SwordfishExpress (Original)
SwordfishExpress (Original) is our freeware USPS Label Generator. SwordfishExpress lets you print mailing labels without postage that the conform to United States Postal Service regulations.
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Note: SwordfishExpress 1 is no longer under active development.
What does SwordfishExpress do?
SwordfishExpress provides a quick, easy way to print Priority Mail and Package Services shipping labels with Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation barcodes.
Again, in English, please?
SwordfishExpress lets you print mailing labels that the post office likes. The labels are fancy, have a barcode that's to post office specs, and, most importantly, can save you money.
Why wouldn't I just use the USPS.com web site to print my labels?
Because SwordfishExpress is faster. Because Cocoa applications are cool. Because SwordfishExpress is free, sits in your dock and loves you.
Why would I want to use Delivery Confirmation barcode labels?
Delivery Confirmation is a recent service from the United States Postal Service that provides you the date and time that your package was delivered as well as delivery attempts. In addition you may find out if your package was undeliverable as addressed, forwarded, or awaiting pickup. The U.S.P.S. provides discounts for electronically prepared Delivery Confirmation barcode labels. For Priority Mail packages, Delivery Confirmation is free (a savings of $0.50 per package). For other types of packages, Delivery Confirmation is $0.14 (a savings of $0.46 per package).
What is the difference between Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation?
Signature Confirmation includes everything Delivery Confirmation does plus requires the mail carrier to get a signature from the addressee or the addressee's agent. This means the mail carrier will not deliver the package unless someone is home to sign for it. After the package has been delivered you can get the recipient's's first initial and last name from the U.S.P.S. website and optionally request a copy of the signature via fax or mail.
Is Delivery Confirmation the same as insurance?
Nope. Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation provide no indemnity coverage. Consult your local post office for insurance options. Your package isn't covered against loss, the only thing you'll be able to get back, should your package fail to be delivered, is the postage.
So, is this the same as those green Delivery Confirmation labels (PS Form 152) that I can get at the post office and stick on my packages?
Yes, but it doesn't cost as much. (Free for Priority Mail, $0.14 for others)
Can I use these labels on regular first-class letters?
No, you can't. These labels are just for use on First Class, Priority Mail or Package Services parcels.
The post office tried to charge me more for the barcode, what should I do?
Raise heck! The "e/" endorsement on the label means that the electronic record was created, and therefore should be discounted. Have your postal clerk refer to the July 26, 2001 Postal Bulletin for more information.
Can I put tape over the barcode?
What an excellent question, glad you asked. Do NOT tape over the barcode. If you tape over the barcode it may not scan, and your package won't be delivery confirmed. Taping over the address part is fine, assuming the tape is transparent.
I have a Delivery Confirmation number, now what should I do?
Confirm it. That's the best part. To confirm your package, you can go to USPS.com. or use our built in support of Mac OS X services. Simply highlight a confirmation number and choose Services > SwordfishExpress > Confirm in Browser from the active application's application menu. A new window will be opened in your default web browser with your confirmation results.
Why can't I track my package from within SwordfishExpress?
Because we haven't yet implemented it... this is just the "Express" version of Swordfish, after all. These are the types of features you'll find in SwordfishExpress 2.
The text output on the labels looks kinda jaggy. Is it my printer, my computer, or you guys' program?
It's actually the post office. The quality of the text on the labels is currently being generated by the post office. We're working on implementing a smoother text label, and this will be fixed in a later release.
Why is it called SwordfishExpress?
We believe in Swordfish. "Swordfish" is a song by the Dead Milkmen in which they pose the all important question: Why should we buy postage stamps, we can make our own? The "Express" in SwordfishExpress comes from the fact that we wrote this program quickly to do one thing, print mailing labels. Future editions of Swordfish will bear different suffixes and contain additional functionality.
Why can I set the ship date to Sunday? The post office isn't open on Sundays.
Believe it or not, some post office branches are open Sundays, particularly ones near airports. For the hours of a post office near you visit: http://www.usps.com/locator
Explain the three mailing services available in SwordfishExpress.
Priority Mail - Priority Mail offers 2-3 day service to most domestic destinations. You can ship letters, documents, or merchandise.
First Class - For the purposes of adding Confirmation service, a First-Class Mail parcel is defined as any piece weighing 13 ounces or less that: * has an address side with enough surface area to fit the delivery address, return address, postage, markings and endorsements, and special service label; and * is in a box or, if not in a box, is greater than 3/4-inch thick at its thickest point.
Media Mail - Use Media Mail or book rate for books, film, printed music, sound recordings and computer-readable media. No personal correspondence can be enclosed. While economical this service averages over a week for delivery.
Why can't I create labels for other Package Services such as Bound Printed Matter and Library Mail?
You can with version 1.3!
How much does it cost?
For you? Nothing. We're releasing SwordfishExpress as freeware. Use it and abuse it as you like, if you have recommendations for feedback or suggestions for enhancements, please don't hesitate to e-mail us at help@buyolympia.com.
If you're one of those people who doesn't believe in getting things without giving back, well, great, we'd ask that you check out our store and see if there isn't something there that you like. Buying something from our store not only helps us, but helps the artists we support as well.
If you really like SwordfishExpress (Original), then you should love SwordfishExpress 2. It's packed with the features people have been asking for.
I really like the little Swordfish you guys have as a logo. Can I get one on a high-quality t-shirt?
Funny that you should ask. We have some of the nicest cotton shirts we can find. Made in Los Angeles by sweatshop-free labor, our Asphalt American Apparel t-shirts are a great way to show your swordfish pride. You can find the shirts here.
What is the deal with the rest of buyolympia.com?
Buyolympia.com is great. At least we think so. It is how it all started for us. We started an online store and then decided we needed some better tools (software) to make the business run more efficiently.
Can I use SwordfishExpress to print international shipping labels?
Not at this time. These are the types of features you'll find in SwordfishExpress 2.
