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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: kaiserreich on Thu, 12 December 2013, 04:35:29

Title: Travelling to the states, how do I ship stuff
Post by: kaiserreich on Thu, 12 December 2013, 04:35:29

I am headed to Chandler, Arizona tomorrow for about a month for business.
Going to bring some of my boards to sell (my RF, PURE and another board :P), as they are easier to sell in the US than where I came from, I would assume

Can anyone tell me where can I get shipping supplies cheaply?
Items such as shipping boxes, packing peanuts etc.

In terms of shipping, is it safe to assume that I can just bring it to a USPS office, queue up and ship it away?
What of this UPS Ground that some people use, would it be easier than using USPS?
Since I will be working during the day, would definitely prefer printing the shipping label on a paper and just drop it off somewhere. Can anyone let me know how does this work?

Title: Re: Travelling to the states, how do I ship stuff
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Thu, 12 December 2013, 11:50:29

For USPS you can print the postage and simply leave it out for them at the residence or maybe you can put it in the work mail drop. They will collect it on their daily route. For UPS or FedEx if you want them to pick it up you will have to schedule a pick up.
If you prefer to drop it off, simply drop it off at any branch location for the courier. Generally if it's already paid they don't mind if you just bring it up and put it on the counter, skipping the line.

You can get boxes free from USPS for priority mail. UPS and FedEx provide free box as well. If you prefer to ship cheaper you have to supply own boxes. I often just go around back of stores to find some. Usually can find perfectly good boxes in the recycling.

Title: Re: Travelling to the states, how do I ship stuff
Post by: kaiserreich on Fri, 13 December 2013, 14:21:37

How do i get bubble wrap?
Do people leave them out as well?

Title: Re: Travelling to the states, how do I ship stuff
Post by: regack on Fri, 13 December 2013, 14:26:23

Quote from: kaiserreich on Fri, 13 December 2013, 14:21:37

How do i get bubble wrap?
Do people leave them out as well?

Most of the larger USPS offices will have boxes, tape, bubble-wrap/packing supplies. 

FedEx Office/Kinkos also has boxes, tape, bubble-wrap/packing supplies. 

UPS Store has boxes, tape, bubble-wrap/packing supplies. 

Just have to find one of those three and you'll be set.

Title: Re: Travelling to the states, how do I ship stuff
Post by: kaiserreich on Sat, 14 December 2013, 17:27:59

Thanks guys !

Title: Re: Travelling to the states, how do I ship stuff
Post by: funkymeeba on Sat, 14 December 2013, 18:34:44

If you happen to come through Colorado, do not, under any circumstances, use the post office that delivers to me. You will have a bad time. :(

Title: Re: Travelling to the states, how do I ship stuff
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sat, 14 December 2013, 18:38:48

Quote from: funkymeeba on Sat, 14 December 2013, 18:34:44

If you happen to come through Colorado, do not, under any circumstances, use the post office that delivers to me. You will have a bad time. :(

USPS is the devil.....  >:(

Title: Re: Travelling to the states, how do I ship stuff
Post by: taylordcraig on Mon, 16 December 2013, 13:19:19

Quote from: SpAmRaY on Sat, 14 December 2013, 18:38:48

Quote from: funkymeeba on Sat, 14 December 2013, 18:34:44

If you happen to come through Colorado, do not, under any circumstances, use the post office that delivers to me. You will have a bad time. :(

USPS is the devil.....  >:(

Beats the **** out of UPS in my books.

Title: Re: Travelling to the states, how do I ship stuff
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 16 December 2013, 13:21:57

Quote from: taylordcraig on Mon, 16 December 2013, 13:19:19

Quote from: SpAmRaY on Sat, 14 December 2013, 18:38:48

Quote from: funkymeeba on Sat, 14 December 2013, 18:34:44

If you happen to come through Colorado, do not, under any circumstances, use the post office that delivers to me. You will have a bad time. :(

USPS is the devil.....  >:(

Beats the **** out of UPS in my books.

I currently hate them both equally.

Title: Re: Travelling to the states, how do I ship stuff
Post by: IPT on Mon, 16 December 2013, 13:49:44

USPS is the cheapest. Not necessarily the best