SHIPPING HACKS EVERY PERSON SHOULD KNOW 📦 How To Save Money on Shipping Packages

I’ve definitely found myself overwhelmed and confused at times when it comes to shipping packages at the post office. The rules for shipping packages can make it confusing. Today I’m going to share my best shipping secrets, what I’ve learned about choosing the best shipping method, as well as share some little shipping hacks that can help you save maybe even more money (or at least help save some time and sanity.)
00:00 Tips for Shipping Packages Intro
1:40 First Class Vs. Priority
2:53 Priority Vs. Priority Flat Rate
5:03 HACK How to Make a Flat Rate Envelope Into a Box
9:40 Using Scotch Flex & Seal
10:49 Sending Media Mail
11:34 Holiday Shipping Hacks
USPS Postage Calculator: postcalc.usps.com/
Scotch Flex and Seal: bit.ly/344PCik
》 》 》 》WHERE ELSE TO FIND ME
Hi I'm Kallie Branciforte from But First, Coffee! I'm glad you found my video! I'm the content creator for the blog and KZbin channel But First, Coffee.
Get a ton more on THE BLOG: www.butfirstcoffeeblog.com
For everyday life and more life hacks, join me on INSTAGRAM: kallie_branciforte
》 》 》 》 DISCLAIMER
This is not a sponsored video. Some links in this description may contain affiliate links.
Music by licensed by Epidemic Sound.

[@devaannepinski5999]

As a shipping company employee, here’s a little insider information: the smaller the item, the cheaper it is to send via USPS. The larger the item, UPS or FedEx is cheaper depending on the service level you choose. Also, due to COVID, it doesn’t matter who you ship through right now; all shipping guarantees are RELAXED, meaning there’s no guarantees at the moment. Best advice otherwise, ship EARLY! Thanks for your videos, you’re definitely rocking it!

[@theghastlygamer5326]

Fedex doesn't charge extra for oversized anymore. They still go by weight but size as long as it isn't over the maximum size doesn't get surcharge

[@south_paw]

But UPS and FedEx often take your money then ship it through USPS.

[@you2449]

Gold Info

[@dyfcheer]

I always ship next day because it never gets there in time and I get a refund.

[@user-sw7jm8os1q]

Cant put a flat rate box inside another, its illegal.

[@tumblrizinng]

I work for USPS, thank you for supporting us!!☺️ it’s crazy for us. Please remember many of us are working 50-60+ hrs a week rn doing our best

[@Dark.Star.Alchemy]

Thank you for what you do! Your service keeps my small business alive and functioning. I can never thank postal workers enough! Hope you're getting some rest after the crazed holiday shipping!

[@angeloa7798]

Thank you for everything you guys do. And by the way you're pretty :)

[@JohnWickkkkkkkkk]

You’re making money for yourself. So be grateful

[@RAZERDsXe]

I hope it has cooled off a bit

[@blanktitle198]

Thank you for your service. If you dont mind me asking, do you get paid overtime? salary? what is your wage like? Thanks!

[@kbgatzke15]

I’ve always avoided shipping stuff because I’ve found it to be intimidating. This video has taught me so much, and I now feel a bit confident! Thank you, Kallie!!!!!

[@Dark.Star.Alchemy]

I ship anywhere from 10-60 pkgs via USPS per week. Great video! A few more domestic tips (sending within US) ... Anything over 16 oz has to go priority, first class is not allowed for 16 oz+. Padded flat rate envelope is always my go to for I think it's 9.00 now (the padded priority envelope are a couple dollars more than the plain priority envelope, but they are much, much more sturdy!) ... all priority packages automatically come with 50.00 Insurance, you can add more. They also include tracking and you can add a signature release. ALWAYS TAPE THE EDGES OF ENVELOPES, THEY WILL NOT ALWAYS TAPE IT FOR YOU AND IF IT GETS CAUGHT IN THE MACHINE AND TEARS OPEN, YOUR PKG WILL GO INTO LOST MAIL.... Also first class packages do come with tracking as well, at no extra cost. First class does not come with insurance, but you can add it for an extra fee. And finally if you're shipping internationally, you can actually go up to I believe it's 3lbs now, before having to go priority. Priority international gets pricey quickly! USPS has proven the most reliable and affordable for me so far, with handling packages up to 70lbs! They do make stickers you can get on the USPS website that say heavy, they will send them to your house for free and are a great way to help out your USPS workers by giving a forewarning before they go to lift the pkg. Happy shipping, and a huge thank you to all postal workers!

[@Ohwhale79]

The priority flat rate envelope hack is fabulous!!! I'll be using it for sure!!

[@ChrisStargazer]

USPS employee here. Great video. One thing I wanted to mention just for clarification and in case you may need to mail anything to a destination west of the US west coast (to areas like Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Saipan): be sure your item is being sent by air transportation (Express [technically called Priority Express], Priority, or First Class). If it is sent via any of our ground shipping services (Parcel Post, Retail Ground, SAM, Media Mail, Standard Mail), your item will take a minimum of 3 weeks to arrive and be delivered since your package will travel by boat from the US mainland to points in the Pacific basin. If you have the option of air vs. ground, take air; it’s worth the extra cost to not have to wait weeks for your package to arrive. If you mail to points like Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam etc from the US mainland and your receipt says your item has a scheduled delivery date of 10-14 days out, that info is *incorrect.* Those delivery timeframes are accurate if you mail something from a US mainland origin to a US mainland destination. Hope this helps. Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)!

[@KelleyM462]

Hi Chris, I really need your help. Do you know anyone from the Kaimuki Post Office?? I have been going around in circles with the customer service I 've been getting with my packages from a move. 😢😢

[@deborahgreenwood9558]

USPS “measures” your boxes as well, which can jack the price up. I used the shipping calculator online with weights entered for each box, so I would have an idea of what my shipping costs would be. When I went to USPS my shipping cost for a box that weighed under 4lbs was $35. I asked the postal worker why there was a jump in price and she said they enter not only the weight and region my box was going to, but the measurements of the box as well. Which explained why she was measuring the dimensions of my box.

[@surferboysmom5]

If you're not using the Flat Rate Priority Mail boxes, Priority Mail also depends on the size and dimensions of the box, not just the weight... so when using the online calculator you need to know your box size and weight to get an accurate price.

[@kellybarman4473]

That was so nice of you to do all the research for us! Thanks 😊 Callie

[@nicolebeck591]

Thank you for this video! As a USPS employee I appreciate you explaining this to your followers. Also to anyone who is going to comment on slow delivery, this year has been the largest shipping and delivery year! Please remember that we are also still in the middle of a pandemic and extra cleaning measures have to be taken within all facilities to ensure everyone is safe. Every postal employee I know takes their job seriously and they are doing their very best to see that you get your package in a timely manner. 💚

[@kagey7591]

A big HUGE thank you to you and all your fellow USPS colleagues! My family appreciates all your efforts!!

[@maeleenhurley5858]

Mahalo a nui loa! My ohana is in Hawaii so I thank you so so much for getting my packages there from the Midwest. I appreciate you!

[@wdfamily_027]

Thank for all the hard work I you do! Stay safe!

[@deek6115]

THANK YOU!!! USPS is keeping me sane in 2020!!!❤ Letters & cards!! My shopping addiction to etsy!! You guys are my Essential Pandemic Heroes!!🦸🏾‍♂️🦸🏼‍♀️🦸

[@irairod5160]

Thanks go to you and to all your colleagues. You are keeping so many of us afloat! I've been waiting 6 weeks for a package that's stuck in Atlanta to make it to Virginia but I'm not even mad because I can't imagine the hours all of you are working and the stress you're under these days.

[@tonymonroy562]

On my 9th shipping for dummies video and this is by far the best one yet. Thank you for putting me up on game while on this new road to shipping and handling my items.

[@amandak5233]

Love the priority mail hack! I used to just shove stuff in them hope for the best, but this is much better.

[@katherinerichardson1767]

Our postal worker in my town was very helpful in explaining the various shipping options to me, so ask, and if the workers are like ours, they will bend over backwards to help you select the best option for you, too. Great video!!

[@blissfamilyvlogs1084]

Also we did a “hack” where we bought things online and we sent it to the person from the online store and just changed the billing address and marked the box saying it was a gift so the receipt wouldn’t be in there! We also added messages saying merry Christmas and if you want you can always still send a card stating to watch out for the mail something special is coming for you :) 😍❤️

[@Whybegin]

yep do this so much!!

[@myrtlebeachsara]

I do this too

[@trelainaswildelife]

This is what I do for gifts, too.

[@ricardotanguma134]

a lil confused lol would u care to explain it better for me i think i get the gist i think just not sure like you send to the sender but in reality its you or? just as u see im obviously trying to find a cheaper better way lol

[@ody8186]

this is called drop shipping

[@melina.rodelo]

A second into this video and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your promptness and accuracy explaining everything possible. Can't wait to hear the rest.

[@kristiegottman7299]

Perfect timing. Needing to ship something this week

[@SarahLizDoan]

Me, too!

[@Chelsea34567891]

Me too! Wanted to send my grandma something and the online quote was $53 for a dollar tree DIY I made her 😩

[@clairel5858]

This video was definitely posted at the right time! Thank you so much for your videos!

[@Xasandy]

Thank you so much for including the time stamps!!! I've watched this video 2 times to become familiar with the process. But then weeks later when I actually had to ship an item, the time stamp for "How to Make a Flat Rate envelope into a Box" was soooo helpful and time efficient. Blessings!

[@1elsue]

Great idea about using the flat envelope and making it into a box. Brilliant. Thank you

[@courtneyf.5554]

Pirate ship has saved me a lot of money too!!

[@PolarisSGL]

Same

[@michelleaustin3365]

I randomly have anxiety about shipping things, and I need to this year. Thank you!

[@grace333]

Send like the Scotch Flex and Seal would make wrapping odd shapes presents a lot easier too

[@michellec6336]

Perfect timing! Thank you for explaining it all.

[@teresah4972]

Genius hacks, Kallie! TYFS!!

[@internationalrockboxoffici9188]

I am doing shipping internationally and you just helped me! Thank you so much for your time on making this video!

[@CleaningwithKim]

I seriously gain SO much knowledge when watching your videos. Definitely the most informative channel I follow. Thank you for being so awesome! 💕

[@MojoMama7]

Wonderful advice! Thank you so much! I'm a beginner and have been searching for good advice on shipping for weeks. Yours is the best!

[@hanaoshimapiano]

Your videos are so informative and so helpful!! You're one of my favorite channels and the longest one I've been following since a few years back! Thank you for all that you do and the good content you share. Please have a restful holiday!

[@lauratempestini5719]

So comprehensive and simplified!!!👏🏻

[@Naparuski1]

Great stuff thank you so much A lot of it I knew however I love love love the flat rate envelope hack

[@crispinislam]

That envelope into a box is genius! Thanks for this video

[@ScarrBurgsGodssoulja]

Hands down the best video on shipping

[@jessicamedina775]

this video was so clearly explained!! Thank u!!

[@evelynneconrad2538]

Thank you. You just clarified a few things for me. I am shipping this week several things as you are, family we are not going to be able to see. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@2CorgiMom]

I need a small box to ship today but have only Priority envelopes, so your envelope hack is so very timely! Thank You!

[@gypsybelle4757]

Great video and tips!! And so needed, even more this year. 👍🙌

[@JessicaT2730]

Thanks for the tips and hacks! Pretty sure I watched this when you put it out and just watched it again because I definitely need them right now. Thanks!

[@simple2bfun25]

This video was so very helpful, especially the self stick bubble wrap material. Thank you!

[@barbara-dj1uo]

Wow! This was amazing!!! I love this type of info and the best part was your instructional technique. You were very clear and concise. You stated what we would learn.p, you taught the info giving visual examples, and then you reviewed what we had learned. Excellent teaching! (Can you tell I’m a retired teacher of 30+ years? ). I copied the link for the info and pasted it in my Notes app. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are the BEST!

[@ChuckysBoo]

barbara, teachers NEVER retire... their wisdom and kindness stays, lifelong, inside their students, and as such is the gift that keeps on giving. thank you for being a teacher, and happy holidays to you!

[@burschgirl]

Loved the flat rate envelope hack!

[@tarapfeiffer6695]

This was a GREAT video! Thank you!

[@brendasherman3974]

Thanks for the great information. It is so confusing and you have explained it much better.

[@michelleb6395]

I always leave your videos having learned something new!

[@barbarabailey5738]

Thank you so so much. Just found out I have to mail my daughter's gifts. Cleared up alot for me

[@Jbeanz2023]

Very helpful! THANK you!

[@lotusflower6007]

This was fantastic and informative. Thank you so much for sharing ✨ Many blessings to you!

[@randybrown8065]

Great advice! Thanks! ❤

[@mrsblackson1]

Unique and timely content! Nice job!

[@salliestephens1252]

This is SO helpful! Thank you!

[@Dasexiestmamii21]

Wow ! This helped me understand usps even better ! I always had trouble understanding the difference ! Thank you so much !!

[@kbailey509]

This Grandmother sends a lot of packages and I learned such valuable info thru your video. Thank you so much. Merry Christmas! Take care and stay safe.

[@jshvjshv7322]

Thank you for doing the research for us! I love your videos!

[@debbienorris4343]

I have never seen anyone do a video from this perspective! Thanks for the great tips!

[@gwenthomas1549]

Thank you for doing all that research!!!

[@Sara-zz9vc]

Omg yes! Thank you!

[@dorothykovak4900]

Thank you! Very timely and helpful.

[@ripike]

Thanks for the help!

[@GoSpork]

Very helpful , thank you.

[@deek6115]

I love your origami hack!🥰...but... I can already imagine The Look my one post office guy would give me if I walked up with that "envelope-box" 😳🤣🤣🤣

[@debbiediaz9465]

That's brilliant! Thank you!

[@karenwells6265]

This was very helpful! Thanks for the great tips and info!

[@deaniebasso3672]

Great video and tips. You took something that is so complicated and helped so many understand. Thank you.

[@briyee-sandoval1071]

Thank you for this! You were so much more helpful than the person who actually works at my post office 😫

[@Chrissanthumum]

Thank you sooo much for that priority item hack that involves changing an envelop to a box.Yass!

[@lisetfernandez3606]

Thanks!! Just in time!

[@lizhoward9754]

Thank you! I never knew about these hacks. Such great ideas

[@dafullclip]

Thanks for the delivery, Coffee! Happy Holidays. Enjoy that ps5

[@Waterflame]

Just to find out about that bubble wrapping stuff made this video worth the watch!!

[@jindrasturgill1194]

thank you for this much needed info. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@jenniferbarney4220]

Such useful info!! Great video.

[@laritaromey2314]

Thank you so much for posting such great information!!

[@daniellestevens9163]

Seriously THE BEST hacks!!! I saved this video bc I knew I would need these hacks one day...today was that day! 🎉

[@diana4043]

Excellent advice! Thank you!!

[@SarahLizDoan]

You have sincerely saved my Christmas! Have to ship to 3 dear friends; thank you, thank you, thank you! Merry Christmas to you & yours!!!! 🎄🙏🏻🎁😊

[@sheetalrshedbalkar5093]

So helpful!! I was always a little intimidated going to the post office, not anymore!

[@yvettewilliams1486]

Thank you. I'm so happy I can't across your video. I'm shipping something in the usps envelope.

[@maryp7694]

One thing few people know about is that if your box measures more the 36" Length/Height/Width you will be charged an additional $30 by USPS because its considered "Oversized" when they measure they round up also. I have found in this case FedEx is cheaper.

[@shirbechar1786]

Love your videos!!!

[@mclarkson1015]

This video was so helpful. I plan to sell some small items through Mercari, eBay, etc. and I was intimidated about shipping because I rarely ever send packages that aren’t prepaid. I love the tips re: the flat rate envelope. Super useful! 👏🏼

[@giantessmaria]

thanks, great info!

[@sewslow2700]

What a great video! This is not the most exciting topic, but holy cow is this information invaluable. Thanks for this!

[@ChrystalPaull]

Really needed this!! Thank you 💚

[@stefaniestaniak4329]

Good ideas, thanks.

[@karenfreedman9180]

Wonderful information! Thank you!

[@SarahSweeneyNaomi]

Thank you for sharing this!! This was great Information!! 💜💜

[@teresalarge3088]

This was so very very very very very very helpful!!! Thank you so very much!!! Merry Christmas!!!

[@haleye7210]

Thank you so much for this video! 💜

[@denisefazio6708]

Great job!

[@momof2momof2]

True. I try to use the self help postage machine at my local post office as much as possible. . Shipping at a UPS Store can be helpful, but the cost is outrageous.

[@SimonSaysLetsMakeADeal]

Thank you! This video was super helpful.

[@katiesunshine6188]

Awesome Hacks - TFS! 🎄💕

[@harrisonpamela40]

This was so helpful!!!!🥰

[@TheGratitudeAttitude]

The USPS Postage Calculator: @t is so nice to have! Thank you so much Kallie!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family 🎄 ~ Maria

[@Whybegin]

that scotch flex n seal...OMG. Thank you!!

[@fire2932]

Oh wow I’ve never seen that scotch flex and seal! Great info!

[@cecedavis9840]

Thanks for the tips

[@thebeautyfiles4574]

I just sent two of those flat rate boxes!! Oh how I wish I knew this! Genius!

[@pattyadams6151]

This was so helpful ‼️

[@xchurricane]

My main holiday anxiety this year has been shipping! 🥴 I needed this video, thank you!

[@jennifermarie8798]

Thank you so much for explaining these tips. I was really dreading trying to ship anything this year lol.