Post Office rates simply explained?

Well, firstly, I've found that USPS (United States Postal Service) is A LOT cheaper at shipping packages than FedEx or UPS - so unless you have a relative working with a courier/shipping company (who can get you a discount on their shipping rates), the most cost-effective way to ship is usually going to be through USPS. Now, I'm no expert at shipping..But I CAN tell you that if you're shipping ANYTHING considered to be "media", stick with what they call "media mail", unless "first class mail" is cheaper (and it usually only is if the item you're shipping is light and under a certain amount of ounces). There are quite a few different options,t though, and the cheapest ones are usually the ones that take longer. If you're still confused, and if you go TO the post office (instead of using automated centers and drop-boxes), you can always just ask the teller what the cheapest option is for you. And another random money-saving tip? I don't know HOW you package your items, but have you ever tried wrapping (things with hard surfaces) in (grocery-like) paper bag material? (flipped backward so you don't see the logo, that is!) This has saved me A LOT of money - as you don't have to pay $1 for the bubble wrap if you do it this way. (You probably already have a similar system, but I figured I'd point that out). Here's a couple of interesting links about USPS prices (NOT referral links!): http://postcalc.usps.gov/ - This is a "postage calculator" for your future reference. http://www.usps.com/prices/parcel-post-prices.htm - This is a chart full of all of the different prices. Hopefully this has helped you out!