posted on September 25, 2002 05:30:32 AM
I have not tried Fed-ex yet because there isn't a station near me. I've used UPS for the last 14 breakable items that I've shipped out - 6 arrived with damage. These are ceramic Tiki mugs wrapped in foam, then 2 layers of 1/2" bubble wrap, cusioned with peanuts or paper, then I line the box with 1" of styrofoam to keep it secure. I really don't think it's my packaging job, and I'm seriously either thinking of changing what I sell or changing carriers. I filed all the insurance forms, and replaced the broken items (Usually only one broke in the shipment, sometimes 2). So far I haven't received one refund (it's been 2 weeks in one case).
For those of you who use Fed-ex:
Do you have many insurance claims?
Do they ship ground to Alaska and Hawaii?
Do you find them to be faster on claims?
I like UPS because I can print up the label at home and they have a pick-up at my husbands work so it makes life very easy, but these insurance claims are too much!
posted on September 25, 2002 05:32:19 AM
Just to add - I do ship USPS if I only ship 1 or 2, but if they buy 4 or more I offer free shipping, and priority or parcel post is too expensive to use.
posted on September 25, 2002 07:00:08 AM
I have used Fedex Ground the last few time and have had good success with it. You can use thier online site, which once you are all set up allows you to print your shipping label(on regular paper) to place in the little pouch you stick on the box.
One thing I ran into when I looked at my debit statement (they require you use a credit card/check card to sign up on line) was that I had been wacked with 3 $11 charges for pickups that didn't happen. I always drop off the boxes on the way to work. When I called on it it was easy enough to fix but a temporary pain for my checking account. I would call them BEFORE you ship the first time and have them note your account if you'll be dropping the items off yourself.
The rates were excellent-I was shipping heavy items and do damages reported-free insurance too! Good luck.
posted on September 25, 2002 09:59:09 AM
I deal mainly in china, pottery, etc. I have used both over the past 10 yrs. I had so much trouble with UPS Re: breakage, that started using RPS which is now FedEx Ground. I have almost no breakage & They pay claims within 15 days of filing, (I file by fax which saves a week) Their claims office is in Pittsburgh, I'm in CA. They do ship ground to both HA & Alaska, but the fees are atrocious. From CA or any of the mainland states, 1 lb. is $12.33!!! What I don't understand is if you live in either, you can ship 1 lb. back to mainland for $5.50. Also if a pkg is going to rural hawaii there is an additional $15.00 charge. Also in Alaska, pkgs. from 1 to 70 lbs. going to or originated from rural Alaska will incur a $15.00 charge. Pkgs exceeding 70 lbs, will incur a fee of $100.00. These are quotes from FedEx Ground
Rate Book dated 1/7/2002. By the way I have a direct acct with FedEx, & have the problem of the pick up charge, but because I get billed before I pay, it is easy forme to get this taken care of. FedEx is is usually by business that are on a daily pick up. They assume that it is a pick up. When I have heavy boxesi call & schedule a pick up. This costs me $7.00 not $11,oo as I am a direct account. But its worth it to me. I have 5 boxes each weighing between 35 & 50 lbs. going out today. No way am I going to take these to the drop off center.
[ edited by sanmar on Sep 25, 2002 10:07 AM ]
