When purchasing postage, you are required to enter accurate packaging, dimensions, weight, and address data because it's what the cost of shipping is based on.
USPS Verifies for Correct Postage: While your package is en route, USPS will verify that you've purchased the correct amount of postage for your package. To do this, USPS uses the Automated Package Verification (APV) System, which will automatically charge your Pirate Ship account for any postage owed.
USPS sometimes charges recipients for postage owed
Not All USPS Packages Pass Through the APV System: Not every package goes through these automated verification machines, and sometimes a local Post Office will notice an underpayment and collect payment the old-fashioned way—in person, with your recipient having to pay the difference when they try to pick up the package 😥
Our Hooks ARRrrr Tied: Unfortunately, Pirate Ship doesn't have any control over this process 😕 To receive their package in these situations, your recipient will need to pay their local Post Office the amount due.
Chat With Us If You Feel USPS Made a Mistake: Of course, everybody is human and sometimes Post Offices make mistakes. If your recipient paid to receive your package and it doesn't seem right, please chat with our customer support.
Photos of the Receipt Help: If possible, having a photo of the receipt showing the amount of the postage paid can help us understand what happened and see if the Post Office made the correct adjustment. We're here to help make things right if we can!
UPS follows a similar process
UPS Surcharges Apply to Packages with Incorrect Postage: If you don't enter the correct weight and dimensions, UPS packages are also subject to surcharges that you will see reflected in your Pirate Ship account.
These charges will appear as adjustments on your shipment page. You can keep track of every adjustment you receive in your Reports > Carrier Adjustments.
Learn more about the UPS surcharges you may be subject to on Pirate Ship.
Import taxes & customs duties are different from postage due
Recipients Paying for International Shipments: If your international recipient needs to pay to collect their package, please note that these are import taxes and customs duties, which are completely different from having to pay for extra postage due 😉
Contact ARRrrr Support Crew if we can help with anything
Ye don't need to sail with two eyepatches on, Matey - we've got your back! Click the blue chat button to reach out to ARRrrrr crew with any questions you may have - we're always happy to lend a hook in any way we can 😃