posted on October 16, 2002 09:54:30 AM new
The term "Egg Suckers" originated many years ago when hunting dogs reverted to sucking eggs rather than doing what they were bred to do which was to hunt. These were dogs that were about useless. The next worst kind of dog to own was a "biscuit eater". This kind of dog didn't even bother to go outside but sat around waiting for the master to feed him biscuits. Also not much good for his roll in life as a hunter.
This week I received a returned package back from the UK. Originally after telling the clerk I believed he handed me the wrong forms and the USPS web site gave me a cost of $24.85 for shipment he bruskly told me I was wrong. So Friday after 10 days in process I get the package back which requires I pay an additional $7.50 plus change the customs form to another larger form.
I see, time after time, on this board of people who use USPS and have no problems and I have nothing but continual problems. What is wrong with these Postal people? They are either so slow it becomes agrevating, too brusk to understand what they are talking about or endless amounts of paperwork and indications that the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. With the price increase they are more expensive than UPS. I won't use them for anything but a PO Box address or overseas shipments. The best Post Office screw up was when they returned a package shipped to Canada via a broker and they charged me $45. that was billed to my business two months later.
I think I need to stop Ebay purchases that are to PO boxes or overseas. I would really like to hear from some of you that are not in love with the post office so that I know the ulcer I'm working on is not in vain. <G>
posted on October 16, 2002 01:24:11 PM new
I dont ship outside the US anymore but when I did - I always looked up the required forms and postage cost on the USPS site first then took it to the PO ready to go. Some of the counter help are not experienced in overseas shipping requirements.
posted on October 16, 2002 06:04:31 PM newThe best Post Office screw up was when they returned a package shipped to Canada via a broker and they charged me $45.
You were charged because you wanted the item returned if undeliverable. It states on the form you are responcible for return postage.
The best thing is to insure package, then mark you don't want it returned, then if the buyer says he never got it you can turn it in for insurance!
[ edited by dadofstickboy on Oct 16, 2002 06:05 PM ]
posted on October 16, 2002 07:29:47 PM new
dadofstickboy
Yes I understand that I have the option to let Canada Customs keep my shipment however I sell art work ranging from $50 to $500. I never would expect someone to pay in advance for a package and then not except delivery, but it happened and the buyer never contacted me so it was not a total loss but I don't like the idea of a broker getting a cut of the action for nothing.
posted on October 17, 2002 08:44:02 AM new
I encounter posties who are ignorant of the procedures once in a while. The problem is not that they are federal workers, especially since the post office has been privatized. In fact, they are better trained than most WalMart, KMart or McDonalds workers. Then again they have far more rules and regulations to keep up with which are changing all the time.
As a seller, I consider it part of my job to stay current on postal procedures, and I have been known to ask the postie to call the manager when we disagree. They hate that, especially since I am always right.
I sell internationally, it is 10% of my sales, and while a little more complex than a domestic sale, it is worth the effort.
My items average $20 each but if I were selling $50 or $100 items, I would redouble my efforts to know the rules. Discussion groups like this, and the community shipping board on ebay itself can be a big help.
[ edited by litlux on Oct 17, 2002 08:48 AM ]
posted on October 18, 2002 03:28:21 AM new
As someone who does a good portion of international business without any problems the best recommendation is know what paperwork you need.
Real simple for PO shipments.
Under 4 lbs: small customs form
Over 4 lbs: Large customs form
Include the forms on EVERY international shipment & anything going to an APO address.
They say it is not required on packages under 1 lb but they returned one a while back.
If you get PM boxes delivered you can get them to send you the forms as well.
