So, did you hear about this?
The cost of sending some mail is going UP, and the delivery times are becoming longer... which, well, frankly means we're paying more for slower service but I'll go off on that at another time...
What I'm curious about is this:
Will the fact that shipping costs and delivery times are essentially a PAIN in the pocketbook and an added level of stress this holiday... cause you to actually go back to brick and mortar stores? Like the mall or shopping centers which have seen drops in business over the last 19 months of this pandemic?
Have you already started doing any shopping just to offset potential delivery delays?
Do you even care?
For me, if I'm going to be SURE the gifts I want to give for the holidays are going to arrive, I think I'm just going to get 'em myself. And I'll mail 'em myself... just to be sure, ya know?
Now, LIFEHACKER did shed some light on why things are the way they are...
This year, mail will take longer to reach its destination and cost more to send. To avoid postal-related disasters as Hanukkah and Christmas approach, make sure you plan ahead.
The USPS enacted new standards for its first-class services on October 1. Previously, first-class mail was delivered within two to three days regardless of its destination. Under the new policy, letters will take two days to arrive when delivered within a 139-mile radius, three days if the radius is 140 to 930 miles, four days for 931 to 1,907 miles, and five days if it’s greater than 1,908 miles.
Customers may also end up paying more for slower service. Through December 25, the cost of most packages will include an extra $0.25 to $5 depending on their weight and the distance they have to travel. Even your holiday cards may be more expensive to send in 2021. Earlier this year, the USPS raised the price of a Forever stamp from $0.55 to $0.58.