posted on April 15, 2005 09:07:43 AM new
I've been using USPS to ship all my packages for the past year, but am thinking about switching to UPS (I would go with FedEx, but I think my buyers are happier when they have a shipping calculator as opposed to a fixed rate- they don't think they're getting ripped off this way. Vendio says there's no FedEx calculator in sight...I guess FedEx isn't cooperating). I've been told that UPS can't compete with USPS rates until packages are about 4 lbs., but mine are up to this weight now.
As it is now, the USPS picks up all my packages at my door. This works out fine when my regular carrier picks them up, but if it's his day off, the other carriers tend to grumble. It seems that UPS is more prepared to deal with high volume shippers, and I like the idea that UPS has an automatic $100 insurance coverage on every package (this could save me some money, since I purchase insurance for most of my items). Has anyone had any experience with UPS insurance claims? Are they good about paying out? Also, is there a way to hide the actual shipping cost when you use UPS, so it doesn't show up on the labels (therefore eliminating the whining you hear from buyers who don't want to pay for the box?). Is UPS's on-line interface for printing labels good? Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
posted on April 15, 2005 12:44:09 PM new
I have a direct account with FedEx & use them for everything over 4 lbs. I flat rate everything. Only on very lightweight items do I vary, then I will just charge the $3.85 for Priority Mail. I print my own postage through PayPal, there is no $ amount showing. I am not giving away my time & material to ship for the actual cost of postage. Non of the mail order places do, why should we?
Life Is Too Short To Drink Bad Wine
[ edited by sanmar on Apr 15, 2005 12:45 PM ]
posted on April 15, 2005 01:18:06 PM new
I agree. I am sick of people whining about the handling charges...And sometimes all they cover is the cost of my packaging!
Unfortunately, since I ship pretty heavy items sometimes, a flat rate just doesn't work as well for me: some packages will cost only $8 to send to a nearby city on the west coast, while they'll be $18 to send to New York. I like to be able to attract bidders with the lowest rate I can offer them- thereby necessitating a shipping calculator, that can display a range of shipping charges.
