posted on August 3, 2008 08:51:02 PM new
give Fed Ex options for shipping? I absolutely despise UPS, and the USPS rates are so high (when you factor in dimensions for larger than a standard Priority Box)that it is absurd.
posted on August 4, 2008 05:02:49 AM new
I, too, wish they offered FedEx options...UPS is much less convenient for me to drop off. The only encounter I had with them was a horrible experience (canadian shipment, 2 year old in tow). I don't think I send enough ground to justify paying for them to pick up. Fortunately, I can drop off FedEx around the corner on the way to the PO.
My account rep at FedEX suggested Zfirm.com which can integrate your ebay info to fedex shipping plus I believe you get a discount (I think she said 20%) on fedex shipping charges. I haven't used it yet, but am planning to look into it soon. Anyone else hear of zfirm ?
posted on August 4, 2008 06:02:21 AM new
I used Shiprush from zfirm for about two years, worked great. Simply listed UPS as option, and made sure buyers were OK with FedEx instead.
But even with the new discounted FedEx rates, UPS with their PP discounts beats FedEx by about $1.50 minimum per shipment for me at least. My drop off takes everything, but I rarely use DHL, which always ended up at more than quoted. Sometimes a lot more.
posted on August 4, 2008 06:17:54 AM new
I use DHL on larger items as well and if you list with Vendio they give that option but no calculator.
Due to the new shipping rules - I've started using the USPS parcel post calculator but stating that I will may ship the item DHL instead. DHL normally comes out about the same or a little less and they pick up at my door.
posted on August 4, 2008 07:41:33 AM new
UPS= United Piece of Sh@#.
Story #1: (8 years ago) Shipped an expensive acoustic guitar to a buyer in CT during winter. The guitar was in a HARD SHELL case, and was also in a box with 3-6 inches of additional padding on all sides. The guitar was tuned down. Value over $1000. Requested Signature.
UPS damaged the box in transit, so packing peanuts were falling out. UPS left it on the front porch of the buyers house in early February when it was below 20 degrees. The guitar sat there all day long. Cracked the bridge. Bidder was very pleasant, really wanted the guitar. We filed a claim with UPS. UPS shipped it all the way back to me and had an inspector come out who knew absolutely nothing other than how to rubber stamp "DENIED" on the claim. They denied it was their fault, citing it was packed improperly. WRONG! It was technically double boxed with an outer cardboard box and an inner hard shell plastic case with velvet lining. I appealed, DENIED again. I requested a 3rd Party Arbitrator, who agreed that it was UPS fault for leaving a package in the bitter cold of winter on the steps, without a signature. UPS was forced to fix the guitar. When I took it in, the repair cost was only $35, but it was the principle of the matter.
Story #2: A customer at our store purchased a conference table from us. He used his UPS Freight account to ship it from Portland to LA b/c they offered him a 50% discount for the first time using their system. He paid someone to take it to a packing company that handled UPS freight. They packed it, UPS picked it up from their location and delivered it to the guy's home, rather than his office as it was requested on the shipping bill. He received the table, then received the bill for the full amount (though they offered a 50% discount). When he refused to pay the full amount, and sent them a letter stating why, they tried to come after me to pay for it, though I had absolutely nothing to do with the transportation. One whole year of receiving a monthly bill from UPS for over $300.
Story #3: UPS bought out MailBoxes, Etc several years ago. When they bought the chain, the franchisee's had absolutely no clue it had happened until after the fact. Mailboxes, Etc used to handle Fed Ex, DHL, USPS, etc. Suddenly, those small business owners that bought franchises of Mailboxes, Etc were forced only to handle UPS, losing out on alot of money. UPS refused to handle other shippers packages, and other shippers refused to deliver and pick up from UPS Stores. It was the small business owner who got stomped on b/c of it.
So, when UPS promotes "going Brown" I can't help but laugh, because I know exactly what UPS means.
I've never had a problem with Fed Ex, though I've never had to file a claim b/c they handle my packages properly. When I have had a bump in the road, they have always managed to fix it, offering me credit on my account, etc. Their sales person has given me great discounts too.
I tried DHL for about 6 months, had to file one claim, and they cut a check within a week. No questions asked. I love DHL over Fed Ex/UPS, but their drop locations are horrible. The closest place will only accept 3 packages a day, or 1 large package. Fed Ex is right across the street from our store, and another one just a mile from our home.
posted on August 4, 2008 06:47:56 PM new
I got a phone call the other day from Ebay offering discounted shipping fees via UPS, not the USPO. I listened and then forgot about the phone call.
