I figured what the heck, sign up for this service CP offers. I finally got my email with the link to set it up but before I do this, is this a cheaper way to ship versus my Venture One card I presently use??
The savings on shipping costs are pretty much the same. It's far from perfect, but eventually, when you work out your own system it can help you get more efficient, and save money this way. One feature that I like is that EST can send an email to your customer (and you) with the details of the shipment and tracking info (on trackable items only) This can save you from answering tracking questions from some of those persistent buyers...
I like the desktop version of the CP EST. If your not shipping everyday, you can still have the information already enterd and as long as you don't run an end of day, you can add on to it the next day. You also dont waste time at the post office and you can schedule driver pickups for another $10 or $15. They also send you free shipping pouches and you get another very small discount for using the EST tools.
Since the items can be dropped in any mailbox and avoiding the CP counter people, is CP using the honor system for ensuring the dims and weights on the packages are correct?
The "Stealth" postage and coverage features are indeed very nice. You eliminate annoying questions like "Why do you charge me $2 more than the actual postage?"
As for the dims and weight question, any package with a barcode can be measured and weight in transit. When you complete your shipment (item or manifest) you agree that CP can add charges in case of discrepancies. As for the non-barcode items, they make random checks and they have your account number on the package...
*JMHO* - to be taken with a grain of salt!
