Postage costs 2026: letters, registered mail and parcels

How letter postage is calculated

Letter postage depends on the format and weight of your shipment. You pay with a stamp, a postage mark or an electronic stamp.

Prices for letters in Germany increase with approval from the Federal Network Agency. Treat prices in older articles as a guide. Check Deutsche Post's current terms before buying stamps or labels in bulk.

Shipnovo does not calculate letter postage. The software helps with parcels and labels for your eBay orders.

• Choose a format: standard, compact, large or maxi letter
• Check the weight and thickness with a scale and ruler
• Look up the current price on Deutsche Post's website
• Apply enough postage to avoid additional charges

Registered mail: cost and coverage

Registered mail is an add-on to regular letter postage. You pay the letter postage plus the registered-mail fee. The registered-mail label alone is not enough; the shipment must also have postage.

There are two common options. With registered mail by delivery, the carrier documents placing the letter in the mailbox. With handover registered mail, the recipient confirms receipt with a signature. A third option adds a return receipt.

Liability is limited. Registered mail is not intended for goods of high value.

• Registered mail by delivery: delivery is documented; no recipient signature
• Handover registered mail: delivery against a signature
• Registered mail with return receipt: additional confirmation of receipt for you
• National registered mail in person is no longer available

When a parcel is better than a letter

Once value or size increases, a parcel is worthwhile. Parcels have higher liability limits than registered mail. For goods sent to eBay buyers, you also receive a tracking number that you can submit to eBay.

You can send small, light items more cheaply as a DHL Kleinpaket than as a standard parcel. Compare current DHL prices before setting up a shipping profile.

Calculate postage correctly and avoid mistakes

Include postage in your item price or shipping costs. Use the price for the option you actually use, not an average.

Set up fixed shipping rules for recurring cases so you do not have to choose the weight and product each time. For returns and complaints, registered mail can help prove delivery.