Run an online shop? What's the best way to post stuff?

As of a month or so ago I have one, it's going much better than anticipated. Give me a few months and I hope to give my company the finger.

Anyway, I digress. I was just wondering at what point it becomes viable to have the postman come do a pick up and get a franking machine etc rather than traipse down to the post office every day?

And surely I can get some sort of bulk discount, at present I am sending everything out uninsured for the full value cos it is so expensive otherwise - hope I've got the odds right on this one.

Any advice or stupid comments welcome ;)