Just when I thought the USPS had it's act together….

Lakesammman · January 31, 2014 5:38AM

Trying to ship some coins today - "Create a Label" on their website isn't working.

So, there's a handy "Live Help" option.

No agents are available now to chat. Please try again later. Thank you.

Guess they aren't going out today after all.

dollarsandcents · January 31, 2014 5:41AM

Don't be mad. Sometimes things like that just happen.
Ya know?

19Lyds · January 31, 2014 5:44AM

Give it 10 minutes, it'll come back.

dollarsandcents · January 31, 2014 5:51AM

<< Give it 10 minutes, it'll come back. >>

That's good advice.
Also, maybe try rebooting your computer. That sometimes helps too.

Edited to add:
Please let us know how these solutions work out.
I suppose you could always just hand-write the address labels yourself. That's another option.

BAJJERFAN · January 31, 2014 5:54AM

She verks here.

STONE · January 31, 2014 5:56AM

What's worse is that in the last week I have had two small packages delivered and placed on-top of my mailbox rather than inside it...both instances there was more than enough room inside the mail box.

I'm off to complain to the Post Office and the person who delivers my mail in a few minutes!

BAJJERFAN · January 31, 2014 6:03AM

<< 

<< Give it 10 minutes, it'll come back. >>

That's good advice.
Also, maybe try rebooting your computer. That sometimes helps too.

Edited to add:
Please let us know how these solutions work out.
I suppose you could always just hand-write the address labels yourself. That's another option. >>

But then you have to stand in line to mail them.

dollarsandcents · January 31, 2014 6:06AM

<< 

<< 

<< Give it 10 minutes, it'll come back. >>

That's good advice.
Also, maybe try rebooting your computer. That sometimes helps too.

Edited to add:
Please let us know how these solutions work out.
I suppose you could always just hand-write the address labels yourself. That's another option. >>

But then you have to stand in line to mail them. >>

That's true.
I hope the USPS "Create a Label" website gets up and running soon.

I wonder if the "Live Help" option has been restored yet?

AUandAG · January 31, 2014 6:09AM

If you have a Paypal account you can print labels from there.

bob

www.Paypal/shipnow will get you some choices.

coindeuce · January 31, 2014 6:11AM

"But then you have to stand in line to mail them. "

Not if the labels are generated at an APC kiosk, and the package weight is less than 13 ounces.

Also, if you call the toll free info number and follow the auto prompts to select "online service" the wait time for Click and Ship CS reps to answer is usually within 60 seconds. They were extremely helpful to me several times in the past week with troubleshooting problems on Click and Ship pages of the site.

dollarsandcents · January 31, 2014 6:21AM

<< "But then you have to stand in line to mail them. "

Not if the labels are generated at an APC kiosk, and the package weight is less than 13 ounces.

Also, if you call the toll free info number and follow the auto prompts to select "online service" the wait time for Click and Ship CS reps to answer is usually within 60 seconds. They were extremely helpful to me several times in the past week with troubleshooting problems on Click and Ship pages of the site. >>

That's really good to know. I think I might try that next time the "click and ship" page doesn't work for me.

BAJJERFAN · January 31, 2014 6:34AM

<< 

<< "But then you have to stand in line to mail them. "

Not if the labels are generated at an APC kiosk, and the package weight is less than 13 ounces.

Also, if you call the toll free info number and follow the auto prompts to select "online service" the wait time for Click and Ship CS reps to answer is usually within 60 seconds. They were extremely helpful to me several times in the past week with troubleshooting problems on Click and Ship pages of the site. >>

That's really good to know. I think I might try that next time the "click and ship" page doesn't work for me. >>

I have never been able to get click and ship to generate a label for anything less than priority mail.

dollarsandcents · January 31, 2014 6:36AM

<< 

<< 

<< "But then you have to stand in line to mail them. "

Not if the labels are generated at an APC kiosk, and the package weight is less than 13 ounces.

Also, if you call the toll free info number and follow the auto prompts to select "online service" the wait time for Click and Ship CS reps to answer is usually within 60 seconds. They were extremely helpful to me several times in the past week with troubleshooting problems on Click and Ship pages of the site. >>

That's really good to know. I think I might try that next time the "click and ship" page doesn't work for me. >>

I have never been able to get click and ship to generate a label for anything less than priority mail. >>

Really?
I guess we don't know if Lakesammman is shipping priority or not. Maybe he is.

guitarwes · January 31, 2014 6:45AM

Create a label thru Paypal. www.paypal.com/shipnow

dollarsandcents · January 31, 2014 6:51AM

<< Create a label thru Paypal. www.paypal.com/shipnow >>

Can you print them off fairly easily?

Nickcap · January 31, 2014 6:56AM

<< Trying to ship some coins today - "Create a Label" on their website isn't working.

So, there's a handy "Live Help" option.

No agents are available now to chat. Please try again later. Thank you.

Guess they aren't going out today after all.

>>

USPS upgraded its system. You cannot ship through there if you are not Using Windows 8 or higher for internet Explorer.

I had windows 7 on one computer and it wouldn't work. Switch to mine with 8.1 and it worked.

BAJJERFAN · January 31, 2014 7:04AM

<< 

<< Create a label thru Paypal. www.paypal.com/shipnow >>

Can you print them off fairly easily? >>

Yes. And if you screw it up there is an option to reprint the label. I think tho, that you may want to temporarily disable your pop-up blocker. With Click n Ship, it's a good idea to save a copy of the label to your hard drive, esp. if you are creating several and generating a manifest.

dollarsandcents · January 31, 2014 7:06AM

<< 

<< 

<< Create a label thru Paypal. www.paypal.com/shipnow >>

Can you print them off fairly easily? >>

Yes. And if you screw it up there is an option to reprint the label. I think tho, that you may want to temporarily disable your pop-up blocker. With Click n Ship, it's a good idea to save a copy of the label to your hard drive, esp. if you are creating several and generating a manifest. >>

Thanks! That's awesome.

guitarwes · January 31, 2014 7:07AM

^ What he said.

BAJJERFAN · January 31, 2014 7:09AM

<< 

<< Trying to ship some coins today - "Create a Label" on their website isn't working.

So, there's a handy "Live Help" option.

No agents are available now to chat. Please try again later. Thank you.

Guess they aren't going out today after all.

>>

USPS upgraded its system. You cannot ship through there if you are not Using Windows 8 or higher for internet Explorer.

I had windows 7 on one computer and it wouldn't work. Switch to mine with 8.1 and it worked. >>

I don't have a reason to try it now, but I expect it may be more to do with IE than Windows. In spite of the fact that there are those who steadfastly refuse to use IE, it is the preferred browser for some sites.

BAJJERFAN · January 31, 2014 7:18AM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< Create a label thru Paypal. www.paypal.com/shipnow >>

Can you print them off fairly easily? >>

Yes. And if you screw it up there is an option to reprint the label. I think tho, that you may want to temporarily disable your pop-up blocker. With Click n Ship, it's a good idea to save a copy of the label to your hard drive, esp. if you are creating several and generating a manifest. >>

Thanks! That's awesome. >>

If for some reason you don't use the label, you can request a refund as long as the tracking number has not been scanned. Do not give the tracking number to the recipient until AFTER you present the package for shipping. If you are using the label on a bubble pack envelope that will hold an odd shaped object, put the label on BEFORE you put the object in.

dollarsandcents · January 31, 2014 7:20AM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< Create a label thru Paypal. www.paypal.com/shipnow >>

Can you print them off fairly easily? >>

Yes. And if you screw it up there is an option to reprint the label. I think tho, that you may want to temporarily disable your pop-up blocker. With Click n Ship, it's a good idea to save a copy of the label to your hard drive, esp. if you are creating several and generating a manifest. >>

Thanks! That's awesome. >>

If for some reason you don't use the label, you can request a refund as long as the tracking number has not been scanned. Do not give the tracking number to the recipient until AFTER you present the package for shipping. If you are using the label on a bubble pack envelope that will hold an odd shaped object, put the label on BEFORE you put the object in. >>

I'm going to save your reply so I don't mess this up.
Thanks again!

dollarsandcents · January 31, 2014 7:34AM

It's amazing that a thread that started out with no less than 3 angry unhappy emoticon faces, has taken such a positive turn.

I think I'm going to bookmark this thread.

coindeuce · January 31, 2014 8:04AM

<< I have never been able to get click and ship to generate a label for anything less than priority mail. >>

Don't confuse online "Click 'n Ship" label generating service with APC kiosk label generating service. Regardless, either method can be used to generate ship labels for a variety of service, including 1st class non-Priority with or without added services (i.e. insurance, signature confirmation etc.). The biggest advantage of using "Click and Ship" is free tracking and signature confirmation service and carrier pickup. No branch office lines, no nosey counter clerks and no fighting traffic to and from the branch office.

I shipped a 1st class International parcel to a forum member in Canada last week, using Click 'n Ship. The daily carrier accepted it without reservation.

Lakesammman · January 31, 2014 9:15AM

I'm using a MacBook Pro - what's IE??

The kiosk is handy, especially after hours when you can actually get off the street and find a parking spot, but the online postage is 10-15% cheaper. I don't believe there is a 13 oz limit at the Kiosk since they can track the purchaser - 13 oz is for lick and stick-em stamps.

Thanks for the tips.

derryb · January 31, 2014 9:36AM

<< Create a label thru Paypal. www.paypal.com/shipnow >>

<< Can you print them off fairly easily? >>

It's even easier if you access paypal shipping for and ebay sale if you use the button next to the item in your paypal "overview" or from the link at the bottom of the item's paypal "details" page. When done this way most of the info is already filled out for you and it automatically inserts the tracking number in both paypal and ebay. If insuring be sure to change to USPS insurance in the drop down as the "shipcover" does not cover coins.

BAJJERFAN · January 31, 2014 9:37AM

IE is internet explorer. suhprised yew don't know that considering your locale

FWIW most Guvmint sites is optimized for IE

BAJJERFAN · January 31, 2014 9:38AM

<< 

<< Create a label thru Paypal. www.paypal.com/shipnow >>

<< Can you print them off fairly easily? >>

It's even easier if you access paypal shipping from the link at the bottom of the item's paypal "details" page. When done this way most of the info is already filled out for you and it automatically inserts the tracking number in both paypal and ebay. If insuring be sure to change to USPS insurance in the drop down as the "shipcover" does not cover coins. >>

I believe he is interested in printing labels for shipments that don't involve an eBay transaction. www.pp.com/shipnow works great for that as long as you have a pp account. Unlike stamps.com or pitney-bowes, it's FREE

Lakesammman · January 31, 2014 10:23AM

Yah - I know what IE is. Was just being a SA.

dollarsandcents · January 31, 2014 8:33PM

So were you able to finally print labels and ship your packages?
Did everything workout ok?

pruebas · February 1, 2014 5:51AM

I had the same problem. The cause (for me) was you cannot put 0 value. You must put at least $0.01 for the value before you can continue.

MGLICKER · February 1, 2014 5:54AM

Day 8 on a registered insured with no delivery.

They could at least provide tracking info for the $25.

BAJJERFAN · February 1, 2014 6:40AM

<< I had the same problem. The cause (for me) was you cannot put 0 value. You must put at least $0.01 for the value before you can continue. >>

Even with a value, I don't get the option to use first class mail; only priority or express.

Lakesammman · February 1, 2014 7:56AM

You must put at least $0.01 for the value before you can continue.

That was the trick - thanks! Guess it's illegal to mail worthless material.

dollarsandcents · February 1, 2014 8:52AM

<< You must put at least $0.01 for the value before you can continue.

That was the trick - thanks! Guess it's illegal to mail worthless material.

>>

LOL! Now that's FUNNY!!!

pruebas · February 1, 2014 3:19PM

<< You must put at least $0.01 for the value before you can continue.

That was the trick - thanks! Guess it's illegal to mail worthless material.

>>

It took me a while to figure that out. I was just mailing business papers via Priority.

You'd think they would annotate the field with that requirement, especially since its a required field.

messydesk · February 1, 2014 3:30PM

The solution is to declare a value where it asks for one. You can't simply leave it as blank or zero. I ran into this same problem yesterday. Remember that all Priority Mail is automatically insured for $50, so you aren't paying any extra by declaring a $1 value.

Edit: I see someone beat me to this. Anyway, I assume they'll fix that sooner or later.

VanHalen · February 1, 2014 4:56PM

1. USPS Click-n-Ship was non-functional last week for me too. I could enter all data but the webpage was missing icons to advance to the next page.

2. USPS Click-n-Ship has never sold 1st Class labels, at least not to me. (PayPal shipping does)

3. PayPal Shipping does not offer insurance > $500, at least not to me.

4. The only way to ship a 1st Class package with >$500 insurance is to stand in line at the P.O. There are no other options unless you want to upgrade to Priority Mail.

Bochiman · February 1, 2014 4:57PM

<< Yah - I know what IE is. Was just being a SA.

>>

Quite common for a Mac user

dollarsandcents · February 1, 2014 8:22PM

<< 

<< Yah - I know what IE is. Was just being a SA.

>>

Quite common for a Mac user

>>

That is so true.

dollarsandcents · February 1, 2014 9:42PM

Lakesammman,

Were you able to print those labels and get your packages shipped? Did you have any other shipping or packaging frustrations?
Thank you in advance for letting me know.

Truly,
Dollarsandcents

Lakesammman · February 1, 2014 11:01PM

Were you able to print those labels and get your packages shipped? Did you have any other shipping or packaging frustrations?

Yep - via Paypal. Nope, pretty much have my act together when others have theirs.

Insurance - I bought into the Shipandinsure.com program - much cheaper (if you ship enough to overcome the annual fee), greater flexibility, no need to stand in line and no insurance red flags on the box.

dollarsandcents · February 1, 2014 11:03PM

Wow! That's fantastic!!!

robertpr · February 1, 2014 11:16PM

Try downloading the USPS application "click n ship for business". It is a standalone app that doesn't run on the website. It works well for me.

BAJJERFAN · February 2, 2014 12:18AM

<< 1.
2. USPS Click-n-Ship has never sold 1st Class labels, at least not to me. (PayPal shipping does)

>>

And so betwixt them both, one should be able to cover just about all of his needs.

BAJJERFAN · February 2, 2014 12:21AM

<< Were you able to print those labels and get your packages shipped? Did you have any other shipping or packaging frustrations?

Yep - via Paypal. Nope, pretty much have my act together when others have theirs.

Insurance - I bought into the Shipandinsure.com program - much cheaper (if you ship enough to overcome the annual fee), greater flexibility, no need to stand in line and no insurance red flags on the box. >>

What is the break even point for shipandinsure?

Lakesammman · February 2, 2014 6:48AM

What is the break even point for shipandinsure?

No pat answer - depends on your preferred way of shipping and how much supplementary insurance you buy to cover what USPS doesn't (i.e. $25k to $75K).

Annual fee is about $150.

Here are their rates off the website.

Method Cost/$100 Maximum

FedEx First Overnight $0.18 $75,000.00
FedEx Ground $0.23 $20,000.00
FedEx Priority Overnight $0.18 $75,000.00
FedEx Same Day $0.22 $15,000.00
FedEx Saver $0.24 $10,000.00
FedEx Standard Overnight $0.20 $75,000.00
FedEx Two Day $0.26 $15,000.00
FedEx Freight $1.35 $75,000.00
UPS Ground $0.26 $15,000.00
UPS Next Day Air $0.24 $75,000.00
USPS Priority Express $0.22 $75,000.00
USPS Registered $0.11 $75,000.00
USPS Priority $0.24 $10,000.00

BAJJERFAN · February 2, 2014 7:05AM

Let me try a different tack. A few weeks ago I mailed a package worth $600. My cost was $9.44 $2.04 for postage, $7.40 for insurance. 100 such packages would cost me $204 in postage and $740 for insurance. At what point does it pay to get your own insurance?

Lakesammman · February 2, 2014 10:13AM

Well, how did you send it?

BAJJERFAN · February 2, 2014 10:19AM

<< Well, how did you send it? >>

USPS first class, thru PP. FWIW, I don't send THAT many packages, but if I did what is a good point to wean off of the USPS?

Lakesammman · February 2, 2014 11:14AM

USPS first class

Not an option - you save nothing.

Jeeezzzz - the Super Bowl is on......

Just when I thought the USPS had it's act together….

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