Thread: dealing with gas prices

this is from an editorial in our local paper

http://www.clevelandbanner.com/index...FF5DEB5F9011FA

Dealing with gas prices


Beth Foster
Associate Editor
Monday, May 12, 2008

We've heard the stories about how people are dealing with ever-increasing gas prices. Some are resorting to "horse power," others are walking or biking. Public transportation and carpooling are growing in popularity.

However; I think I may have found another way.

I had a slew of things I needed to take to my parents -- books I'd borrowed, birthday presents, etc. I was debating whether to make the four-hour drive for a visit and deliver these items.

Because of a number of different factors, including the current price of gasoline, I decided to stay put and get some work done around the house. I packed the gifts and other items into a huge box that nearly filled the back seat of my car.

As I was driving to the post office, I was convinced the cost of mailing that package was going to be greater than the cost of just delivering it myself with the added bonus of visiting my family.

I know the price of a first-class stamp went up by a penny today, but, I have to say, I felt like I got a deal on my visit to the post office.

Sending that huge box to Kentucky, with delivery in two days, was just $11!

It's been a long, long time since I could fill my car up with gasoline for that amount of money -- sometime shortly after I got my driver's license and before I graduated from high school.

So, here's the gas price solution epiphany I had as I left the post office.

For those longer trips -- when horses, bikes or walking won't work -- maybe we could all just have a friend package us in a big box with a few air holes a couple of bottles of soda, some snacks, a flashlight and some books to pass the travel time.

Two days later we could arrive at our destination only $11 poorer, enjoy our visit, and then get our friends and family to take us back to the post office for return mailing ...

Hmmmm ... But how does the person delivering the package that contains "you" to the post office answer the postal clerk's question -- "Liquid, fragile, perishable, flammable or potentially hazardous?" ... "Depends on the situation."

cute! and good idea about mailing stuff!

That sounds like a great idea

lol!

could save even $11 if you just wait until Staples or Office Max offer FREE Fed Ex shipping and you would arrive in a day instead of 2.

(you don't have to buy something in the store in order to use their free shipping days... just take in your package and ship it. )

Originally Posted by atprm

(you don't have to buy something in the store in order to use their free shipping days... just take in your package and ship it. )

good tip thanks for that. I am impressed he could ship a big box for so little

Originally Posted by atprm

lol!

could save even $11 if you just wait until Staples or Office Max offer FREE Fed Ex shipping and you would arrive in a day instead of 2.

(you don't have to buy something in the store in order to use their free shipping days... just take in your package and ship it. )

I didn't even know about this. When do they do this and how do you know?

it varies by city... and I used to use them almost on a weekly basis when we lived in Cincinnati.

I haven't had the need to do it here, since I don't really send packages anymore.

Make a friend at the stores, and they can give you their free shipping day schedules. It averages like once a month up here....no advertising, unless you are in the store.

LOL! Excellent !