In my experience UPS and/or FEDEX is marginally better only on heavy weights, 20+ pounds. In the normal weight range we shavers operate the different carriers are all in the ballpark.
13oz is the magical number for 1st class, you can always get 1 soap in 1st class weight, under $4. 2 or 3 soaps in normal shaped tubs can be put in a flat rate envelope for $6.65. When splashes are added it needs to be boxed and that's where it can get pricey. If you understand the postal zones relative to where you live you can send heavy items within your postal zone for a reasonable sum, once you start going coast to coast that reasonable sum can easily double. That's when it pays to use the Flat Rate boxes you can get for free which is a nice touch. I save and reuse most of the boxes my items arrive in so I don't have to pay for boxes if I resell something.
Personally I like to go to the post office, I don't want a scale at home, I've yet to own a printer that doesn't have a mind of it's own and the less I have to buy ink refills the better!
Hope this helps
13oz is the magical number for 1st class, you can always get 1 soap in 1st class weight, under $4. 2 or 3 soaps in normal shaped tubs can be put in a flat rate envelope for $6.65. When splashes are added it needs to be boxed and that's where it can get pricey. If you understand the postal zones relative to where you live you can send heavy items within your postal zone for a reasonable sum, once you start going coast to coast that reasonable sum can easily double. That's when it pays to use the Flat Rate boxes you can get for free which is a nice touch. I save and reuse most of the boxes my items arrive in so I don't have to pay for boxes if I resell something.
Personally I like to go to the post office, I don't want a scale at home, I've yet to own a printer that doesn't have a mind of it's own and the less I have to buy ink refills the better!
Hope this helps