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USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes are an easy-to-use, cost-effective shipping option. You can easily ship like the experts; just know the USPS Flat Rate box sizes, prices, and how it works before you buy.

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How Does USPS Flat Rate Shipping Work?

The USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate service will ship your package anywhere in the U.S. in 1-3 business days for a flat fee. To ship with this service, follow these easy steps:

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  1. Order free Flat Rate boxes from the USPS. You have to use the branded Flat Rate boxes to get the Flat Rate shipping price, and you can order them online or pick them up at your local Post Office.
  2. Sign up for a free Shippo account to access the best rates on USPS Flat Rate shipping and print your labels from the comfort of your office or home.
  3. Bonus! Determine if a USPS Flat Rate box is the cheapest option for the items you’re looking to ship, since it’s not always the most affordable choice.

Business In A Box saves you 90% of the headaches in establishing a business. It’s logical approach is easy to follow and a must have in the tool box of every start up business. Role descriptions, policies and practical information leads you through a complete process to ensure your business has the best possible opportunity of success.

What are the 2020 USPS Flat Rate Box Sizes and Prices?

As you’ll see below, Shippo offers discounted shipping rates when compared to what you’d find at your local Post Office. No volume or coding requirements. To sign up for a free Shippo account, visit www.goshippo.com/register/.

2020 USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate

Shippo vs. Retail Rates

ProductsDimensionsShippo Rate Retail RateSavings Using Shippo vs. Retail

% Savings with Shippo

Flat Rate Envelope12 ½” x 9 ½”$7.15$7.75$0.608%
Legal Flat Rate Envelope15” x 9 ½”$7.45$8.05$0.607%
Padded Flat Rate Envelope12 ½” x 9 ½”$7.75$8.40$0.658%
Small Flat Rate BoxOutside:

8 11/16” x 5 7/16” x 1 ¾”

Inside:

8 ⅝” x 5 ⅜” x 1 ⅝”

$7.65$8.30$0.658%
Medium Flat Rate Box – 1 (Top Loading)Outside:

11 ¼” x 8 ¾” x 6”

Inside:

11” x 8 ½” x 5 ½”

$13.20$15.05$1.8512%
Medium Flat Rate Box – 2 (side-loading) Outside:

14” x 12” x 3 ½”

Inside:

13 ⅝” x 11 ⅞” x 3 ⅜”

$18.30$21.10$2.8013%
Large Flat Rate BoxesOutside:

12 ¼” x 12 ¼” x 6”

Inside:

12” x 12” x 5 ½”

$16.80$19.60$2.8014%

Is Priority Mail the Same as Flat Rate?

USPS Priority Mail is one of the most-popular service levels the Postal Service offers, and for good reason. It’s cost effective and encompasses three widely-used shipping options: Priority Mail Flat Rate (which we discuss above), Priority Mail weight-based, and Priority Mail Cubic.

To ship via Flat Rate, you need to use the Flat Rate branded boxes. To use Cubic and weight-based options, you will need to use your own packaging or USPS Priority Mail boxes.

Which is Cheaper: Flat Rate or Priority Mail?

Generally speaking, the USPS Flat Rate boxes are a great option for heavy items that are traveling long distances. We ran the numbers to find out exactly when you should use a Flat Rate box and when you should use your own packaging and ship via USPS Priority Mail weight-based or Cubic instead.

When to Use USPS Flat Rate Envelopes

  • USPS Flat Rate Envelopes are almost ALWAYS the cheapest option.
  • However, use your own envelope for packages weighing exactly 1 lb. and traveling locally.
  • And if your package weighs less than 1 lb., use your own envelope and ship via USPS First Class Package Service.

Use your own envelope (NOT a Flat Rate envelope) for the following scenarios:

Flat Rate Envelope (12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″) – $7.15

Qualifications for Using Own PackagingCost to ShipSavings
Weighs 1 lb. and traveling less than 50 miles (Zone 0,1,2)$7.02$0.13

Legal Flat Rate Envelope (15″ x 9 1/2″) – $7.45

Qualifications for Using Own PackagingCost to ShipSavings
Weighs 1 lb. and traveling less than 300 miles (Zone 0-3)$7.02 – $7.35$0.10+

Padded Flat Rate Envelope (12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″) – $7.75

Qualifications for Using Own PackagingCost to ShipSavings
Weighs 1 lb. and traveling less than 600 miles (Zone 0-4)$7.02 – $7.56$0.19+
Weighs 1-20 lbs. and traveling less than 50 miles (Zone 0,1,2)$7.46$0.29

When to Use USPS Flat Rate Boxes

  • For 1 – 20 lb. packages, choose Flat Rate for long distances and your own box for short distances.
  • For <1 lb. packages, use your own box and ship via USPS First Class Package Service.
  • For >20 lb. packages, use a Flat Rate box.

Use your own box (NOT a Flat Rate box) for the following scenarios:

Sm. Flat Rate Box (8 5/8″ x 5 3/8″ x 1 5/8″) – $7.65

Qualifications for Using Own PackagingCost to ShipSavings
Weighs 1-20 lbs. and traveling less than 600 miles (Zone 0-4)$7.02 – $7.56$0.09+

Med. Flat Rate Box (11 1/4″ x 8 3/4″ x 6″) – $13.20

Qualifications for Using Own PackagingCost to ShipSavings
Weighs 1-20 lbs. and traveling less than 1400 miles (Zone 0-6)$8.21 – $12.78$0.42+

Lg. Flat Rate Box (12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″) – $18.30

Qualifications for Using Own PackagingCost to ShipSavings
Weighs 1-2 lbs.$7.02 – $17.45$0.85+
Weighs 3-4 lbs. and traveling anywhere except U.S. Territories (Zone 0-8)$7.84 – $18.14$0.16+
Weighs 5 lbs. and traveling less than 1400 miles (Zone 0-6)$8.04 – $16.14$2.16+
Weighs 6-8 lbs. and traveling less than 1000 miles (Zone 0-5)$8.15 – $17.35$0.95+
Weighs 9-13 lbs. and traveling less than 600 miles (Zone 0-4)$9.28 – $17.68$0.62+
Weighs 14-16 lbs. and traveling less than 300 miles (Zone 0-3)$13.27 – $17.97$0.33+
Weighs 17-20 lbs. and traveling less than 50 miles (Zone 0,1,2)$14.85 – $16.10$0.44+

Keep in mind that the maximum weight is 70 pounds. And, when sealing a Flat Rate envelope or box, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds.

Is Priority Mail (Weight-based) or Flat Rate Faster?

Technically speaking, they are all part of the Priority Mail mailstream, so they all ship within 1-3 business days.

Are There Any Other Restrictions?

There are specific regulations and standards for mailing restricted, prohibited, and hazardous materials, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. You also can’t ship airbags, ammunition, explosives, or gasoline. For more details, visit the USPS Shipping Restrictions page.

How Do I Get a USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Label?

It takes just a few minutes to set up a free Shippo account, and then you can print the label from your office or warehouse. (To get a clearer picture upfront of how you can save on USPS shipping rates by using Shippo, feel free to check out our USPS shipping calculator.) Affix the label to the USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate box. Then, put it in your mailbox or schedule a pick-up with your local mail carrier in the Shippo dashboard.

Make sure the label you’re using matches the packaging. For example, if you are using a Priority Mail Express Flat Rate box, you need to use a Priority Mail Express Flat Rate label.

If you liked this post, you may also be interested in a video that our co-founder Laura Behrens Wu did with the co-founder of packaging solution company Lumi on shipping with the USPS.

Shippo is a multi-carrier API and web app that helps retailers, marketplaces and platforms connect to a global network of carriers. Businesses use Shippo to get real-time rates, print labels, automate international paperwork, track packages and facilitate returns. Shippo provides the tools to help businesses succeed through e-commerce shipping.

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1-on-1 wholesale coaching.
Sometimes you just need another perspective or a second pair of eyes. So we are just an email or call away for wholesale collaboration and coaching. Emily uses her breadth of expertise across the business world, and her depth of experience with helping 400+ makers grow wholesale -- so you don’t have to go down blind alleys or waste time.

Store picks so good it feels like cheating.
We go deep into your goals and aesthetic and personally pick the best 20 stores for you. Plus, because we often have the inside scoop, many makers find that our stores place bigger orders, more frequently, than reaching out on their own.

Best-in-class training & guides.
Visual guides and templates for outreach emails, line sheets, wholesale terms, etc. So you can start from scratch with full guidance, or refine your materials to be as effective as possible.

Super-responsive support.
We’re a small team and get back to your emails and requests within 1 business day -- so you can count on us. You’ll only hear from Genevieve, Simone, Amy, or Emily -- and we’re all filled in on your business so you won’t be starting from scratch ever.

Respect for you and your business.
We won’t act like jerks or treat you like everyone else. We’ll never bark at you to “put on your big girl panties.” But we will hold space for you to grow into your own potential and access your own wisdom.

Wooden Box Plans

Hand-Holding + Structure.
Our calendar and outreach structure keep you on track without the stress. It’s the most efficient way for busy makers to stay stay on top of things. We are obsessed with supporting our makers and are thrilled to be there every step of the way.

Our Promise to You

We know creative freedom matters. So we have no contracts, no commitments, and you can start, stop, or change plans whenever you want.


Need help deciding if Wholesale In a Box is a good fit?

We would be more than happy to give you a candid answer about whether we’re a fit — just send us a quick email to team@wholesaleinabox.com with a link to your work or business, a bit of info about how you’re hoping to grow, and any specific questions you’d like us to answer. We’ll get back to you in 1 business day or less.

Black Business In A Box


Frequently Asked Questions

How should I approach or think about outreach during the pandemic? And are stores even buying right now?
Good questions! There are no simple answers, of course. But to help you find your best path forward, we’ve created a COVID-19 page with our most up-to-date guidance and recommendations when it comes to wholesale outreach during this time.

Don’t I need to do trade shows to grow wholesale?
How you grow is certainly up to you, but many makers we work with find that the $10-$15K cost of going to a trade show is a big gamble for a small business. With Wholesale In a Box, you're able to grow your wholesale in a more accessible, lower risk way.
What is the success rate? How many stores will I get?
It varies. Some of our customers have gotten 5 stores in their first month, and others saw growth that was much slower than that. We find it has a lot to do with the consistency of how they reach out and follow up, the quality of their product line, as well as how much thought they put into things like their line sheet. There are certainly no guarantees, but for someone that wants to grow and doesn't have the time to do ALL the legwork and planning themselves -- this is a really high-yield way to invest in growing over the course of a few months.
Do you help with line sheets? Storytelling? Email templates?
Absolutely! We love to help our makers with those pieces of the process. You’ll get an in-depth email course after you sign up to help guide you through those steps. Plus, we are available for free unlimited expert business coaching, one-on-one via phone or email whenever you need feedback, an in-depth review, or to bounce an idea off someone!
When you say free, unlimited coaching and support, what do you mean?
You can schedule a wholesale coaching call with Emily as often as you want. Those sessions are priced at $150 for folks outside of Wholesale In a Box, but are free for Wholesale In a Box makers. Plus, you can send over samples of your outreach, line sheets, website links, etc. anytime and we'll provide you with feedback for each iteration.
What if I just want to jump on the phone once for help?
Wholesale In a Box subscriptions come with free unlimited business coaching and support. That means we can collaborate as often as is helpful, via phone and email. It's our favorite part of the work! But if you'd like some guidance and aren't a Wholesale In a Box subscriber, we offer individual coaching sessions for makers and creative business owners through One Mill Co.
Do you work with businesses like mine?
Click here to see some of the makers we work with and what folks have to say about Wholesale In a Box. And, if you want to talk over whether it's a fit for you, we would be more than happy to give you a candid answer about whether we’re a fit — just send us a quick email to team@wholesaleinabox.com with a link to your work or business, a bit of info about how you’re hoping to grow, and any specific questions you’d like us to answer. We’ll get back to you in 1 business day or less.


How did you get into this?
We have each spent the last decade working with artisan makers and producers and are really passionate about helping these independent spirits flourish. Recently, we noticed that the generation of makers who started on Etsy and at craft fairs are now struggling to get their products into brick and mortar stores. So we decided to use our past experience and our passion to help maker businesses do the work they love in a sustainable way. You can read more about us here.
What if I get busy and need to take a break from outreach?
We offer a $49/month 'Cultivate' plan. While you’re on Cultivate we won’t send you new stores to reach out to but you can continue to reach out to any stores from previous months, have access to the app, and cultivate your existing wholesale accounts. You can switch back to the Grow plan and get 20 more stores whenever you are ready.
Eek! That’s a lot of money for my business!
We can understand that! And Wholesale In a Box certainly isn't for everyone. But the makers we work with tend to find that the dozens of hours saved, expert business coaching, new wholesale accounts, and increase in reorders more than earn back the investment.
Do you email the stores or do I?
You do. We have found that stores want to hear from the maker herself. The thing to know about us is that we're not a rep and we're not a marketplace. We're not going between you and the store. Instead, we're the maker's store scout and secret weapon -- working on your end to make store outreach easier and more effective. We give you 20 handpicked store leads per month, an online tool preloaded with your outreach tasks for every single store, and unlimited business coaching to make sure your outreach is professional and effective.
Is there a contract and do you guys take a fee?
Nope! No contract and no percentage of sale fees other than the monthly $119 fee. It renews every month but you can cancel at any time.
Can you give me stores that focus on or stay away from a certain region, such as the Northwest?
Absolutely! Just tell us where you are looking to focus in your survey. We can’t go to the far extreme -- like all 20 stores from just 2 or 3 cities or a single state, for instance -- but if you’re looking to grow in a certain place or avoid a certain place, we can make that a focus of the stores each month.
Who is this not a good fit for?
We’ve found that the people who get the most leverage from Wholesale In a Box are folks who design and make something that they are really passionate about, and that is unique in the marketplace. We don’t recommend it for folks who are large-scale manufacturers or importers of goods, even if they are unique, as many of the stores we work with are focused on handmade goods. We also don’t work well for brands that only want to be in big box or chain retailers. Not sure if it's a fit for your business? Just send us a quick email to team@wholesaleinabox.com with a link to your work or business, a bit of info about how you’re hoping to grow, and any specific questions you’d like us to answer. We’ll get back to you in 1 business day or less.


How is Wholesale In a Box better than Faire? Is there any reason to use both?
Wholesale In a Box and Faire have different advantages, depending on your goals. Wholesale In a Box is a tool that puts store relationships in your hands, with zero commissions for the lifetime of all the new store accounts you get. In addition, you are more active in the process, which can take an hour or so per week, but you're building personal relationships with stores and do not have to worry about losing those connections in the future. Also, Wholesale In a Box is great for makers that want to improve their wholesale skills and strategies -- we give you powerful training and coaching around everything from line sheets to managing wholesale effectively. That said, Faire can be a great tool to get some new store accounts -- and many of our makers have their line on Faire and also use Wholesale In a Box. If you choose that route, we can coach you through the steps to maximize your results with the two approaches. For more on how to use Faire and Wholesale In a Box together effectively, check out this in-depth article here.