Disputing an underpaid package

If your package gets flagged for postage due by the new USPS Automated Package Verification (APV) system, what can you do? While this new machinery is state of the art and catches both underpaid and overpaid packages, there are situations where the scanning tool can have a false positive—a package will be flagged for being shortpaid even though the correct postage was applied.

If this happens to you, the USPS has a formal process for you to dispute the APV program:

Step #1: Locate your tracking number from the package that was flagged.

Step #2: Send an email to [email protected]. In the email, make sure you include the following info:

  • The USPS tracking number of the package
  • Your contact information
  • The reason for the dispute (please provide as much detail as possible).

If the USPS needs more info from you, they will contact you directly via email.

Expected Response Times from USPS

You should expect to get a response from the USPS regarding your disputed package within 2 to 5 business days, although the maximum time limit for adjudication will be 15 business days.

Other Info Regarding Automated Package Verification

  • The USPS will not be providing partial reversals. A customer dispute will either be approved or denied.
  • Stamps.com customers will get an email when the dispute is opened and a second email when the dispute has been approved or denied.
  • Approved rate adjustments for overpaid packages will be automatically applied to a customer’s Stamps.com account within 24 hours.
  • Coming Soon:  Stamps.com customers will soon see a one-step mechanism within the Reports/Print History to send the appropriate dispute info to the USPS.
Dogs and USPS pickups

There’s nothing better than coming home to your beloved Beagle or Golden Retriever. Dogs are great friends and companions, and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Using Stamps.com, you can save time so you can spend more time with your canine companion!

Free Pickups

One of the great features integrated with the Stamps.com platform is the ability to request free USPS pickups. The service is available for Priority Express Mail, Priority Mail, Priority Express Mail International, Priority Mail International and Global Express Guaranteed. In the Stamps.com software, click “USPS Pickup” from the “View History” menu on the left navigation bar to start the process.

As long as your pickup request includes at least one qualifying class, mailpieces with non-qualifying mail classes can be picked up as well. You can enter any special instructions for your carrier and also specify the package location, such as Front Door, Back Door, or Knock on Door/Ring Bell.

To ensure that the process of USPS package pickups goes smoothly, be sure to have your packages ready for the carrier. It’s also important to ensure that there is safe and unobstructed access to the packages so that the carrier can complete the service for you.

Pet Pointers  

Whether or not you’re requesting free USPS pickups, there are things you can do to keep pets and humans safe and happy when a postal carrier visits your home or office. The USPS has deployed various public service campaigns and educational initiatives to provide safety tips for dog owners—learn more here.

A couple helpful tips include:

  • If you need to open your front door in order to accept mail or packages from a postal carrier, place your dog in another room and close that door before opening your front door.
  • Restrain your dog with a leash in order to maintain a safe distance from the postal carrier.
  • Do not allow your children to take items from a postal carrier in the presence of your family dog, who may think it’s an aggressive gesture when the postal carrier hands something to the child.

Pet Postage

Did you know you can put a pic of your favorite pup on postage with our Custom NetStamps product?  After you upload a photo via our easy-to-use postage creator tool, you can order Custom NetStamps in various quantities!  With your Custom NetStamps, you can add postage amounts to your sheets, either one at a time or on a full sheet.

how to ship to Canada with the USPS

Have you considered expanding your US-based ecommerce business to Canada? When shipping with the USPS, you will not be charged extra fees to deliver packages to Canadian destinations.

If you want to learn the ins and outs of shipping to Canada, check out Stamps.com’s new eBook, “How To Ship To Canada With The USPS.” This guide will walk you through your options for shipping to the great north.

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This guide covers:

  • How to evaluate shipping carrier cost to Canada
  • What products cannot be imported into Canada
  • Which duties, taxes and tariffs apply to your products
  • Choosing a shipping carrier for Canadian shipments
  • USPS Priority Mail International zones for Canada
USPS Rate Change FAQ

Have questions about the 2017 USPS Postage Rate changes? We have answers!

When did the new USPS rates start?

The 2017 USPS postage rate increase went into effect on Sunday, January 22, 2017.

Are Forever Stamps purchased before January 22, 2017 still valid?

Yes, Forever Stamps purchased from the Post Office (or another location) remain valid. You can still use Forever Stamps to mail a one-ounce First-Class Mail letter, even if purchased before January 22.

Can I buy the $0.46 Metered Rate postage stamps at the Post Office?

No, the Metered Rate $0.46 postage stamps can only be printed using an approved PC Postage/online postage vendor such as Stamps.com or through a postage meter. The Metered Rate $0.46 stamps cannot be purchased at the Post Office. Learn more about saving with Metered Mail rates here: https://blog.stamps.com/2017/02/02/save-3-cents-printing-first-class-mail-letters-online/

How do I get Commercial Base discounts for printing postage online?

You automatically qualify for Commercial Base pricing if you print shipping labels using Stamps.com (or any online postage vendor). These rates are automatically calculated when you print postage.

Did online postage rates for any international mail classes increase for 2017?

There is no rate increase for Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International or First Class Package International Service in 2017, if you buy postage online using Stamps.com (or any online postage vendor).

Can anyone use Regional Rate Boxes or are they only for large quantity shippers?

Anyone can ship using Regional Rate Boxes, regardless of the number of packages shipped. If you buy postage for a Regional Rate Box at the Post Office, you will have to pay and additional $2.25 for Zones 1-4 and $1.00 for Zones 5-9.

Did online postage rates for Parcel Select Ground decrease?

Yes, for certain weight and zone combinations, the price for Parcel Select Ground will be lower than what it was in 2016. Most of these rate decreases are zone specific for packages weighing between 2 pounds and 5 pounds.

When do I need to include that plastic (Form 2976-E) envelope on my package for the Customs Forms?

The USPS Form 2976-A Customs Form includes four copies of the standard Customs Form and must be inserted into the Form 2976-E envelope. You would attach this on Priority Mail International or Priority Mail Express International packages, but you can use the USPS 2976 Customs Form (1 page) for First-Class Package International Service packages.

I am a Stamps.com customer. Do I need to take any actions to get the new rates?

No, if you are a Stamps.com customer, you do not need to take any action. Stamps.com automatically updated all USPS rates inside the software and web-based version (Stamps.com Online) on Sunday, January 22, 2017.

Mailing International postcards and letters

Sometimes you don’t need to send a large shipment overseas, but simply want to send a postcard to a relative in Sweden or a letter to a friend in South Africa. Stamps.com makes it easy!

You may already be familiar with our Original NetStamps product. The great thing is that they can be used for both domestic mail and international mail! Keep in mind that Custom (Photo) and Themed NetStamps can only be used for domestic mail. If you need Original NetStamps, you can order them easily from our Online Store at different quantities.

To print postage for international postcards or letters:

  1. Please log in to your Stamps.com software and click on “Stamps.”
  2. Under “Postage Details,” please select “I want to specify the value for each stamp.”
  3. No guesswork is needed: if you need the current international letter or postcard rate, please click on the icon bearing the image of a globe and the word “Intl.” to access our International Rate Calculator. Select the country, territory, or dependency to which you would like to send mail. Select the mailpiece type and enter the weight of your mailpiece. If your mailpiece is less than a pound, enter zero for its weight.
  4. Click on “Check Rates.” You will be given a list of available mail classes and rates for the country you have selected. You would not generally need a customs form for international letters or postcards; you would only need one if your mailpiece is 16 ounces or greater or has a declared value of $400 or higher.
  5. Click on the “Use This Rate” button.

Once you click on “Use This Rate,” you will be taken back to the NetStamps page. Now all you have to do is type in the serial number under “Print Details.” You’ll find the serial number on your actual Original NetStamps sheet. You can print a full sheet of international stamps by making sure that the “Print All” box is checked. You can also print just one by selecting the Print Quantity. Click “Print Postage” when your sheet is ready to be printed.

That’s it! Now all you have to do is affix your stamp to a postcard or letter. NetStamps do not include an address, so make sure you write the complete international address clearly on your mailpiece. No need to wait in line at the Post Office—you can drop your mailpiece off at a USPS blue collection mailbox or in a Post Office mail drop slot.