posted on July 17, 2002 02:43:34 PM
Signing a "Signature Release" with FedEx (so that a package can be left at your door, like UPS) is a waiver of liability with them. You cannot claim the package was never received and file an insurance claim. Tell your customers that if they sign they have NO insurance on the item and by signing you do not hold FedEx responsible for delivery of the item.
I have a MAJOR problem with this both as a Buyer and a Seller! Many of my Buyers work and are not home when FedEx delivers (in my area, it's between 1-3PM).
I live 50 miles round trip from the FedEx Station where my latest purchase is being held. I can sign off and run the risk my $200. item will be there when I get home tomorrow, or stay home tomorrow between 1-3PM, or now do a 50 mi RT at rush hour to pick up my item! Buying online should be less hassle than this!
FedEx just flat out STINKS for residential deliveries. And now to hear, well sure, we can deliver it if you're not there! Just sign off on this release, but you'll have no insurance and we're not liable. UPS looks grand to me! This even makes the USPS look like a bargain! At least I won't be asking my customer to drive 50 miles to insure they receive their item. Geez.
posted on July 17, 2002 03:55:04 PM
I've often wondered why more people don't have their packages delivered to work. I realize not everyone can do this, but, certainly many more can than do. Just a thought.
posted on July 17, 2002 04:43:16 PM
Not only is it more secure to have a FedEx package delivered to your work or a friend's place of business, it's cheaper. There is no residential surcharge. I ship about 90% FedEx ground now, and id there is a hefty residential surcharge involved, like $2.60 for some remote areas, I encourage customers to arrange to have a business accept it for them. You'd be surprised how many people have items shipped c/o their hairdresser, auto mechanic or liquor store.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
posted on July 17, 2002 04:43:23 PM
You can leave a note and tell them to leave the package with a neighbor, or put it on a back doorstep. You can also have them redeliver it on another day when you will be home.
posted on July 17, 2002 07:57:48 PM
I agree with those who advocate using a business address if possible. Cheaper & safer. I am one of the lucky ones, only 1 mile from the FeEx office. I havew been a regular for ove 4 yrs., back when FedEx Ground was RPS so I know all of the guys down there. I can get pickup at almost at any time I want. Usually at about 3:30 PM which is great for me.
posted on July 17, 2002 09:27:54 PM
Thanks for all of your comments.
Unfortunately, delivering to my or hubby's workplace is not an option. My employer does not allow us to use our work address to receive personal items. Our loading dock guys have no time to be handling ebay deliveries of up to 1500 employees. I work in a hospital laboratory and "corporate responsibility", "shared accountability", etc. are BIG buzz words right now. Employers are making it very clear that employees using company owned services and products for personal use will be dealt with sternly. No pens, no scrubs, no phone calls, no internet use, no forks from the cafeteria for a lab party, no FedEx deliveries to the dock for personal items, etc. I guess to them multiplying this X1500 staff that might also do this adds to the high cost of health care. I tend to believe it has more to do with those at the top skimming off than peons like me, but that's another story.
Same story with hubby that works in State Government. 2200 staff on 11 floors, no way the mail room is to be responsible for delivering personal items to employees on State time. Since Sept 11th, the fewer packages they have to handle the better.
FedEx may be fine for those of you who are self employed or work at a small firm where the guy walks in and hands you a package. Those of us that work at larger facilites or factories have employers who view this activity as "theft" since we take the time of one of their employees to log in, process and deliver personal items.
I feel those of you who are jumping on the FedEx bandwagon need to be sensitive to the fact that their delivery practices are not always compatible to the 9-5 working stiff. They are first and foremost a business shipper. Not everyone has a neighbor who's home everyday, an employer who allows personal deliveries, or has a FedEx pickup office anywhere near their home.
posted on July 17, 2002 11:18:17 PM
You're not very familiar with Fedex Ground Residential Delivery. They do offer delivery until 8pm, and you can choose a specific date when you will be home.
