Postal Changes

Postal Rate Increase

On May 14, 2007, the United States Postal Service had a major restructuring of their rates, which also included price increases. Some increases were minor, however others, especially International shipping, were extremely high (over doubled!). Sadly, we have no choice but to pass on those additional costs to our customers.

Note: Despite another postal increase that went into effect on May 12, 2008, and yet another (that non one even heard of) on January 18, 2009, we have not changed our shipping costs, except for International orders, which increased quite a bit.

Damage to Programs

We have also had a recent increase in the number of packages and CDs that were damaged or broken during shipment. Postmen seem to be taking delight in bending a CD, in the thin DVD case, in half, prior to inserting it in a mailbox. We are, therefore, taking additional steps to protect the programs during shipping, and hopefully prevent such damage. This increases our costs as well.

Shipping Methods

While the Shipping Costs & Methods page lists the available shipping methods and their costs, this page will tell you what we're doing to help protect your purchases, and to get them to you in a timely manner.

The best shipping method for you will be determined by 1) where you live, and 2) the how quickly you would like to receive your program. To help you choose the best option for you, the following lists the shipping options for each location, along with the cost for shipping and handling:

Within the United States, you have two shipping choices:

• First Class Mail - Single programs will now be shipped in a recyclable media mailer, with cautions concerning bending or folding. Multiple programs are sturdier, when banded together, and may ship in a normal envelope, with or without an added reinforcement. Both of these add to the postage and materials, so in combination with the new postal rates, first class shipping has gone up by $1.00 per package (not per program).

• Priority Mail - While we thought that flat-rate priority packages were quite sturdy, they've been bent and broken too. So now we will normally ship priority mail within the U.S. in sturdy boxes. In addition, we provide delivery confirmation and email notification at no additional cost. We have only increased the cost of priority mail shipping by $1.00, which barely covers the rate increase itself, let alone handling costs.

In Canada and Mexico, you have two shipping choices:

• First Class Mail - Single programs will now be shipped in a recyclable media mailer, with cautions concerning bending or folding. Multiple programs are sturdier, when banded together, and may ship in a normal envelope, with or without an added reinforcement. Both of these add to the postage and materials, so in combination with the new postal rates, first class shipping has gone up by $1.00 per package (not per program). This method is the same as first class mailings within the U.S.
  
  Note: There is no Air Mail rate for International shipping, with the new rate restructuring. I have been assured that first class mail shipments are by air, so delivery times should be comparable.

• Priority Mail International - I hate to even mention this option, because I think the cost is ridiculous. But recent USPS rate restructuring eliminated the small Global Priority envelope, and requires a large one, which has gone way up in price. The result is that shipping costs over twice what it did before, and I have no option other than to increase the cost accordingly. Priority Mail International shipments will be sent in large envelopes, with single programs reinforced to help prevent damage, and multiple programs banded together to make them sturdier.

For International orders, outside the United States, you have one shipping choice:

• Priority Mail International - Recent USPS rate restructuring eliminated the small Global Priority envelope, and requires a large one, which has gone way up in price. The result is that shipping costs over twice what it did before, and I have no option other than to increase the cost accordingly. Priority Mail International shipments will be sent in large envelopes, with single programs reinforced to help prevent damage, and multiple programs banded together to make them sturdier.
  
  Note: Priority Mail International has replaced Global Priority in the USPS rate restructuring. The good news is that it is available to over 190 countries, including those that Global Priority was not available to (like Italy).

    What about First Class International Mail?

This class replaces the previous Air Mail class. But I haven't gotten a straight answer from the post office on delivery time for it; the USPS site simply says "Varies", as to the delivery time. In fact, no one can say with confidence that it will even go by air mail. So, at least at this time, I can't take a chance on sending programs using it. Maybe later that will be a possibility. I'd like to have an alternative to the very expensive Priority Mail International, if possible.

What about U.S. Military APO addresses?

APO shipments can be sent by First Class Mail or Priority Mail. I recommend Priority Mail, both for the improved speed and protection. I will be using MIL-spec Tyvek envelopes for APO shipments, possibly surrounding another envelope or package inside. You can read more about APO shipments here.

Note: For those ordering outside the United States, please check out the information at Import Duty and Customs.

Note: The shipping & handling prices above are for purchase by PayPal or snail mail; MyCommerce prices and shipping costs are somewhat higher, as MyCommerce charges 21% for their services.

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