How to estimate shipping?

If you need to get a shipping estimate, here is a good trick to use.

1. Get the address for the person you will be shipping to.
2. Get the size and weight of the package you will be shipping. You don't need to seal the package, and if it is off by a tiny amount it shouldn't be a problem. For example if you use a shipping box, put the puzzle in it when you weigh it but don't seal it. If you use paper wrapping, don't bother with the paper and just weigh the puzzle itself.
3. Go to your favorite shipping service's website and create a label. This can be FedEx, UPS, USPS, PirateShip.com or whatever service you will be using to ship with.
4. Create a shipping label as if you were really going to send the puzzle.
5. You will be given the price.
6. CANCEL THE ORDER BEFORE YOU PAY - You don't actually need to pay for the label at this point. You are only looking for the price so cancel the order and go no further.

So what if the person doesn't want to give their address? Well, if they are asking for an estimate only, that isn't totally crazy. Just get their postal code and put it into Google Maps (or the mapping service of your choice). Pick any address in that general area and use that for your test.