Published: Friday, Feb. 22, 2013 / Updated: Friday, Feb. 22, 2013 05:23 PM
Online retialers killing USPS
Online retailers are USPS problem
The United States Postal Service has been losing money for years mostly due to advancements in electronics – fax, email, etc. Compounding the losses with inexcusable waste in manpower and overtime, it is amazing that Saturday delivery has lasted this long! The Postmaster General and his staff could make a huge impact and boost revenues if the USPS embarked on a nationwide sales program that targets major on-line retailers.
Almost everything my wife and I purchase is obtained via the Internet and 95% of that merchandise is shipped via UPS. No doubt these on-line sellers obtain a very substantial discount in shipping fees while at the same time the merchants then double and triple the shipping fees to the ultimate consumer.
For example, there is no reason and no justification for an internet retailer to charge me $8.95 to $10.95 to ship one sweater via UPS. The seller can obtain a free bag or box from the USPS, send up to one pound in weight for $5+ and they still get tracking and delivery confirmation. They will not do it. Greed kicks in at this point. They make a profit on the merchandise, which they should, and then make more money on the shipping charges.
Merrel Wilkenfeld
Fort Mill