Everything You Need to Know About Stamps.com

Yes. Stamps.com lets you print professional shipping and return labels for all major carriers. Use plain paper, sticky labels, or thermal printers. Labels include barcodes and tracking, so your shipments are always ready to be scanned and delivered on time. You can even use our mobile app to print labels via WiFi or QR-codes when you don’t have access to a printer.

No. All you need is a printer and your computer or phone. You can print shipping labels on plain paper or adhesive labels, postage on our NetStamps® labels or direclty onto any kind of envelope, and on Certified Mail® forms.

NetStamps are USPS-approved blank labels on which you can print your own stamps. Simply buy postage on Stamps.com, use any printer to print on a NetStamps sheet or roll, and stick the NetStamp to an envelope, postcard, or other First Class Mail.

We support all printers from laser and inkjet to high speed thermal printers.

Yes. Thermal printers work great for label-based postage like Priority Mail or Ground Advantage. For NetStamps, use our USPS-approved sheets with any standard inkjet or laser printer.

No. First Class Mail® stamps printed with Stamps.com never expire. If rates change, you can print make-up postage or combine stamps so you never lose value.

Certified Mail is a USPS service that provides proof of mailing and delivery for important or time-sensitive documents. When you send Certified Mail through Stamps.com, you get:

• Proof of mailing with a timestamp
• Tracking and delivery confirmation
• Optional Return Receipt (green card or electronic)
• Full digital recordkeeping for your business compliance needs

It’s ideal for legal notices, contracts, tax documents, and government correspondence or anytime you need verifiable proof of delivery.

While price varies depending on weight and destination, rates for this service begin at $17 dollars.

Regular, Legal, and Padded

Nonmachinable envelopes might be non-rectangular, rigid, unevenly thick, or have non-paper closures, meaning they cannot be processed efficiently by USPS’s automated sorting equipment, and require special handling, resulting in a surcharge in addition to the standard postage.

USPS Priority Mail generally delivers in 2-3 business days. First-Class Mail, while more economical, typically takes 1-5 business days for delivery.

USPS Priority Mail typically takes one to three business days, depending on destination, to deliver. You can easily check for a delivery time estimate on USPS’s Priority Mail Delivery Map.

Educational materials like books, music, or videos that never include any products or advertising.

First-Class Mail International®

Yes. Your packages may be inspected to ensure compliance, as USPS is very strict about what items qualify for Media Mail.

Sending Certified Mail through Stamps.com takes just minutes and eliminates the need for a post office trip.

• Sign up for Stamps.com to access USPS Certified Mail online.
• Enter your recipient details and select USPS Certified Mail as your service.
• Choose whether to include a Return Receipt (green card or electronic).
• Print your Certified Mail label using any standard printer.
• Drop it in your mailbox or schedule a free USPS pickup, no forms or lines needed.

You’ll receive real-time tracking updates and proof of delivery digitally stored in your Stamps.com account.

No. Certified Mail gives proof of mailing and delivery. Registered Mail adds enhanced chain of custody and security for high-value items.

Yes. Stamps.com users get discounted Certified Mail rates through commercial pricing, meaning you’ll pay less than retail USPS prices and save even more time by printing from home.

Yes. USPS will place a delivery notice in the PO Box, and the recipient signs at the counter to receive the item.

Timing depends on the underlying USPS service you choose. First-Class Mail is typically a few business days. Priority Mail is faster.

Insurance is available when you pair Certified Mail with services that support coverage, such as Priority Mail. Coverage limits and fees apply.

USPS attempts delivery and leaves a notice. The item is held for pickup. If unclaimed within the hold period, it is returned to the sender.

You can send Registered Mail easily through your Stamps.com account in just a few steps — no forms or post office lines required:

1. Sign up for Stamps.com and access USPS Registered Mail directly.
   
2. Enter recipient and package details — including weight, dimensions, and declared value.
   
3. Select “Registered Mail” from the USPS service options.
   
4. Choose optional insurance and Return Receipt for proof of signature.
   
5. Print your Registered Mail label using any standard printer.
   

Drop off your package or schedule a free USPS pickup right from your account.

Every Registered Mail item sent through Stamps.com includes automatic USPS tracking and digital proof of delivery stored securely online.

Using Stamps.com instead of visiting the post office means faster, cheaper, and more secure Registered Mail management. When you send Registered Mail through Stamps.com, you get:

• Proof of mailing and delivery
  
• Chain-of-custody documentation from acceptance to delivery
  
• Optional insurance up to $50,000
  
• Digital tracking and confirmation directly in your Stamps.com dashboard
  
• Online recordkeeping and receipt management for compliance

You’ll save both time and labor costs, and gain total peace of mind knowing every shipment is tracked and secured from start to finish.

No. Certified mail provides tracking and proof of mailing and delivery, while Registered Mail adds the highest USPS security for valuable items. Choose based on risk and recordkeeping needs.

A delivery attempt means USPS tried to deliver your item. If no one can sign, a notice is left and the shipment is held for pickup for a limited time.

Yes. You receive a USPS acceptance receipt at the counter, and you can access shipment details in your Stamps.com account for easy recordkeeping.

Request Return Receipt to receive proof of delivery with the recipient’s signature. USPS uses a PS Form or electronic option, depending on the service you select.

Create your labels or print postage from any printer, weigh your piece, and drop it in any USPS collection box or schedule a pickup. If you are sending First Class Mail often, build saved presets for common piece types so you can send postcards, letters or flats in a few clicks.

Letters and flats are considered mail, while small packages are parcels. Letters are slim documents, flats are larger envelopes, and parcels include merchandise or thicker contents. If your item becomes too rigid or bulky, it will be treated as a parcel and priced differently than USPS First Class Mail.

If you have seen references to class package service, that was historically First-Class Package Service. Today, comparable lightweight parcels ship under USPS Ground Advantage. Use Stamps.com to compare rates so you choose the right option for your shipment before sending First Class Mail.

Design and content choices add weight quickly. Knowing the maximum weight for First Class Mail flats large envelopes helps you choose paper stocks, inserts, and tabs that stay within limits and avoid a surprise shift to parcel pricing at checkout.

Yes. Keep pieces rectangular, evenly thick, and flexible. Place addresses and barcodes in recommended zones and avoid clasps or rigid elements. Following machinable guidelines lets you send postcards letters at the lowest postage for USPS First Class Mail.

For important documents, consider Certified Mail or a Certificate of Mailing. These services provide proof of mailing or delivery while keeping your item in the letter or flat category, which is often more economical than moving to a parcel or small packages service.

Set up shared address books, user permissions, and cost codes. Use automation rules to apply the correct service based on weight and shape, then report on spend by department. This keeps every piece compliant and on budget across your organization.

Absolutely. Validate addresses before printing, use clear fonts, and keep return addresses consistent. For large campaigns, segment by geography and time your drops to match in-home windows, then track responses alongside mailing data inside Stamps.com.

Weigh and measure again. If your flat crosses thickness or rigidity thresholds, repackage into a lightweight parcel and compare pricing. Stamps.com will show you parcel options alongside letter and flat pricing so you choose the most cost-effective path for USPS First Class Mail.

Nonmachinable mail includes pieces that are rigid, uneven in thickness, non-rectangular, or sealed with materials other than paper. Keeping your mail flexible, flat, and rectangular helps you qualify for the lower USPS First-Class Mail® postage rate.

Print exact postage from home or the office, skip the Post Office line, and save on eligible First-Class Mail® shipments. With Stamps.com®, you can efficiently manage postcards, letters, and flats—all while staying on budget.

Have your mailpiece’s weight, shape, and size ready. Then use the USPS Price Calculator to find the correct rate for postcards, letters, or large envelopes. Once you know the amount, print accurate postage through Stamps.com® and mail with confidence.

If your large envelope weighs more than 13 ounces, is thicker than ¾ inch, or is too rigid or bulky, it will be treated as a small package and priced under USPS Ground Advantage® rather than First-Class Mail®.

With just a few clicks, you can prepare Certified Mail® online—no green cards or manual forms required. Labels include tracking and electronic return receipt options, giving you peace of mind for critical business documents.

No. DHL Express typically does not deliver on Sundays in most regions. However, Sunday delivery may be available in select areas or for time-definite international shipments with specific service upgrades. Check with DHL directly for regional availability.

Drop off your shipment 24 hours a day, seven days a week at one of the 60,000 UPS dropoff locations across the United States. This includes UPS Stores, UPS Drop Boxes, CVS, Michaels, and Advanced Auto Parts.

UPS 2nd Day Air guarantees delivery by the end of the second business day. For time-critical shipments, you can choose UPS 2nd Day Air A.M., which delivers by 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, or 2:00 PM (depending on destination) on the second business day.

UPS Standard generally delivers within 1 to 5 business days, with residential deliveries typically occurring between 9 AM and 9 PM. The exact delivery time depends on the distance the package travels and the specific destination.

UPS Next Day Air offers guaranteed delivery by 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or end of day on the next business day, depending on the destination and specific service selected. Deliveries are made Monday through Friday, with Saturday delivery available in select areas for an additional fee.

UPS Ground tracking uses a system of scans to update customers on the location and status of their packages as they move through the UPS network. Each package is assigned a unique tracking number, and as it travels, it’s scanned at various points, including when it’s received, when it’s transferred between facilities, and when it’s out for delivery.

USPS Ground Advantage delivery time is typically the slowest for domestic shipping services, taking two to five business days depending on the destination.

UPS Standard is generally faster than UPS Ground Saver, as it has a typical delivery window of 1-5 business days compared to Ground Saver’s 2-7 business days.

UPS Next Day Air is significantly faster than UPS Second Day Air, delivering packages by the next business day, while UPS Second Day Air delivers within two business days. It’s the fastest standard overnight service offered by UPS.

UPS Ground Saver is typically slower than UPS Standard, with delivery times ranging from 2-7 business days, whereas UPS Standard generally delivers within 1-5 business days.

UPS 3 Day Select is generally faster than UPS Ground Saver, offering guaranteed delivery within three business days, whereas Ground Saver can take 2-7 business days and has no guaranteed delivery time.

UPS 2nd Day Air is faster than UPS 3 Day Select, offering guaranteed delivery by the end of the second business day, while 3 Day Select provides guaranteed delivery by the end of the third business day.

UPS Ground typically takes 1 to 5 business days for delivery with 90% of UPS® Ground packages being delivered in 3 days or less.

Packages up to 15.999 ounces are priced in 4-ounce increments, while heavier packages are charged by the pound, rounded up. The further the distance, the higher the cost. Additional fees apply to oversized packages. Easily calculate discounted rates anytime at Stamps.com.

DHL Express is a premium international shipping service that offers fast, time-definite delivery to over 220 countries and territories. It’s designed for urgent packages, with door-to-door tracking, customs support, and express delivery options for businesses and individuals.

The Shipment Confirmation Acceptance Notice (SCAN) form ensures that your packages are scanned by the USPS when they are dropped off or picked up by a mail carrier, so your customer can feel confident that their package is on its way.

Using Stamps.com, you’ll be able to create a SCAN form with a few clicks. Then, hand the form to the clerk or mail carrier, and they will scan the barcode on the form. This scan records an Acceptance event for all the packages associated with the form without having to scan each package individually.

UPS Worldwide Saver guarantees delivery by the end of the business day, one day faster than UPS Worldwide Expedited. This service connects major business centers in over 220 countries and territories with time-definite delivery and customs clearance included.

UPS Ground Saver typically delivers packages within 2 to 7 business days across the contiguous United States.

UPS 3 Day Select guarantees delivery by the end of the third business day after the package is picked up, with deliveries typically occurring Monday through Friday. It’s a reliable option for shipments that aren’t time-critical but need to arrive within a specific timeframe.

UPS Ground delivers in one to five business days. Today, 90% of Ground packages arrive in three days or less.

UPS Ground Saver is a budget friendly option for lighter shipments. It delivers in two to seven business days and is available through Stamps.com.

You can save up to 78% on eligible international shipments when you use GlobalPost through Stamps.com.

Standard includes coverage up to $100, and Plus includes coverage up to $200.

Delivery time varies by item and destination. Most standard orders arrive within several business days, while bulk quantities or high-demand items can take longer. Place replenishment orders before you run low so fulfillment never stalls during peak periods.

Yes. USPS Priority Mail boxes and envelopes are recyclable in most curbside programs. Reuse is fine for Priority Mail services as long as the packaging is clean, structurally sound, and clearly marked for the correct service. Remove or cover old labels and barcodes to avoid misroutes.

No. USPS-branded packaging is intended exclusively for USPS services. If you plan to ship with another carrier, use your own unbranded boxes or that carrier’s packaging to ensure proper acceptance, correct billing, and compliance with carrier terms.

Stamps.com’s multi-location feature allows businesses with multiple warehouses, stores, or offices to manage shipping from all locations in one central account. Each location can print shipping labels, access negotiated carrier discounts, and track deliveries — all from the same cloud-based shipping software.

With Stamps.com, you can assign unique sender addresses and shipping preferences to each site, ensuring accurate postage, correct shipping labels, and streamlined shipping rates management. Orders can automatically route to the nearest fulfillment center to save time and cost.

Yes. Multi-location accounts allow administrators to manage separate carrier profiles, billing preferences, and return addresses for each branch while maintaining centralized reporting and visibility for the entire organization.

Absolutely. You can create individual user logins for each site or team member, giving them secure access to the shipping software without sharing credentials. Admins can set user permissions, monitor activity, and manage labels across all business locations.

Every location operates from the same account configuration, so label formats, carrier settings, and shipping services remain consistent. Standardized templates help ensure every shipping label includes the correct brand information, return address, and service level.

Yes. The Stamps.com dashboard provides complete visibility into shipments from all business locations. You can filter by location, carrier, date range, or delivery status to view detailed tracking and shipping estimates in one centralized place.

Stamps.com supports USPS®, UPS®, and DHL® for domestic and international shipments. Each location can choose its preferred carrier, or headquarters can centrally manage carrier selection and apply shipping discounts automatically.

Yes. Stamps.com’s compare carriers tool lets each location view real-time shipping rates from multiple carriers and select the most cost-effective or fastest service available. It helps ensure each branch is always choosing the best option for every shipment.

Yes. Admins can access shipping reports that track postage spending, volume, and performance by location. These analytics help optimize carrier use, reduce costs, and identify opportunities for efficiency across your multi-location shipping network.

You can start by creating a single Stamps.com business account and enabling multi-user or multi-location settings within the account dashboard. From there, you can add additional sites, assign roles, and connect carrier accounts or integrations.

Yes. You can choose UPS Standard, Worldwide Expedited, Saver, or Express. Pick the speed you need and use your shipping discounts to keep costs down.

Generally, it takes Priority Mail International six to ten business days. USPS hands off shipments at the border of the destination country before  the local postal service completes the delivery.

Delivery is made by the country’s postal service in 3 – 5 business days, depending on the destination.

While price varies depending on weight and destination, rates for this service begin at $17 dollars.

UPS Worldwide Saver is faster than UPS Worldwide Expedited, offering delivery by the end of the next business day to major business centers, compared to 2-5 business days for Worldwide Expedited. Worldwide Saver provides a more economical alternative to premium express services while maintaining quick delivery.

Flat Rate Envelopes are ideal for documents or small, dense items weighing 4 lbs or less, as they offer a single price based on the destination country. For items between 4 lbs and 70 lbs, or those that don’t fit into the Flat Rate Envelopes, you’ll need to ship by weight using your own packaging. It’s more affordable to use Flat Rate boxes if your item is under 20 lbs.

Stamps.com makes international shipping easy by offering international services from USPS, UPS, and other carriers including GlobalPost. We make customs forms hassle free, so you can complete them online with ou guidance, and simply print to include with your international shipment.

Ship with USPS, UPS, DHL Express, and GlobalPost from one dashboard. Compare transit times and costs, generate documents, and keep tracking in a single workflow—no juggling tools.

Yes. When you create an international label, you can see estimated duties and taxes to help you price orders accurately and set clear expectations at checkout.

Most cross-border packages require harmonized (HS) codes on customs documents. Stamps.com helps you generate electronic customs forms with the right details—including HS codes and commercial invoices—alongside your label.

Absolutely. Add a card to your account to buy postage, labels, and insurance; then use roles, cost codes, and reports to break down spend by user or team for clean reconciliation.

Yes. When comparing services, you can add insurance as part of your selections so coverage is applied consistently—especially helpful for higher-value cross-border orders.

You can order free USPS boxes, envelopes, and labels for qualified services and save favorites for quick reorders.

Make labels look professional and on-brand with your logo, return address standards, and custom text fields. Include branded packing slips to speed verification and deliver a clean unboxing experience.

Every country enforces product restrictions, customs fees, duties and tariffs, and local taxes. Research prohibited items and factor border charges into your pricing so there are no surprises for you or your customers.

No. GlobalPost applies the international label and customs form at its domestic regional shipping center using the details you provide.

Economy and Standard reach 220 plus countries. Plus serves 30 plus countries and lets you prepay duties and taxes; GlobalPost Go offers a flat, landed fee up to 2 lb Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Mexico.

Yes. You can include international labels in reports to evaluate cross-border carrier performance, customs-related delays, and landed cost trends. Use those insights to choose the right services and keep global supply chains running smoothly.

Yes. You can print postage for international letters and flats, and we guide you through required customs details. When needed, we generate the proper CN22/CN23 forms for smooth acceptance.

Every label printed with Stamps.com comes with carrier-approved tracking. You can log in to track delivery anytime. You can also send shipment notification emails with tracking links directly to your recipients—saving you time and keeping customers informed.

You can log into your app and visit your “history” page to view real-time tracking information for every item you send. You can also enter your tracking number on the UPS website to see tracking updates.

You can view near real time tracking updates for Registered Mail and certified mail through Stamps.com and USPS tracking.

The service called Registered Mail can be paired with USPS options like Restricted Delivery and Return Receipt. USPS offers these add-ons to increase control and confirmation.

Every label includes a tracking number. Stamps.com adds shipment tracking updates to your orders and lets you share status links in emails or support replies. Customers can see when a package is accepted, in transit, out for delivery, and delivered. Clear updates reduce “Where is my order?” messages.

Yes. Certain services include an on-time shipping promise. If a shipment arrives late, you can request a refund or credit.

Yes. Every Stamps.com shipping label includes free package tracking, so you and your customers can easily track deliveries from start to finish.You can sync updates back to your store and send customer notifications.

Economy provides door-to-country events. Standard, Plus, and Go provide full door-to-door tracking, including a final delivery update.

No. Anyone with the tracking number can view status and scan history at stamps.com/tracking. You can share that link so customers check progress anytime without logging in.

You will see the latest status along with a clear event timeline of scans from acceptance through delivery. Delivery confirmation and proof of delivery appear when the carrier provides them.

Yes. From your History tab, open the shipment, then print or email the tracking details directly, so your customer gets the exact information you see.

USPS First-Class Mail letters, large envelopes or flats, and postcards do not include tracking. Use services that include tracking when you need real time visibility and delivery confirmation.

Use print history search in the History tab, click the Status link, then open the shipment to view scans and status. It is the fastest way to investigate orders.

No problem. Paste the USPS tracking number with no spaces or dashes on the Stamps.com tracking page. The system will return the correct results.

Start with the tracking history you have, then use the USPS Find Missing Mail resources or contact USPS by email or phone to escalate the search.

Yes. USPS First-Class Mail letters, large envelopes/flats, and postcards do not include tracking.

Yes. Stamps.com provides automatic access to Commercial Pricing and negotiated discounts that aren’t available at the Post Office. You can save up to 87% on USPS® rates, 82% on UPS®, and 40% on package insurance for items valued over $200. Unlike postage meters or DIY trips to the Post Office, there are no hidden fees, ink costs, or equipment leases.

Plans start at just $20.99/month, with no long-term contracts or expensive equipment leases. Every plan includes built-in postage and shipping discounts, label and envelope design, free pickups with all top carriers, contacts and address book management, reporting, and more. Larger businesses can upgrade to multi-user and multi-location plans with centralized controls and reporting. Our customers report saving more than $25/month thanks to our rate discounts as well as more than 5 hours monthly by printing online.

No. Our negotiated carrier discounts ensure you pay less for First Class Mail® stamps and get up 88% off shipping services from USPS, UPS, and other top carriers. These are discounts you will not find at the Post Office as they are reserved for high volume enterprises. Check stamps.com/carriers for latest on carriers and rates.

Our rate advisor feature helps you calculate exact postage or shipping rate for anything you send. All you need is your item’s weight and dimensions — we do all the math for you and recommend cheapest, fastest, and best rates across all carriers.

Flat Rate pricing allows you to ship packages to any domestic address at a fixed price, regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs) or distance. You must use designated USPS Flat Rate packaging (envelopes or boxes). This eliminates the need to weigh packages or calculate shipping costs based on distance.

With USPS, Stamps.com customers have access to Commercial Base, Commercial Plus, Cubic Pricing, and Negotiated Service Agreements. Savings include:

• Up to 16% on all Priority Mail Express^® shipments
• Up to 30% on Priority Mail^® shipments
• Up to 7% on international shipments
• Up to 40% on package insurance

With UPS, Stamps.com customers get up to 73% off UPS 2^nd Day Air^® and up to 77% off UPS^® Ground Daily Rates.* Plus, many common surcharges are waived, including the residential surcharge for UPS Ground shipments.

*UPS rates are limited to shipping from the continental U.S. only. These rates and discounts exclude shipment origins from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska. These rates and any applicable discounts are subject to change at any time without notice.

Yes. Add a credit card to your Stamps.com account and buy postage, labels, and insurance as you go. It’s simple to manage spend, share receipts, and reconcile at month-end. If you prefer, you can also use cost codes to track expenses by user or department.

Rate shopping shows services and prices side by side before you print. Compare delivery time, tracking level, and final shipping rate across carriers in one view. Pick the best value for each order, then save those choices into rules so future shipments use the same smart defaults automatically.

You can unlock shipping discounts on popular services, saving up to 77% on UPS Ground and up to 73% on UPS 2nd Day Air. International services offer savings up to 83%.

Check UPS shipping costs in one view. Compare by package type, weight, and delivery time to choose the best rate for each order.

Yes. Follow the label refund guidance to cancel unused labels so your records stay accurate and your costs stay clean.

To calculate a shipping cost, enter the shipment details. Stamps.com calculates shipping rates based on the shipping address, package weight and dimensions, and the destination. Users can view the rates and select the service from carriers like USPS® and UPS® that best fits their budget and delivery needs.

A shipping cost calculator is a tool that calculates real-time postage and shipping rates for packages and mail. Stamps.com’s calculator shows rates from leading carriers like UPS®, USPS®, DHL®, and GlobalPost^TM.

Shipping costs are dynamic and depend on several key factors like package weight, dimensions, origin, destination, and the service level. If a shipper wants something delivered faster or if it requires a signature, the cost will increase. Use a shipping calculator to find the best rate.

The best way to compare shipping rates is to use a shipping calculator like Stamps.com’s to view below-retail rates across a number of popular carriers like UPS®, USPS®, DHL®, and GlobalPost^TM.

Shipping can be a high operational cost for a small business so finding the best shipping rates is important. Stamps.com is a product that provides a reliable, affordable way to calculate shipping costs, access pre-negotiated rates, and print postage 24/7.

Yes. Our reports show you you activity and total spend by carrier, mail class, shipping service — so you always know how much you send. You can customize your reports by date and, if you are on our multi-location plan, you can also view activity and spend per location and user.

Yes. Assign users, roles, and cost codes, then export reports that break down label spend, refunds, and insurance by person or team. Using a single credit card doesn’t mean losing visibility—your shipping software keeps the details organized for finance and operations.

You can track carrier performance, transit times, label volume, spend, balances, and exceptions. These reports turn raw activity into actionable insight you can use to optimize shipping processes and reduce shipping costs.

By revealing patterns like overspending on certain lanes, improper package sizes, or services that miss on time delivery. You can shift volume, refine packaging, and choose better services. Over time, those changes compound into measurable cost savings.

Yes. Apply filters and cost codes to attribute spend and volume to the right projects or channels. That visibility helps you evaluate promotions, catalog changes, and fulfillment locations with clear, defensible numbers.

Reports can be generated on demand so you always have the latest available information after label creation. That up-to-date view supports real time style decisions during daily standups or carrier cut-off meetings.

Export to CSV and drop it into spreadsheets, BI dashboards, or data pipelines. Many teams join shipping data analytics with order and inventory data to model transit times, forecast carrier capacity, or test the impact of new fulfillment nodes which are powerful ways to leverage shipping for growth.

Toggle between counts and Amount Paid to present either volume or spend. Print or export a concise summary for a board deck, or share a deeper CSV when stakeholders want to drill into shipping operations at the line-item level.