USPS Primer

Shipping is complicated. Here's a primer on USPS 1-3 day shipping methods and their relative costs.

Very Small Packages

For very small packages up to 13 oz, USPS First-Class is a cost effective way to go, but be sure you get a tracking number with it to protect both you and the buyer. Sewing patterns, trim, small notions, and even small amounts of fabric can be shipped this way. For more details, see the USPS site on First-Class mail. For this size, consider using bubble mailers or the Scotch Flex & Seal Shipping Roll to create a custom-sized bubble mailer.

Small Packages

Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope: This envelope can fit most patterns, most notions, and many fabrics. It has a maximum weight of 70 lbs.

Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box: This box will provide notions with more protection than an envelope. Unfortunately, it's too small for most patterns and fabric. It has a maximum weight of 70 lbs.

Medium Packages

Priority Mail Regional Box A: This box has a 15 lb maximum weight and is a bit smaller than the Medium Flat Rate Box. This price of this box varies depending on how far you are shipping it. If the seller and buyer are in the contiguous US, this is probably less expensive than the Medium Flat Rate Box. 

Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box: This box will ship anything under 70 lbs for a flat rate in the United States. If you are in Florida and are shipping to Alaska, this will probably be less expensive than the Regional Box A. 

Large Packages

Priority Mail Regional Box B: This box has a 20 lb maximum weight and is a bit smaller than the Large Flat Rate Box. This price of this box varies depending on how far you are shipping it. If the seller and buyer are in the contiguous US, this may be less expensive than the Large Flat Rate Box.

Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box: This box will ship anything under 70 lbs for a flat rate in the United States. If you are in Florida and are shipping to Alaska, this will probably be less expensive than the Regional Box B.

USPS Cubic Shipping

Another alternative for 1-20 lb packages is USPS Cubic Shipping. It is a type of Priority Mail, which means it ships in 1-3 days and includes both a tracking number and insurance.

Prices are based both on cubic size and zone. This type of shipping is more complex than flat rate and regional boxes, but for those who ship frequently, it can result in significantly reduced shipping costs. Shipping labels can be purchased at pirateship.com. 

Very Large Packages

Very large packages may be less expensive to ship through UPS or FedEx.