Another advantage to working with this company is that they are integrated with Endicia (www.endicia.com), the company that provides us with the software and Web-based services to stamp our own postal packages. Reporting to U-PIC is always available through the postage log that is automatically created.

I recently interviewed Candi Booth, Vice President (who was originally my sales rep when we first started using U-PIC). She filled me in on some other aspects of the package service of which I was unaware. Package insurance is ideal not only for booksellers, but eBay sellers who are shipping virtually any commodity, whether it is books, art, jewelry, or auto parts. If you are concerned about taking business away from your local post office, not to worry - the postmasters get credit for Endicia/U-PIC-created packages and are encouraged to use U-PIC, a USPS Partner, for ordinary over-the-counter insurance.

For more information, you can contact U-PIC at www.u-pic.com, call toll-free 800-955-4623, or email them at support@u-pic.com. They also have support through online chat on their website.

Package insurance has enabled us to confidently establish a European Union-based company and expand our business overseas, as well as service customers looking for higher-priced rare books. It enables us to provide excellent customer service and is an essential part of our bookselling business.

Renee Magriel Roberts can be reached at renee@roses-books.com