News & een= BusinessTips to Save MoneyDuring the Holidays and Beyond (NAPSA)—Last holiday season, customers spent $46.5 billion in online shopping, according to analysts at comScore. To make the most of this season, business own- ers need to maximize their shipping operations. Here are a few tips on how to do that: Know Your Options Holiday shipping success depends on finding the right shipping mix for your business. Weigh your options andfind the carriers that work for you. For example, if you print post- age online, the U.S. Postal Service now offers lower pricing for Priority Mail, making it an affordable option for heavier packages. If your business ships 50 packages a day (weighing between 5 and 10 lbs.) from San Francisco to Seattle, it can save $16,531 over a twomonth period with Priority Mail, in comparison to FedEx and UPS Ground. Priority Mail Savings for 5 — 10 Ib. Packages* Average savings 20 S 6,612 300 $99,186 $16,531 $49593 @ ‘Pricing is for Commercial Plus shippers. All calculations based on a package shipped across five zones and in comparison to FedEx/UPS Ground. FedEx/UPS Ground $2.90residential surcharge and 7% fuel charge factored into calculations. RememberShipping Deadlines Each carrier has its own year- end holiday schedule for pickup and delivery of packages. Keeping these schedules handy ensures a greater customer experience. Cut-off Dates Domestic Mail Class/ Product First-Class Mail Priority Mail Priority Mail Express*} Cut-off Date Dec. 20 Dec. 20 Dec. 23 “Priority Mail Express postage refund eligibility is adjusted for shipments mailed Dec. 22-25. QD Bulletproof Your Returns Solutions Finding a seamless process for returnsis critical to retaining cus- tomers beyond the holidays. According to a recent survey by Endicia, which offers online postage and shipping solutions, 89 percent of shoppers say they will shop again following a positive returns experience. Endicia’s Pay-on-Use Returns service can be an easy and affordable way to give customers that experience. With Pay-on-Use Re- turns, businesses can include a Number of packages sent (per day) 50 150 USPS 2014 Holiday Shipping The U.S. Postal Service’s Priority Mail can be good for last-minute shoppers shipping domestically because packages typically arrive in one to three business days. domestic USPS returnlabel in their outbound shipments or provide one on-demand via email. Postage for the label is paid only if and when a return shipping label is used. That means businesses won’t have a large outlay of money in pre-paid labels during the holiday season. “It’s important for online businesses to be prepared for the holiday season,” said Endicia CTO and co-founder Harry Whitehouse. “Getting the right shipping strategy in place early on will make a difference in a company’s bottom line andits overall success.” Learn More You can find more information about the USPS Priority Mail price change and how Endicia can save you money this holiday season at www.endicia.com/usps-ratechange-sept-2014.
