ShipGopher
ShipGopher vs the post office counter
At the counter you pay USPS's retail price. Online you pay its lower commercial price, so even with ShipGopher's fee the same USPS service often costs much less, and the counter visit becomes a quick drop-off.
| Example | At the counter | ShipGopher | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage, 10 lb box, Los Angeles to New York | $40.85 | $20.37 | $20.48 (50%) |
From our October 2026 price check (the same example as on Pricing). ShipGopher's price includes the $1 + 5% service fee.
When the counter is the better choice
- You need help. Packing questions, customs forms, extra services: the clerk can sort them out in person.
- Priority Mail Express. For overnight USPS, the online and counter prices are about the same.
- You'd rather not pay online. The counter takes cash.
When ShipGopher is the better choice
- Ground Advantage and Priority Mail. Online prices are often far below the counter, as in the example above.
- Less time at the Post Office. The label is paid for and ready: hand over the box, or show the QR code and the clerk prints it (how it works).
- You can compare first. See UPS and FedEx prices next to USPS before you choose.