Question about USPS Media Mail

How does it compare to Priority?

[wackal]

Hi everybody. My company currently sends out all orders thru USPS Priority Mail, and we have been very happy with the service. Packages are rarely lost and they arrive in a few days time.

However, because of the price of Priority mail, we are thinking about switching to USPS Media Mail and I was hoping I could get some feedback from anyone who uses the service. How is the service and how does it compare to Priority Mail? Thanks!

[figment88]

I buy and sell books on eBay's half.com that mostly uses media mail.

With media mail delivery times varies a lot by drop-off location and delivery location. Since it is low priority, you also get slowed down around busy times fo the year.

Best case scenario gets packages in about 3-4 days, worse case is about two weeks and occasionally longer.

Obviously the recipient needs to be aware of media mail and all implications.

IMHO most websites offer end-users too many options, but this might be a good place to offer a choice. You could let the end-user choose delivery method with different pricing.

[wackal]

I definitely agree that shipping is way more confusing then it needs to be on most sites. Right now, Priority is the only option we offer. What I'd like to do is offer free shipping using Media Mail as the default and Priority Mail as an extra service that they can pay for.

[figment88]

I think that makes sense as long as
1) you provide a little description or link of what media mail is all about

2) you are located near a major usps center and deliver packages there on a regular basis.