I decided to consign a classical guitar that I very rarely play. It is going to Dream Guitars, a very high end internet boutique in North Carolina. Last night, I detuned it, put my name and address as well as guitar details inside the case, supported the head inside the case, and then put the case and guitar inside a cardboard box, with bubble-wrap and foam popcorn all around it.  Then I sealed it securely with tape.

Being a comparison shopper, I decided to check the three main carriers. "Three?", you may ask. Yes, good old UPS, Fed Ex and... the Post Office (remember them?). I weighed the entire packeage (19lb), measured it (51X20X7.5"), got the zip code to where it was going. Then I went to the internet.

The answer was not what one may have expected. Fed Ex and UPS were almost identical in costs, between $48-49, with UPS  a few cents less. Both were 2 day delivery. The Post Office site quoted $16.94 for Parcel Post. Two day delivery was $45.15 or $42.43, the cheaper one  being an online price. Did they think I was going to be able to email the guitar? Or do I save $3 just for printing off the postage myself? Wouldn't they check the weight and dimensions anyhow?

Doubting that $16.94 price, I called the Post Office. Now, calling the Post Office is no longer an easy thing to do. They are not listed in the the white pages any longer. All Post Offices now have unlisted numbers. Imagine that! I went to the blue pages and found the dreaded 800 number, went through the telephone maze thing, and finally gave up. It was easier to drive down to the Post Office. They still keep office hours (though are closed for lunch an hour and a half each day).

Figuring on doing some arguing, I printed off the web price. Shawn took my package, measured it, and had their computer do the calculations. His eyebrows raised. Yep, $16.94, same as my figure. I'll be darned. So, I really did save 2/3 of the competitor's price and only had to give up on time in transit. I have wanted to sell this thing for 2 years, so I can readily wait 3 extra days to get it there in order to save $30. Easy.  And, another advantage - when going by Parcel Post, the package is never subjected to too hot or to freezing temperatures. Some firms hesitate to ship during the heat of the summer or the cold of winter to avoid issues with a fine instrument. During those times, you can never be sure of temperature conditons in the back of an 18-wheeler or in the hold of a plane. With the Post Office, that is not a worry. And the local branch is only 3 minutes away from home.

And yes, I insured it, for the exact amount I expected to net after it is sold. That was expensive, but still far cheaper than UPS or Fed Ex was - without insurance.

(joke) Did you hear that Fed Ex and UPS are going to merge? The new company will be called "Fed-Up".