Heads up, the USPS is increasing shipping rates before the holidays this year, and they have just suspended shipments to New Zealand.
This is unfortunate for all hobby companies and fans out there as they normally reserve a rate hike for the first of the year. This time around, they are hitting from October 3rd to December 26th. Meaning any gifts or minis sent throughout the holidays will be more expensive, and free shipping is going to be a better deal than ever!
They say this is due to an increase in prices on their end, but either way, we hate to see it. It’s not insane, but if you’re sending or paying for shipping on a bunch of stuff near the holidays, it could make a big difference.
USPS Increasing Shipping Rates Before the Holidays
First up, all first-class packages will receive an average 8% bump in prices, which again, isn’t too bad for one package, but when you’re ordering or shipping out a ton, this really adds up.
Priority mail is also taking a hit of about 6% overall and a single pound package to zone 8 will cost $9.55. Meaning, be ready to pay more if you have some big purchases going across the country! Again, this is pretty disappointing to see as they usually wait until the first of the year to do this.
The flat rate will also be increasing by $.75 a box which isn’t too terrible and might just be the way to go if you can fit your minis in that!
Suspension of USPS deliveries to New Zealand
USPS just announced that is suspending mail services to New Zealand because of Covid-19 transportation cancellations and restrictions effective October 1, 2021.
NZ post had some times for folks there waiting on deliveries:
- If you’re waiting on a parcel from overseas, please note that it needs to arrive in NZ, clear NZ customs and then it will be passed to NZ Post for delivery.
- Please only contact us if our Tracking tool shows it’s been more than 7 working days since your item was received by NZ Post and has not been delivered to you.
Just like with the Australian shipping suspension if you order anything from Spikey Bits, we are still shipping to these locations via another carrier at no additional costs to our customers.
Overall nothing too crazy, but something to think about as you order and send stuff over the holidays!
Are you planning on big holiday shopping this year? Or are you hoping to send out a bunch of stuff?
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About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
