly as of January 27th, 2013.  With each of these yearly rate increases, I hold my breath and cringe, afraid to see exactly how much postage prices have risen in conjunction with the times.  Yes, I understand that the post office, in the name of patriotism and efficacy, needs to stay in business.  People need their jobs.  And believe me, I understand the importance of USPS in the maintenance of small online businesses via quick and efficient deliveries.  However, what I don't understand is how much the rates have gone up--what was once an affordable way to ship internationally is now mind-bogglingly expensive. 

International buyers bear the brunt and burden of this executive decision--with the new rates, the First-Class International option is no longer affordable. 

Through this online gizmo, I can figure out how much it will cost to ship a package of a certain weight (with specific USPS services, i.e.: First-Class, Priority, etc.) to almost anywhere in the world:

For example, a 3-ounce package shipped First-Class with Registered Mail (package insurance) to Australia will now cost me, and the buyer, $22.40. Last year, this package of the same weight/mail options would have cost me under $17.  You may say that I am making a huge deal out of the $5 difference, but when compared to the price of EmeraldCut shop items--which I strive to keep affordable--paying over $20 for shipping is excessive, to say the least. 

This issue leaves me in a conundrum, a moral dilemma of sorts?  Should I charge my buyers the new shipping prices, or should I keep with my old ones and swallow my tears when I have to fork out an extra $4-$7 to ship international orders?  (FYI: The January price hikes affect all international pricing--even Non-Registered, plain old First-Class Mail packages to Australia have gone up $4.)  Not every shop on Etsy can afford this, nor can all buyers.  Realistically speaking, people may even think twice about purchasing from non-domestic shops in order to avoid the price hike.  

Call me an alarmist, if you will, but I did not buy into this plan when I opened my shop in fall 2010.  Then I remind myself: life can be unfair at times, but at least I have my wit and humor intact--vital attributes in order to the brave the variable storm.