Friday, July 17, 2009

Update on postage

Two days ago I wrote about postage costs from south africa and about the "large letter" category that I thought could make things cheaper. I got a comment from someone who said that customs wouldn't allow non-documents though. I checked myself at the post office yesterday and it is correct - the name "large letter" is apparently there for a reason - documents only. It seems some post office workers allow you to send small parcels as letters, but it's probably not worth the risk if customs will hold up your post.

I also have one other post secret to share with you. EMS - expediated mail service - a international courier service from the post office which, depending on weight could work out to be a better option (tariff calculator).

Another correction on my previous post. PostNet Global Mail is the best option if your items are around 50 grams, and you want to post them like a parcel (not in a plain envelope).

weight EMS (USA) PN (USA) PO small parcel large parcel (USA) large parcel (EU)
1 250 0.403 23.3 112.6 139.6
50 250 20.15 23.3 112.6 139.6
100 250 40.3 23.3 112.6 139.6
250 250 100.75 69.9 145.8 160.9
500 250 201.5 116.5 179 182.2
751 310 302.653 186.4 228.8 214.15
1001 370 403.403 256.3 278.6 246.1
1250 370 503.75 302.9 311.8 267.4
1500 370 604.5 349.5 345 288.7
1751 430 705.653 419.4 394.8 320.65
2001 490 806.403 489.3 444.6 352.6
1250 490 503.75 302.9 311.8 267.4
1500 490 604.5 349.5 345 288.7
2751 550 1108.65 652.4 560.8 427.15
3001 610 1209.4 722.3 610.6 459.1

(as before - weight in grams and money in Rands.)

Interesting stuff - If you have any experiences or advice, please do post a comment

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for the update, I never thought to do a spreadsheet, so thanks for that. I took a look at your Etsy shop, LOVE the Mandela fabric apron.

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