USPS is offering free shipping boxes for sellers using Ground Advantage – but only to sellers using them to fulfill orders on Poshmark.
For decades, many small online sellers relied on free Priority Mail shipping supplies from the USPS. But the Postal Service has been pushing Ground Advantage (GA) since its introduction in 2023. The Poshmark deal could be an indication USPS will expand availability of GA supplies more broadly.
However, when asked, a USPS spokesperson provided us with the following statement:
“We appreciate you reaching out. As a matter of policy, USPS does not discuss the details of our agreements with our customers. Regarding your question about packaging, there are no plans currently to offer USPS Ground Advantage packaging supplies in our local retail offices or online. Customers can use their own packaging supplies for this service.”
Poshmark shared the news in a blog post on Monday, informing sellers it would stop offering USPS Priority Mail through its shipping-label system called Posh Post and would instead offer USPS Ground Advantage – in order to lower shipping costs. “For the first time in over a decade, we’re lowering the cost of shipping! Starting September 12, Posh Post drops from $8.27 to just $6.49 – our lowest rate since 2017.”
But as sellers noted, the lower shipping costs come with longer delivery-time windows. Posh Post currently advertises “Expedited 1-3 day delivery on all orders with USPS Priority Mail, excluding electronics. Orders containing electronics include standard 2-5 day delivery with USPS Ground Advantage.”
As of September 12th, according to Poshmark, “Orders will ship via USPS Ground Advantage, with delivery in 2 to 5 business days.”
Poshmark sellers who are tempted to use any Priority Mail packaging they have on hand to ship items with Ground Advantage labels should refrain from doing so – otherwise, the USPS may refuse Ground Advantage shipments with Priority Mail packaging at the Post Office counter or return it to sender. And after October 12th, sellers will incur a $5 USPS fee for using PM boxes for GA packages.
Poshmark updated its blog post a day after announcing the change due to some confusion on the part of sellers who reached out to USPS. It advised sellers in part:
We want to reassure you that:
- USPS is stocked with Ground Advantage packaging.
- We are actively working with USPS to improve the phone experience after reports of long wait times and confusion.
Poshmark also told sellers that Victory Packaging was an authorized contractor acting on behalf of USPS and that sellers would be required to provide information to confirm their status as Poshmark sellers when ordering the free GA supplies.