BST shipping tips and tricks

[Trbo323]

Not really sure where to put this but it's paintball related since it's dealing with BST stuff

Also, nobody asked for this but I figured we all do enough shipping that maybe I have some tricks you don't know about and maybe you have some I don't know about

So, I keep hearing about people needing to go to the post office and I always have to ask....why? The post office will come to you! I don't think I've gone to a post office in 6 months and that was only because I had a really irregular/large package and no scale. How do I do this?

1) flat rate boxes are your friend. Most markers fit in a medium flat rate box. And best of all, the post office will bring them to you for free!

https://store.usps.com/store/results/shipping-supplies/_/N-7d0v8v

You can schedule them to drop them off during normal mail delivery

2) don't go to the post office to purchase postage! Yes it's a "flat rate" box, but apparently "flat" is a subjective term because you can get business rates.

Assuming you use PayPal, and assuming you take your payments as goods and services, read on.

This only works on the web page version of PayPal, not through the app. Go into the transaction and there is a little button that says "print shipping label" if you click on that it brings you over to ship station. Ship station is a great tool. Setup is easy and once set up it will pull the shipping info straight from PayPal so, if you are using flat rate boxes all you have to do is tell it what box you are using. Since it's already linked to PayPal, it will charge straight to your PayPal account.

3) don't go to the post office to drop off packages! They will grab them from you! Obviously this one kind of depends on your area. I'm in a decent area far enough off the road that I'm not worried about porch pirates. But, if you have somewhere you can put packages (anywhere around your house really) and USPS offers this service, they will pick up the package from your place for free

https://tools.usps.com/schedule-pickup-steps.htm

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[__Z__]

If you're shipping USPS, and it's not a heavy item (aka parts) you're better off shipping first class, its like $3-4 and it is just as fast as priority.

If you're shipping a small box or envelope try to encase the entire thing in shipping tape, as it will nearly double the integrity of the package walls.

"Goodwill" (stuff you plan to donate, I use mostly kids cloths) clothing items make fantastic packing material.

Using shipstation through paypal will get you dramatic shipping discounts.

As stated above, I usually ship anything small enough to fit in my mailbox, using my mailbox. Dont go to the post office for smaller items if you can print labels yourself.

[Stilgar]

I got one.

Ship the correct expensive gun the first time to avoid paying three shipping fees...

[Trbo323]

I got one.

Ship the correct expensive gun the first time to avoid paying three shipping fees...

THAT'S what I've been missing all these years!?!?

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[Trbo323]

BrickHaus

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[Chuck E Ducky]

What’s the best way to ship to Canada? I usually use USPS but is there a better way?

[Jordan]

Still the best way. UPS/FEDEX charge way too much to expedite across the border.

The absolute best way is to get a Canadian to come to an event in the States and courier everything over.

[RAZRBAKK]

USPS is the best option, but customs has been on a mega crack down lately with package descriptions and duty fees.

Just be clear in what you're shipping, still avoid using the word """gun""".

To beat the duty police you can mark it as a return or repair.

[JeeperCreeper]

Best way is through Alexndl at Slims games 😉

[Trbo323]

What's the best way to ship to Canada? I usually use USPS but is there a better way?

I haven't really done enough shopping to Canada to have a comparison. I've always used USPS as well. The rates are higher but not bad. I see lots of people on the forum unwilling to ship to Canada but it's not that bad by any means

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[Chuck E Ducky]

I have always used USPS it’s just an extra form you have to fill out from past practice. I do usually put return for repair and avoid the word “gun” like posted above and haven’t had any issues. I’m sending something north next week on a trade it’s just a Phantom drop out so shouldn’t have any issues.

[minimag03]

To anyone who sells an autococker: Remove the beavertail before shipping!
Even in well packaged cockers, I've seen beavertails bend during shipping


And keep yourself up to date on the price of flat rate priority boxs.

[JeeperCreeper]

I just bought a spyder from ebay and I wish they did this. They just crammed it in the box and bent the crap out of the beaver tail. If it wasn't just a cheap Spyder, I would have been pretty upset

[JeeperCreeper]

I like to double layer my boxes by cutting up other boxes and making the walls nice and thick. It gives me peace of mind knowing I could drop kick my package and the only thing that would break would be my foot. Especially since many of my recent packages from online purchases barely made it to me, in half opened or smashed up packages.