posted on April 21, 2007 12:17:04 PM new
We have probably had a thread similar to this in the past but with the new postage rates coming up maybe we could have some input from experienced users. I have been using priority mail but am shipping china so have to find a better way to save the buyer shipping charges. Would like to hear your preferences and why you chose a certain carrier. thanks a lot. neva
posted on April 21, 2007 02:34:18 PM new
I'm not a large shipper. Anything under 3 lbs. goes priority. And sometimes depending on zone, heavier items go priority too. I've been known to ship priority of larger fragile heavier items if they're expensive -- less handling, faster delivery. I believe in 10 years, I've lost one package and had two items broken overall -- both were my fault for overpacking.
I'm a big user of flat rate boxes. Even with the increase, they're a good buy for many-zones-across shipping.
I've been using FedEx direct bill for a few years -- do my eBay shipping and printing of FedEx labels through ShipRush, free to use. It connects directly to eBay, and retrieves all info from my listings including buyers' email. Haven't had any losses or claims on anything I shipped; one claim from something wrapped by seller where I used my FedEx account for a pickup was settled immediately with check to me. I find them much more competitive than UPS.
DHL can be less expensive, especially for larger packages, but somehow the quote I get is always a few dollars under what my bill really is. That's disconcerting, but I've used them to save a good bit a few times (I ship chandeliers and other oversize items now and then).
I am fortunate to have a shipping center that is also a satellite post office virtually next door. I can drop off UPS, Fedex and DHL with minimal travel and add anything the mailman didn't get (mine picks up everything if I remember to request it). That really cuts down on overhead since I really don't travel. That may be a consideration for you, or depending on how much you ship, figure pickup service on daily or occasional or weekly basis.
I find all carriers dependable -- and I don't know that there's much difference in handling. Items received and poorly packed suffered as much from parcel post, UPS, FedEx and DHL.
posted on April 21, 2007 02:55:38 PM new
All of the competitors will raise there prices to be as much or close to USPS. They are not stupid !!!! Just a matter of time.
posted on April 21, 2007 03:09:41 PM new
You bet!
USPS is the lowest cost probider,if it raises rates,you bet the others will too.
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Lets all stop whining !
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[ edited by hwahwa on Apr 21, 2007 03:40 PM ]
posted on April 23, 2007 02:04:30 AM new
I use DHL Ground for larger items and USPS for smaller one.
I find that many people don't like DHL but I have found them to be pretty good. They pick up for $3.00 a package and they have not raised that fee since I have been using them - for over 5 years. Their other rates are cheaper than UPS or FedEx and they are the only ones who pick up for ground - I think.
I've had a few mishaps but they all ended up OK.
