Not surprising: USPS is raising their rates later this month. Totally surprising: international first class rates will increase "as much as 100% or more."
I feel like my work is no longer marketable outside of the U.S. Postage rates are going up incredibly high to not just Europe, Asia, and Australia, but to Canada, too! I'm so upset that Canada is lumped into this mess.
Here's what I'm talking about - I highlighted what is going to bury my shop for international customers.
Here's what Etsy had to say on this matter:
"Most domestic mail classes will see a 3-5% rate increase across the board. The most significant increases you’ll see are in International First Class Postage and International Priority, primarily in smaller packages. Postage in these classes will increase by as much as 100% or more in some cases."
This is all happening just when international shipping became insanely easy for me. I used to have to make trips to the post office and fill out those customs forms - now the customs form is created automatically - I print the label, and put the packages in my mailbox. No more scheduled trips, no more stack of forms to fill out.
I suppose it might not completely turn everyone away, but if someone is just buying one single greeting card from me (which they often do), then I just can't imagine anyone paying almost $7 or more in shipping for a $7 item. I'm bummed.
The "sort-of" silver lining: "USPS will begin offering free Delivery Confirmation to Canada with future countries to follow. This option will be automatically included for any postage purchased using First-Class International Package Service and Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope and Small Flat Rate Box package types."
So how about you? Are you expecting this postage increase to affect you in any way? Is there anything you're going to do to make it less painful?
*Edit: one of my Etsy teammates has shared a great calculator for use when updating your shipping profiles. You can find it here.
I feel like my work is no longer marketable outside of the U.S. Postage rates are going up incredibly high to not just Europe, Asia, and Australia, but to Canada, too! I'm so upset that Canada is lumped into this mess.
Here's what I'm talking about - I highlighted what is going to bury my shop for international customers.
2013 USPS Postage Rate Increase Chart
 |
| chart via Etsy |
Here's what Etsy had to say on this matter:
"Most domestic mail classes will see a 3-5% rate increase across the board. The most significant increases you’ll see are in International First Class Postage and International Priority, primarily in smaller packages. Postage in these classes will increase by as much as 100% or more in some cases."
This is all happening just when international shipping became insanely easy for me. I used to have to make trips to the post office and fill out those customs forms - now the customs form is created automatically - I print the label, and put the packages in my mailbox. No more scheduled trips, no more stack of forms to fill out.
I suppose it might not completely turn everyone away, but if someone is just buying one single greeting card from me (which they often do), then I just can't imagine anyone paying almost $7 or more in shipping for a $7 item. I'm bummed.
The "sort-of" silver lining: "USPS will begin offering free Delivery Confirmation to Canada with future countries to follow. This option will be automatically included for any postage purchased using First-Class International Package Service and Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope and Small Flat Rate Box package types."
So how about you? Are you expecting this postage increase to affect you in any way? Is there anything you're going to do to make it less painful?
*Edit: one of my Etsy teammates has shared a great calculator for use when updating your shipping profiles. You can find it here.
As a Canadian, that is not good to hear about at all! I'm always admiring all of the amazing things American online stores have to offer & I already take into consideration the shipping & handling... Now it'll be an even bigger price to pay! :( thanks for the heads up!
ReplyDelete- Jane @ urbanejane.com