If you are a frequent shipper or a small business owner, you may have wondered what is the difference between USPS shipping label and USPS postage stamps. In this article, we will explain the benefits of using USPS shipping label, how to get them online or from third-party retailers, and how to compare them with USPS postage stamps.
What is a USPS Shipping Label?
A USPS shipping label is a printed document that contains the sender’s address, the recipient’s address, the weight and dimensions of the package, the postage paid, and a barcode that allows USPS to track and deliver your package. A USPS shipping label also includes information about the mail service you choose, such as Priority Mail®, Priority Mail Express®, or Media Mail®.
A USPS shipping label can be purchased online from the USPS website or from third-party vendors that offer discounted rates. You can also get a physical label delivered to your address for a small fee or print it at a Post Office™ location with Label Broker® service.
What are the Benefits of Using USPS Shipping Label?
Using a USPS shipping label has several advantages over using USPS postage stamps. Here are some of them:
- You can save time by printing your label at home or at your office, and scheduling a free package pickup from your location. You don’t have to wait in line at the Post Office or buy stamps in advance.
- You can save money by accessing lower Commercial Rates for shipping labels online. These rates are cheaper than the retail prices at the Post Office. You can also compare different mail services and prices online and choose the best option for your needs.
- You can track your package online and get delivery confirmation with most mail services. You can also add insurance and extra services like Certified Mail® or Signature Confirmation™ for peace of mind.
- You can create custom labels with your own logo, images, or text using third-party software or online tools. You can also personalize your labels with themes, colors, and designs from the USPS website.
How to Compare USPS Shipping Label with USPS Postage Stamps?
USPS postage stamps are adhesive labels that show the amount of postage paid for a letter or a package. They are usually used for standard-sized, rectangular envelopes or postcards that weigh up to 3.5 oz. You can buy stamps online, at the Post Office, or at other authorized locations.
USPS postage stamps have some limitations compared to USPS shipping label. Here are some of them:
- You have to know the exact weight and size of your mailpiece and apply the correct amount of stamps. If you use too few stamps, your mail may be returned to you or delivered with postage due. If you use too many stamps, you may overpay for postage.
- You have to go to the Post Office or a collection box to drop off your mail. You cannot schedule a pickup from your location or print a label at home.
- You cannot track your mail or get delivery confirmation with stamps. You have to pay extra for insurance and other services.
- You cannot customize your stamps with your own logo, images, or text. You have to choose from the available designs on the USPS website or at the Post Office.
The following table summarizes some of the differences between USPS shipping label and USPS postage stamps:
| Feature | USPS Shipping Label | USPS Postage Stamps |
|---|---|---|
| Online purchase | Yes | Yes |
| Online printing | Yes | No |
| Package pickup | Yes | No |
| Commercial Rates | Yes | No |
| Tracking and delivery confirmation | Yes | No |
| Insurance and extra services | Yes | No |
| Customization | Yes | No |
How to Find Reliable Third-Party Retailers for USPS Shipping Label?
If you want to save more money and time on your shipping needs, you may want to consider buying your USPS shipping label from third-party retailers. These are online platforms that offer discounted rates for USPS labels and other features like bulk printing, address verification, customer support, and more.
However, not all third-party retailers are trustworthy or reliable. Some may charge hidden fees, provide poor customer service, or deliver inaccurate labels. To avoid these problems, you should do some research before choosing a third-party retailer for your USPS shipping label.
Here are some tips on how to find reliable third-party retailers for USPS shipping label:
- Check their reviews and ratings on Google, Trustpilot, or other websites. Look for positive feedback from customers who have used their services.
- Compare their prices and features with other retailers and with the USPS website. Look for transparent and competitive pricing, no hidden fees, and no monthly subscriptions.
- Look for their credentials and affiliations. Make sure they are authorized by USPS to sell postage and labels, and that they have a secure website with SSL encryption.
- Test their customer service and support. Contact them by phone, email, or chat and see how fast and helpful they are. Ask them about their refund and cancellation policies, and how they handle lost or damaged packages.
One of the third-party retailers that meets these criteria is [Stamps.com]. Stamps.com is a leading online postage service that allows you to print USPS shipping labels and stamps from your computer. Stamps.com offers:
- Up to 40% off USPS shipping rates
- Up to 5 cents off every letter
- Free digital scale and supplies kit
- Free USPS tracking and delivery confirmation
- Free insurance up to $100
- Free customer support
- Free 4-week trial
You can sign up for Stamps.com today and start saving on your shipping needs.
Conclusion
USPS shipping label is a convenient and cost-effective way to ship your packages with USPS. You can buy and print your labels online, schedule a free pickup from your location, access lower Commercial Rates, track your package, and customize your labels. You can also save more money and time by buying your labels from reliable third-party retailers like Stamps.com.
USPS postage stamps are suitable for standard-sized envelopes or postcards that weigh up to 3.5 oz. You can buy stamps online or at the Post Office, but you have to drop off your mail at the Post Office or a collection box. You cannot track your mail or get delivery confirmation with stamps, and you have to pay extra for insurance and other services.
We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between USPS shipping label and USPS postage stamps, and how to choose the best option for your shipping needs.
And if you want USPS postage stamps only, you can buy cheap forever stamps sale in bulk from The USPS Stamps and Forever stamp Store.
Pingback: What‘s the difference between sheet & book of stamps in 2023