I have noticed over the past several months an increasing number of auctions I won where the shipping method used is UPS and not USPS Priority Mail. I'm curious to know why this is. It seems me that USPS is cheaper than UPS, and packages arrive faster through Priority Mail, yet people clamor for UPS. Also, both places have an option where they will come out and get your boxes. It has been suggested that one reason UPS is used is that they don't put the cost of the shipment on the package (a la the postage stamp), thus keeping buyers in the dark as to the true cost of shipping, but I can hardly believe this. I do know that if I have to sign for one of those deliveries and I am not in, I have to drive 30 miles to the nearest UPS station (as compared to a walk of 5 blocks to my post office). Thanx!
God in front and Death right behind. Now that\\\'s racing!
posted on May 21, 2001 12:47:37 PM new
In many cases UPS is cheaper when you
figure that UPS includes insurance and
tracking number included in the price.
On greater weights I've seen UPS total price cheaper than Priority.
But I would compare UPS more to parcel post for delivery times and costs.
I personally have been using Fedex more on the greater weight items because it's much cheaper than priority and UPS, and also have been using parcel post more often too.
posted on May 21, 2001 12:53:33 PM new
UPS comes to my office everyday. I use them for shipping in the US. For overseas I use USPS. It works well for us. Very few problems with UPS and they pay for lost/damage items right away. All my bidders get a tracking number.
posted on May 21, 2001 12:57:46 PM new
Before this last rate increase it was cheaper to use priority mail on items weighing 5lbs or less and UPS was cheaper for items weighing over 5 lbs.
Since the last rate increase by USPS, I can often send a package of 3-5 lbs for significantly less by UPS. Plus, like quickdraw said, (paraphrasing) you have the trackability and included $100 insurance coverage.
But if you are shipping across country it does take a bit longer than priority. Usually, though, the savings are enough to more than make up for 2 or 3 days extra ship time.
posted on May 21, 2001 03:18:50 PM new
We use UPS for most shipments because:
1. Free tracking. (and much Better tracking than DC)
2. Free insurance up to $100, and only 35 cents a hundred after that.
3. Most of the time, if the package is 3 or more lbs, it's as cheap or cheaper.
4. Great software that keeps track of all the shipments, and will intigrate the ebay item number to the shipment.
In order to get the best price from UPS, you have to sign up for daily pickup, and do at least $50.00 worth of shipping a week, but since we signed up right after the last rate hike, we haven't missed the $50 mark once.
posted on May 21, 2001 04:01:16 PM new
I still have a very bad taste in my mouth about UPS. They seem to break my fragile shipments much more often than UPS does. Last time I had to file a claim it took forever to process--they send the money to the shipper--not the recipient. Unless changes have been made I think most folks would pay the slightly larger USPS charge than take this type of risk.
As far as breakage, I don't see that one is any worse than the other. As to price, on anything 5 lbs or less, they are close, but when the wieght gets much higher, UPS clobbers the post office.
As far as insurance pay offs, I must admit, UPS does seem to take longer than it should, but if the seller packages right, stuff doesn't get broke but once in a blue moon. (I've had one package damaged by UPS out of about 1000)
Edited to add: My expereince is most folks want the cheapest rate they can get.
posted on May 21, 2001 05:21:33 PM new
I'm not sure if this is true or not, but something I heard.
In order for UPS to actually insure a package and pay insurance if there's damage, the box must be brand new.
I've received many packages via UPS in all types of different packaging so I have no idea if this holds or not.
I have to drive 10 miles to the post office and there's a UPS pick-up counter next door to that, but the added convenience of having most all of my shipping supplies delivered to my door at no charge keeps me shipping mainly USPS.
posted on May 21, 2001 07:18:41 PM newwallypog - Nah! The box doesn't have to be new. UPS is way better to work with on claims and if it is an issue of $100 or less they seldom even worry about inspecting the parcel.
I agree that if you pack breakables well they will not be broken unless a particular parcel gets an extremely inordinate amount of abuse. I pack things so that I can throw the box down the stairs and it will not be harmed so I know that 99.99% of the time it won't be harmed. Also always keep in mind that your parcel will have to withstand having other parcels stacked (or perhaps thrown) on top of it.
It really helps working parttime at a mailing place as I was able to learn a lot about packing and handling. (Not to mention that I get an excellent rate!)
2 years ago I was told by both UPS & FedEx that they will no longer insure antiques &/or collectibles. I'm up in Kanada, but several US sellers I know said they were told the same thing by UPS.
posted on May 21, 2001 08:34:36 PM new
I came home last week to find my latest "collectible" purchase (final value- $207) sitting on my front porch for all the world to see courtesy of UPS. It would have taken a walk of a whole 10 feet (just around the corner of the house) to put the package out of sight by my back door.
I can't imagine ever using them to mail my packages.
posted on May 21, 2001 08:51:01 PM new
MrP ...... During the last mail strike up here in Kanada, I used UPS for a few months.
I always checked off the *signature required* portion on the invoices, and the UPS delivery person never once had the customer sign for it. These parcels were tossed on to the front porch just as yours was, and some of them were $250-500 items.
One customer was even home, and heard the driver toss the parcel against the front door. He was some pizzed and emailed me right after he opened the parcel & checked for damage. He had also insisted that he sign for the parcel & that it NOT be left on his front porch because he lived in a high crime area.
My list of complaints could go on & on.
I found UPS to be a pizz poor outfit to deal with.
Add on the fact that they now refuse to insure higher end antiques & collectibles, and my choice of carrier is obvious.
I always checked off the *signature required* portion on the invoices, and the UPS delivery person never once had the customer sign for it.
My experience exactly. Although not terribly expensive, my last order of bubble mailers was left on the front porch on a rainy day (again, within a 10 foot walk of a well covered carport). They didn't all get soaked, but still...
At least, sometimes they'll leave the package with a neighbor who's home. I can trust my neighbors to get the package to me, but I'm not quite sure how the driver knows that.
[ edited by mrpotatoheadd on May 21, 2001 08:58 PM ]
posted on May 22, 2001 05:26:44 AM new
I've been with UPS for 5 months now and it's been a WORLD better than USPS. Occasionally I have a customer ask for USPS and I certainly accomodate. HOwever, the original question was why:
1. They are cheaper when you are shipping over 3 pounds. When you get up around 15 - USPS can't come close!
2. They come to the house DAILY to pick up for $7.00 a week, not $8.25 per TRIP like USPS Priority.
3. Often times the shipping time on ground is CLOSE to Priority.
4. My 3 insurance claims were handled in 2 weeks BY phone. My customer didn't have to drag the box to the Post office. I had the funds in 2 weeks without them losing the claims as the PO ROUTINELY does.
5. The software is GREAT and I can track everything by computer including having a RECORD of my shipments.
I could go on. I used USPS for nearly a year and finally got tired of 4+ hours PER WEEK in the PO. Now, I move everything to the front of my porch and UPS comes and gets it!
This is not to say they are perfect, I've had my share of go rounds with them, however for the most part... What a difference - a great difference they have made in my life.
I could say more if you have time! ha.
A.
It doesn't matter how much better (if in fact they are) UPS is- as long as they will not insure collectibles (as reddeer was told) and they continue to leave packages (without getting the "required" signature) sitting on front porches (as my experience indicates), they will not be a viable alternative for many people.
posted on May 22, 2001 09:29:16 AM new
Also, doesn't UPS require a zip code before you know how much the shipping will cost? I checked into this once. This would mean that you couldn't quote a shipping cost, you could only guess.
posted on May 22, 2001 09:49:48 AM new
reddeer just said EVERYTHING I HAD TO SAY about UPS not getting signatures. I occasionally buy online both auction houses and regular stores. When they only offer UPS I tell them "sig must be required or I WILL NOT GET THE PACKAGE!" The driver ALWAYS just dumps it on the porch! This is in a neighborhood where our car radio was ripped out at 3:00 in the afternoon, car in driveway, 2 people home! They also took the time to go through the glovebox and take the candy and the flashlight.
I have three packages to go out today. They will go USPS, Media Mail - they are all books. Here are the facts;
posted on May 22, 2001 10:57:51 AM new
Hello again everyone.
Mrpotatoheadd,
To answer from my experiences, I had a casserole dish from the 40s get broken on its way to the new owner. I have to say, a person could buy a new casserole SIGNFICANTLY cheaper than this one was purchased from me. When I filed the claim I told them it was an antique casserole dish. There were no further questions. They never picked up the item from the bidder and I was sent a refund AND I in turn, sent the refund to the bidder. Perhaps it makes a difference if you have an account with them? I have an account w/ them and they can clearly see what and how much I ship and correlate that to breakage and claims. I thought I might have a problem with this item, but I didn't. I do not know how they might handle a several hundred dollar toy car... and I will ask this question next time I speak to my rep.
Immykindsmom,
ABout the signature verification. If they are not getting that, they are WRONG - VERY WRONG. So, my next question would be, IF something was stolen / lost, whatever.... and the sender requested a Signature Verification, but UPS didn't get it... isn't it their responsibility to reimburse you? I mean, I'd go to long lengths to fight that one. Has anyone actually experienced this? So far, I call my local UPS office, they know me well! AND, they take care of any problems I'm having.
Now, immykindsmom mentioned comparison rates for books... Media rate is cheaper, by far than UPS... but for me, media isn't all I sell and honestly, I give my customers the option and batch book sales so I make batch runs to the PO if it is what they want, and they usually do!
Jonathon, about needing zip codes for rate quotes. Aren't zips required for Priority mail over 5 pounds as well?. With UPS, yes, you need it always for EXACT quote however, they provide you with software that links you on line to them. Quotes can be done on your software without going to the web site. (which I find more difficult and time consuming).
I'm not entirely defending them, and I hope this doesn't come across as anything other than me sharing my experience w/ UPS versus Priority Mail. Priority was great and I am not complaining about them, but my customers were downright rude about what the charges were and the fact was, at the time, I didn't charge anything extra - simply the REAL and true rate.... Priority got very very high! For me to ship a 12 pound box to California from FL is 19.25 however with UPS it is less than $10.
I truly agonized over the decision to change, and now, I wonder what took me so long!
All in all I think Ebay customers want the best shipping at the lowest cost. For me, UPS has been that. Someone mentioned FedEx and I have been hearing more about them, however I have also heard a lot of complaints too (packages in "transit" for weeks...). The good things I hear is they are CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP! I suspect I'll be checking that out soon.
There are some websites out there that have created some comparison sheets on UPS versus Priority, etc.... Just FYI!
As always, thanks for the comraderie and chance to exchange thoughts and ideas! I appreciate knowing you guys are here!
Angie
DEFINITION OF ARTICLES OF UNUSUAL VALUE, WHICH ARE NOT ACCEPTED BY UPS FOR TRANSPORTATION
Shippers are prohibited from shipping articles of unusual value via UPS. Articles of unusual value shall be deemed to include, but are not limited to:
(1) Coins (except pennies and nickels, and except proof and mint sets of United States coins tendered by United States mints of a face value not to exceed $2.41), currency, postage stamps, negotiable instruments, money orders, unset precious stones, industrial diamonds, human remains, and works of art.
(2) Any article which contains more than fifty percent by weight of gold, silver, or platinum or any combination thereof in raw form, bullion, balls, bars, grains, strip, sheet, wire, chain, ingots and the scrap of these metals.
(3) Any package having a value of more than $50,000.
UPS will not be liable for any loss of, or damage to, articles of unusual value.
posted on May 22, 2001 11:40:19 AM new
Hi Again,
Made for some interesting reading and I thank you for the info. None of them fall in the category of anything I ship (especially the human remains part! lol). Anyway, here's my next question - does USPS limit the insurance coverage these things as well?
posted on May 22, 2001 11:55:03 AM new...does USPS limit the insurance coverage these things as well?
From the USPS website, I can get a quote for a 1 lb. package sent Priority Mail, registered w/insurance for $10 million (cost is about $7,500), but it won't allow an insured total of $50 million. I didn't play with it enough to find out where the cut-off point is.
As for UPS's requirements...
None of them fall in the category of anything I ship
it appears that by including the line:
"Articles of unusual value shall be deemed to include, but are not limited to:"
they are allowing themselves the option to decide on a case-by-case basis, which would appear to be a loophole big enough to drive a UPS truck through.
posted on May 22, 2001 12:33:32 PM new
The item I was refused insurance on was a $2,000 teddy bear. I spoke with several UPS reps [got the same story] then finally spoke with the head supervisor. I was told that unless the item was "easily replaced", as in an item from "WalMart", that UPS would no longer insure it.
It sounded to me like they were tired of dealing with eBay items that were getting broken in transit due to poor packing.
I also recently heard that at 'some' UPS hubs in the US, the UPS reps are inspecting the parcels [as in opening them] before they will allow them to be shipped.
posted on May 22, 2001 01:14:30 PM new
Now Teddies I can relate to! I make mohair teddy bears and know proving the value of them can be difficult. The last one I shipped was custom made for a woman who paid plenty to me for it. (16 hours worth of work!) As I put my little darling into a box to ship, I was particularly careful and QUIZZED / GRILLED the Postal service as I was sending it via Priority Mail. I got about the same basic story. The only way they said they would reimburse was if I had an "invoice" for it, showing what was paid. I did, and yet, I have question... I'm the one who created the bear, sold the bear and therefore, the creator of the invoice. While I would never abuse the system, what would stop me.
That bear arrived safely and I never had a problem with any of my bears' arrivals, however, anything is possible. I have discussed this situation with UPS and was told the same story as the Post Office, if I had an invoice, it would be reimbursed. I create the invoices and know what the person actually paid, and that's all I really want - the heartbreak is non-refundable and the damage to my reputation is not able to be fixed. I am gathering that as with the Post Office, it depends on WHO you talk to. Have you spoke to the claims dept for UPS directly? I understand there were some recent changes with that department and now it is "outsourced" to avoid "bias". hmmm.
They may indeed open boxes, however, the staff at my post office told me they hold that same right with ANY box. We were in fact, discussing HOW they know what is in a media rate box, and that is when I was informed that the Post Office has the right to open any box at any time, and sometimes they do!
It's amazing to me that the shipping centers seem to have something AGAINST ebayers. We are generating TONS of funding for them, and it annoys me when I hear how they don't trust us, etc. I have heard stories of Post Offices asking ebayers to leave or return at different times with their packages. Isn't that what they are supposed to do??? I mean, can u imagine if we treated our customers that way? (i.e., "sorry, you bought too much... I can't deal with it today... I'll deal with you later..." NOT!)
Sorry for writing volumes and Mr. Potatoheadd, my last post didn't come through as I got bumped offline, but I said thank you for the info and how nice I think it is that we all have this forum to share thoughts and ideas. I appreciate knowing you are all out there!
posted on May 25, 2001 01:41:05 PM new
UPS is so royally incompetent that I cannot recommend them at all. Where I live, they rarely deliver to my door, when they do and I don't hear their non-existent knock, they leave a note promising next day delivery which they never do. They just rerouted a package back to my vendor--hey MO is not IL, but they probably can't read to verify a scan. They left perishable food in our apartment's office with no note on our door more than once--net loss of more than $200 which they never reimbursed us.
We used to call them OOPS, I'd call them something else now but children might be reading
