posted on January 11, 2001 08:22:16 PM new
I ship only by Priority and will continue. Most of my items are two pounds or less and I did charge a flat rate of $3.50. I did not have one complaint about the cost but did have alot of good remarks about the fast shipment. I will now use a flat rate of $4.00 for shipments of less than 2 pounds. I always ship the day after receipt of funds unless it a weekend. Customers remember good service.
posted on January 11, 2001 09:33:14 PM new
I know that most of you weren't discussing UPS much in this thread but since someone mentioned it I thought I'd throw my $.02 in, as a buyer and a seller:
I will steer clear of auctions shipped UPS ground. Blech! I loathe the fact that one of my favorite mail order companies ships UPS and everything takes AGES to get here. Six to twelve days, but it's almost always closer to 12 days, and half the packages I get via UPS are torn open! I only agree to receive packages via UPS when it's a really good deal or I REALLY want the item. I'd never use them as a seller.
Just MHO on UPS. I'm sure others out there agree. I'll stick with USPS, Priority probably, unless the customer insists on parcel post.
posted on January 12, 2001 06:17:23 AM new
You all know the old saying: Nothing is free. All those FREE boxes, tape and labels etc. We ARE paying for now!!!!!
posted on January 12, 2001 06:37:30 AM new
SHARKBABY -
We have a UPS account, and have been notified that UPS fees are going up on February 15th.
In the past we used either priority or UPS, we have changed most of our smaller items to 1st Class, as Priority is too costly for customers on lower priced items.
LIKE you commented we ship all items, 6 lbs. and over via UPS.
posted on January 12, 2001 06:42:58 AM new
libbyparsons
I agree about bubble envelopes, but not the type you purchase. The lined Bubble Wrapped Brown Envelopes are, to me, too costly. We use standard brown 6X9 and 10X12 inch brown envelopes which we purchase by the 100's, and then use our own bubble wrap inside, much, much less costly, and we haven't had an item damaged yet.
We purchase our bubble wrap wholesale, in massive rolls, I can't recall the exact size, but we have to have them cut in two to even get them in my cargo van.
We are looking at all types of alternatives to save our customers on shipping.
posted on January 12, 2001 06:47:58 AM new
Some uses for priority boxes that won't be used now that the rates have gone up:
Kindling for the wood burning stove.
Receptacle for used cat litter.
Storage for old business files.
Spray paint them, stack them, wire them, and sell them as folk art lamps on eBay.
posted on January 12, 2001 06:50:39 AM new
VIDPRO2
That is a nice chart, but one has to be aware of size when it comes to UPS. The price can very greatly depending on size, not weight, if shipping UPS. To be completely accurate, you need to check your package at:
posted on January 12, 2001 09:27:05 AM new
libbyparsons
Another thread had a question about shipping books.Someone there suggested using B-flute as packaging. They said the cost is about $.10 per book/package. B-flute is flexible cardboard that is corrugated on one side and flat on the other.It comes as rolls in a variety of widths- they used 12" and stapled the packages shut. When I mentioned this to a friend who buys books from ER Hamilton- she knew what I was talking about- apparently they use it on some orders.I have looked online and prices are pretty good and I am now checking local box companies.There are some books that just don't fit Video boxes and I need an alternative that isn't heavy.
posted on January 12, 2001 09:40:37 AM new
http://www92.pair.com/soufla/packingtips.htm explains a cheap, sturdy
packing method that eliminates the need for the box or envelope for most
books. It is worth looking into if you sell many books.
posted on January 12, 2001 09:42:28 AM new
libbyparsons,
If they told you to throw them away, then turn them inside out and use them !
I know a bunch of you are going to jump me for saying it, but hey, they said throw them away !!!
Why should a perfectly good box go to some landfill simply because USPS said so.
To hell with them ! It makes no sense to create more garbage out of perfectly useable materials. It is a waste !
Turn the boxes inside out and use them until you run out. When you got the boxes did you know about the rate increase ? If you didn't then you did not defraud the USPS, but know that you have them don't just throw them away because they say so.
Use them until you run out, after you run out then get your boxes elsewhere.
posted on January 12, 2001 10:08:49 AM new
abacaxi--WONDERFUL link!!The pics were great. Now I understand the package closure a lot better!!I have been selling books online for 4 years and this was the first I had heard of the B-Flute. I have been shipping mainly Priority with PO Boxes.
cix-The latest Priority boxes have USPS inked to the inside. There was a BIG stink about people using them for mailings other than Priority mailings-mainly UPS.When I order Priority supplies online I have to Agree to use them only for Priority mail.Last summer I was sent a statement that I had to sign and return to the PO saying the same thing. Legally you are bound to use them for nothing but Priority shipping.Scary thing is that they are looking to eventually make an example of someone. And there will no doubt be a crackdown soon.Insulate that room addition with them- just don't use them for any shipping but Priority.
posted on January 12, 2001 03:50:19 PM new
I am afraid I don't have a good impression of Priority Mail inasmuch as it does not seem to proceed any quicker than first class mail. Furthermore, I recently shipped 2 items of 9 and 12 lbs each and UPS beat the price. In addition, they were bulky (and I have a physical challenge that makes it difficult to carry them in to a drop point). UPS states you may do internet ground shipping and either drop them off or "hand them to a UPS driver." My driver comes by down this street daily. All I do is call the local UPS dispatcher around 1 hour before he is due and ask that they send him a message to stop off at my place. He receives it on his tablet by radio link and comes in to get the items. Costs nothing! Only works if you pay on the internet via credit card or have an account with UPS. It sure is nifty to have that service. Don't forget...UPS includes $100 insurance for free!! That brought their prices below the USPS for both packages even with the UPS 1.25% "temporary" fuel surcharge! I am afraid I see less and less to attract me to the post office including their sometimes very rude behavior.
posted on January 12, 2001 04:01:12 PM new
For goodness sake...don't burn the priority boxes in the fireplace/furnace!! The colored ink could contain toxic substances (i.e. lead) that are noxious.
I find it incredible that you take seriously the admonition that you not use these boxes for anything else. They are provided free of charge. Therefor, there is no "consideration" to consumate any alleged "contract" you have engaged. Further, once received, they become your property. I must say I have received numerous items in "inside out" format.
As for their "free" boxes, I find them to be poor for most purposes. They are not sturdy. By the time you get bubble wrap or peanuts to fill, you are not very far ahead. Of course, I am an occasional (episodic) seller. About 1/2 the time I have used recycled boxes from other sources. Works fine!!
