posted on June 11, 2002 01:06:19 PM new
The USPS rate hikes have priced us out of their range and we have had one heck of a time figuring out what the other guys ACTUALLY charge. We have been wading through a quagmire of answers via the phone and internet sites; "there's a charge $1.10 for pick-up and delivery to a residence" "no, there's no charge"
None of these people know what they are selling, argggggggggggggggggggggg!
So, we would like to know from those like oursleves, which service is the least expensive, easy, and reliable. Here's a brief synopsis of our scenario.
- 50 pkgs a week ave. 4-5 lbs/pkg
- A business located in a Residence in NH
- Most of our packages are shipped to the West coast or Texas (zone 8) and are sent to residences
We are at our wits end trying to get answers, is there anyone out there that can help??
posted on June 11, 2002 01:25:14 PM new
I use Fedex on anything over 3 pounds. It is the cheapest method, best value (with tracking and insurance included) and reliable service (Ground 3-5 days). Only downfall is I have to drive further to get there than the PO but I make my errands on the way and back so it is worthwhile.
posted on June 11, 2002 02:40:49 PM new
As long as USPS gives me freee boxes, tape & mailing labels, I'll stick with them. Most of my shipments are less than 5 lbs. If I have a heavy shipment say over 10 lbs., then I ship with FedEx GRound. I ship a lot of china to Replacements Ltd. & am set up with FedEx for pickup. They will give you a zone chart relating to your zip code & you can easily figure out what the charges is. As far as I know they still charge $1.10 for home delivery. I don't see any problem with the new rates from the PO. Isn't the buyer paying the bill? I know there will be some grumbling, but hey, We didn't set the rate. USPS did & we all have to live with it. I think that all of us will find out that the buyers will accept it.
[ edited by sanmar on Jun 11, 2002 02:44 PM ]
posted on June 11, 2002 04:21:37 PM new
Those are mighty expensive "free" boxes you get from USPS! You can get "free" boxes from Fedex and UPS too and save a lot more money on shipping.
posted on June 11, 2002 04:37:29 PM new
I don't think you get free boxes from UPS you do get envelopes and lables and supplies but no tape. All my packages are under 2 lbs. for the most part. anything over I use UPS or fed X
posted on June 11, 2002 10:15:52 PM new
Will somone please enlighten me as to what the problem is? I have been selling on Ebay for over 4 years & this is not the first rate increase on shipping. UPS & FedEx raise their rates every Feb. 1st. Anywhere from 10 to 15 per cent. So many are getting bent out of shape, for what? Are you paying the shipping costs, I don't think so. Remember, it is going to affect everyone the same. Learn to live with it. How many of you can remember when postage on a letter was 3 cents? Well, I can, & now it is going to be 37 cents & the world will still keep on going.
posted on June 12, 2002 06:44:48 AM new
The problem is that effecive July 1, the rates for us and our shipping pattern WILL BE doubled. Remember, the previous USPS increase was maybe a 5-10% increase ($3.20 base rate jumped to a $3.95, with no zones). Sure the buyer pays for s/h, but how much are they willing to pay? I would love to just pass along the rate hike to the buyers, but I know that we will lose business. The idea is to stay competative and stay in business. Why don't you, sanmar enlighten us on how you would stay competative with a 100% shipping rate increase?
posted on June 12, 2002 07:28:43 AM new
Even though buyers are the ones that pay for the postage increases, sellers also pay whether you realize it or not. When rate increases go up, watch the total winning bid amounts decrease. Buyers will take into consideration how much the cost is to ship and then calculate how much they want their total bid to be. So it does effect sellers also, even though buyers pay the shipping.
posted on June 12, 2002 07:32:01 AM new
As I stated before, we are all going to get the same increase. You may have a brief slowdown, but having been in business for 45 years, I know that your buyers will come back. If you have what people want, they will buy it. The old adage, "Build a better mousetrap & they will come" is going to prevail. One of the remarks made was that the Priority Mail boxes will be very expensive doesn't ring true. They are still free to me & I will continuue to use Priority Mail as my #1 choice. I will have to change my TOS to start billing shipping by Zip Code. Thats ok with me, I am not a power seller & never intend to be.
posted on June 12, 2002 09:03:17 AM new
"One of the remarks made was that the Priority Mail boxes will be very expensive doesn't ring true. They are still free to me & I will continuue to use Priority Mail as my #1 choice."
I said Priority Mail boxes ARE expensive. If you send something Priority Mail for $8.00 and I send the same item Fedex for $5 your customer is paying $3 for that "free" box from USPS. Besides, like I said, you can pick up "free" boxes from Fedex and UPS too so I see no reason why anyone would stick with USPS.
