Your favorite small businesses might have to increase their shipping prices, and mail delays are almost unavoidable. Oct. 1 began a hold on the United States Postal Service: The Postmaster General announced they would start delaying the delivery time of mail across the country to save money. Priority mail will take up to 3-5 business days to be delivered instead of 1-2 business days, as was the old standard. The significant mail delays will not affect those who can send products that are the size of letters. But for larger packages, people are urged to order ahead of time. How will these changes affect the business structure for those who rely on priority mail?
How mail delays affect small businesses.
Etsy sellers and other small businesses rely on USPS to help them deliver their goods to their customers. In the past, USPS has offered small businesses a cheaper option with lower rates, also allowing customers to send shipping numbers and insure packages. But with mail delays, small businesses will have to compete with other companies utilizing faster shipping methods. Many companies will have to start looking at other vendors to ship their products, which will cost them more out of pocket and force them to raise their prices on their goods. These changes could be detrimental to those trying to start or maintain a small business.
What other shipping options do small businesses have?
With these mail delays, people will have to look into other options or risk losing customers to faster shipping. Many business creators are taking to social media to share that they are not responsible for shipping times: Once it’s off at the post office, delays are out of their control. And as the holidays approach, small businesses are asking customers to plan and buy gifts early.
Why are mail delays costing customers?
With Amazon running its Prime delivery service, customers are looking for quick delivery options. And these larger retailers can bite the shipping cost and use another mailing service to avoid the USPS mail delays. But if customers find a faster alternative, they are less likely to support a small business.
And along with the announcement that there would be mail delays, the Postmaster General also announced that they would temporarily increase their prices to avoid losing money. These price increases will make it harder for consumers, not just small businesses, to send mail. Others are worried about those who rely on USPS for their medical supplies, as the delays could put them at risk.
Will you continue to support small businesses even with mail delays? Are you going to start your holiday shopping early to avoid delays, or will you use more prominent companies?
