posted on September 13, 2000 05:40:17 PM new
Hi everyone,
Since there appears to be a high level of traffic right now I thought I would pop in and see if anyone had any questions about our services or your account.
For those of you that do not know, we offer package insurance at significantly lower rates than the PO, Fed-Ex, UPS or any other carrier. We do insure International shipments as well as insure shipments originating either from USA or Canada (we consider Canada domestic). Claims are paid within 5-10 days. EOA notices are fine for proof of value and we do remit for your s/h/i. We have been selling this same insurance for over 11 years.
Please feel free to post and I would be happy to assist you.
Hope you have a great week
[email protected]
1-888-955-0440
[ edited by upic on Sep 13, 2000 08:02 PM ]
[ edited by upic on Sep 13, 2000 08:03 PM ]
posted on September 13, 2000 05:56:31 PM new
Well dang, don't know if I want to use a service that can't even spell it....
Better use your word processor and use the spell check option, then cut and paste, you look a lot more "purfesonul" when there aren't typos in your messages
posted on September 13, 2000 07:10:04 PM new
Gee whiz, this PayPal thing has apparently made some people quite cranky. U-Pic is one of AW's Partner Services, and I think they are allowed to post an occasional message explaining their services. Nope, I don't work for them. Just one of their happy customers. Candi and U-Pic are very easy to deal with and always give straight-ahead information. Time to go hide from the howling crowd, I think.
posted on September 13, 2000 08:11:09 PM new
Good evening everyone,
Yes, my error and I apologize. I had two typos in the original message - need to slow down!
We are a partner of AuctionWatch and provide a valuable service. Just as PayPal Damon starts threads to introduce himself, ask a question, etc., I believe I am not violating any spam issues.
I came here as a representative willing to answer some questions if anyone had any. In no way was I attempting to irritate anyone and if I have, I apologize.
If this type of Q and A session is not something that you would like to see here in Partner Services from one of the AuctionWatch partners, let me know.
If the opinion is that it is not welcome I will be happy to refrain from posting unless directly requested to do so.
Thank you BirdWatcher for the kind comments I hope all is well for you and your business!
posted on September 13, 2000 08:58:13 PM new
Hi Candi, Nice to see you here. Come on in
and join anytime. We are very pleased
with U-Pic--has been a great service for us.
posted on September 13, 2000 09:07:56 PM new
Same here! Couldn't be happier. A class operation with outstanding customer service.
Candi has helped me via email on more than one occasion (and at all hours, I should add!), and dealings with other office staff have also been great.
posted on September 13, 2000 10:04:05 PM newupic...If that is the case, then my apology...You must admit tho, that the timimg was certainely very much like a case of "The King is dead! Long live the King!"...
********************
Shosh http://www.oldandsold.com/cgi-bin/auction.cgi?justdisp&Rifkah
posted on September 13, 2000 11:06:03 PM new
Shosh,
Thank you Your apology is appreciated, however not needed. Considering the mood of the majority of posters in here this was probably not the best time to try to do this. (Of course that did not dawn on me until after!)
I truly did not come here to offend. I just originally thought this would be a good time to do this as more posters have visited this forum in the last 24 hours than ever before!
But I started it now and would be happy to answer any questions or concerns anyone has.
posted on September 14, 2000 01:06:42 PM new
Hi Candi, I have a couple of questions.
Is a package sent to an APO address domestic or international?
What would happen if I accidentally put the wrong amount of stamps on my log sheet? For example, if I put 40c in stamps on my sheet, but I should have put 45c on it because it was an international package would the coverage be pro-rated or would I have no coverage?
posted on September 14, 2000 01:19:20 PM new
Hi BKMUNROE,
Thank you for your questions. Following are the answers:
#1 - Wherever you are addressing the item to is how you determine International versus domestic. If the package is clearing through NY and then going to a ship or base - your address is NY so the package is domestic. However; if the package is addressed to a foreign base with a foreign address it will be considered International.
#2 - We have an audit department that audits all logs submitted. An amount error should be caught at that time. They would simply inform you and request that you include the difference in your next submission. You will still be covered in full for the item as long as it was on your original log and submitted on time postmarked by the 10 of each month.
I hope these answers will assist you. Have a great day!
posted on September 14, 2000 01:26:00 PM new
Thank god for postmarks! I find I've managed to make it on time in the past, but if it wasn't for the last minute, I'd never get anything done at all!
Has anyone found a faster, easier way of keeping these records?
Candi -- I enter all my auctions into a database every month. What if I pulled a spreadsheet each month with the date/auction number/amount insured for/ etc. and sent that in. Could that take that place of your tally sheets? I'd have to rearrange my database forms a bit, but it would be easier to enter the data once, and just pull out the data I need in queries.
Thanks,
El
"The customer may not always be right, but she is always the customer."
posted on September 14, 2000 05:46:24 PM new
Eleanordew,
How are you doing? Thank you for the question.
You may use any format you wish. I have prepared spreadsheets in Excel or Word if you have either of those programs or use any spreadsheet program you have to create your own. As long as the information is what we need, whatever method is more convenient for you is how you should do it.
In addition, if you have an auction program that provides you with a month end report and you can circle or show which you wanted insured, you can send to me in an e-mail and I will calculate the payment due and send you and invoice.
Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
posted on September 14, 2000 06:37:55 PM new
Viiastra,
Thank you for the question.
We do not charge any monthly fees nor do our U-PIC account holders have fees per transaction. Our on line program for non U-PIC account members does charge a .50 fee per transaction.
I thought I would highlight the program and then if you have specific questions that I could address we can go from there.
*No fees for any of the U-PIC accounts if you have submitted your application and been approved.
*Rates are 50-87% lower than any carriers rates. For example, our Post Office rate is only .40 cents per $100 versus .85 cents a $50 and $1.65 at $100.
*We do insure International shipments as well as consider Canada domestic. We are authorized to insure packages sent from either Canada or USA origins.
*We do insure small package International.
*We do accept EOA notices as proof of value and we will remit your s/h/i should you have a claim.
We have been the leading provider of this type of insurance for 11 years.
Please feel free to post any specific questions you may have or e-mail/telephone me direct.
posted on September 14, 2000 07:14:14 PM new
labrat4gmos:
I'm a happy U-Pic customer, and have been for about 4 months. It's cheaper, it's easier, and they're much nicer than the post office! Although Candi generally keeps a fairly low profile, she definitely is lurking on these boards and never takes long to respond to questions. She's also quick with the email.
I will add that I have 2 claims pending (in 2 years i never had a usps claim, and now this!) The claims process so far has been very easy, but I think it's only fair to be up front about the fact that my rates may go up. Candi can better explain how that works. Of course I don't want my rates to climb, but if they should, U-Pic will continue to be better than the P.O. insurance.
Because of a bone-head mistake on my part I needed some assistance from U-Pic regarding a past log I had sent in. They were very quick and more than pleased to help me over the phone.
posted on September 14, 2000 08:04:04 PM new
Very happy U-Pic customer here. The service has saved me tons of time at the post office! And when postal insurance rates go up next year, U-Pic will look even more attractive! Yes, you do need to be aware that if you submit claims, your premiums might increase. It depends on the amount of the claims versus the amount of premiums you pay. Candi can explain better.
posted on September 15, 2000 03:33:56 PM new
Candi,
Sorry to be a dunder head, but I ship about 25-35 packages per week-values from $15 - $200. Most go by USPS priority, some by UPS, most go within the states, some to Canada. What I gather is that Canada and the US cost the same. Do you mind giving me the answer to some hypotheticals ?
US destination, value $50 Priortiy mail and UPS - how much including any extra fees ?
Us Destination, value $150-same scenario and question.
Now I think I would have to go to your web site and pay there, does that mean I fill out addresses and such for every package seperately, or is there some type of form.
What info goes on the form ? The demo doesn't tkae you that far, so I didn't see what I would be required to do.
What type of receipt does upic supply me-for my tax records? invoice or what ?
Thanks - I've read through your site and FAQ, but it doesn't stand out to me, all these, if this go here and then you have gone through 4 pages and can't remember where you were etc.
posted on September 15, 2000 11:56:45 PM new
Good evening everyone. I hope you are all having a good start to your weekend!
Viaastra,
Thank you for the questions. Following are the answers:
Rates Requested:
Scenario #1:
Shipping UPS, declared value of $50, your rate would be .15 cents. In addition, say you were shipping USPS with the value of $50, your rate would be .40 cents.
Scenario #2:
Shipping UPS, declared value of $150, your rate would be .30 cents. In addition, say you were shipping USPS with the value of $150, your rate would be .80 cents.
I am assuming you would be a regular U-PIC customer and not using the on line or prepaid account.
If you have an account with us you do not key in purchases on line. Our on line purchasing system works well for those whose values exceed $50, those that have less than 10 transactions a month or those that feel the .50 fee for on line use costs less than their time going to the PO as with the on line fee the rates for $50 and under values does exceed the PO rate. Although in January with the PO increases our entire on line program with the .50 fee per transaction will be less than the PO for any value.
Our rates are per the $100, we do not break at $50.
For U-PIC account holders you do not have to acquire the telephone # of the buyer. That is solely for users (with histories and personal information unknown to us) that purchase on line with the method of USPS without the use of DC. For those situations there is no traceability of the package so our underwriter does require the recipient's telephone #.
Have a great weekend I will be around Saturday evening and off and on Sunday should you have any more questions. I hope I have properly addressed the questions you posed.
posted on September 16, 2000 08:31:42 PM new
Hi Candi...
Question?? Items of $100 or less are automatically covered by UPS at no extra charge. Why would someone purchase insurance from UPIC for an item shipped UPS worth less than $100? Just curious...
posted on September 16, 2000 09:48:48 PM new
Packer,
You are correct. I was assuming the value I was given was the amount that would be insured through us.
Viaastra,
Let me clarify. We do not charge for the UPS or Fed-Ex first $100 nor do we cover it. You handle the first $100 with the carrier if it is UPS or Fed-Ex and then insure and pay for the remaining with us.
Let me go back to your original question taking the other route that the amount you stated is the full amount of the item.
#1 - UPS $50
We would not be involved as the $50 would be paid for and covered by UPS.
#2 - UPS $150
Your rate would be .15 cents and we would only be handling the additional $50 above the first $100.
I am sorry about that and thank you to Packer. I was making an assumption and I should not done so without first clarifying.
posted on September 17, 2000 06:00:37 AM new
Yes, that does clarify it some, since one of the things I wanted to know is if I could insure items going UPS without using the UPS insurance.
Another question, keeping in mind the values of what I ship. At what point does the number of insured packages with Upic make more sense to switch over from the web based payment to having an account.
Also, you skipped my question regarding what type of records upic supplies to me. Especially if I use the web based system-which at this point I would be more inclined to do.
posted on September 18, 2000 01:00:01 PM new
Hi Viaastra,
Our on line program provides you with a confirmation # and you can print out the authorization sheet noting the shipment's approval.
Our standard programs are all handled by you logging your shipments and submitting. We do not furnish you with any monthly report or form. You submit your log and remit payment monthly.
The difference from our on line to our standard programs is our rates and the on line requirement for a recipient's telephone # if you send with USPS and do not use DC. We have people shipping using our on line program for anywhere from 1 to 50 packages a month.
Our pre-paid off line stamp program is for low volume sellers sending out 125 packages or less each month. This is a pre-paid, fully refundable program.
Our standard off line program is for those who consistently average over 125 packages per month.
posted on September 18, 2000 03:08:46 PM new
candi two questions...
1) how long does it take to set up acct with you guys.
2) if a person gets a great deal from me (suppose ebay goes down) and the real market value or fair market value on ebay is WAY more than item sold for... do you have a process in place where proof of value can be submitted if it is different than the end of auction notice???
posted on September 19, 2000 07:14:03 AM new
Alrad
1) how long does it take to set up acct with you guys.
> Application on line takes 2-3 minutes. We can approve you the same day. From application to start can also be the same day. To apply, click on www.u-pic.com, click on RTP button on top of home page. The application will appear.
2) if a person gets a great deal from me (suppose ebay goes down) and the real market value or fair market value on ebay is WAY more than item sold for... do you have a process in place where proof of value can be submitted if it is different than the end of auction notice???
>Proof of value can either be EOA notice, invoice or appraisal.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can assist you with. Thank you for the questions.
posted on September 19, 2000 09:49:19 AM new
"2) if a person gets a great deal from me (suppose ebay goes down) and the real market value or fair market value on ebay is WAY more than item sold for... do you have a process in place where proof of value can be submitted if it is different than the end of auction notice???
>Proof of value can either be EOA notice, invoice or appraisal."
Candi -
I love reading these posts here because you can learn so much you never thought about. In the above answer you gave, and please correct me if I'm wrong, I think you left out an important point...Wouldn't the package also have to have been insured for the "different value" amount for it to be covered for that amount?
posted on September 26, 2000 10:36:25 AM new
Auctionee,
I hope you are having a great day!
You bring up a great point. When logging your package and declaring value you do need to make sure what you declare on your log matches your claim, should you have one, as you will only be paid what you logged for.
In this case though you would be logging when the auction has completed and you are shipping out your package so you will have the information needed to determine the value as the auction will have already ended.
I hope this addressed the question at hand. Thank you auctionee for bringing up a great point.
If anyone has any further questions, please feel free to post or e-mail me direct.
To get started simply go to our site at www.u-pic.com and click on the RTP button at the top. You will be taken to a 2-3 minute application. We can get you started the same day you apply.
