UPS Charges

mark · #1 11-05-2007, 08:27 PM

My last dealing with UPS was over some filters for the fridge. I confirmed from the supplier both by phone and e-mail they would ship via USPS (and not UPS). Ordered the $80 worth of filters prepaid and what happens, UPS delivered when I wasn't home and wife unknowingly accepted and signed the UPS bill for ~$36.00!

Since if I would have returned the product, UPS would still have my money (and I would have to pay for shipping back) I freaked on the supplier. They ended up putting $36.00 USD on my credit card.

Buddy I have is a e-Bay junkie and he gets Purolator to ship from the US. Last thing he bought was a reconditioned Olympus camera from the manufacturer for $150. Total cost included shipping was $165.00 from back east in the States to Edmonton.

fencer · #2 11-05-2007, 08:42 PM

Many suppliers are reluctant to use USPS. Bigger ones because of volume and smaller ones, sometimes I think some are too lazy to ship USPS...they would rather have UPS go door to door. I think I would not be doing business with them if they didn't offer that option.

Delphinus · #3 11-05-2007, 08:46 PM

Actually, I suspect that some suppliers have contractual obligations to use certain carries (like UPS) in exchange for preferential rates. In those cases they are obliged to not offer any shipping options from competitors.

fencer · #4 11-05-2007, 08:55 PM

Yes that is correct. But sometimes the savings are not passed on to the consumer and savings are quite often hidden in the "shipping and handling charge" which go back to the retailer as extra profit. Note on the other side of the coin, I think some of the US retailers can charge 5 bucks shipping O/N in the US because of the volume they do. You will never see that here though. What happened to NAFTA. I am not knocking the courier services but maybe they should be a little more up front.

banditpowdercoat · #5 11-05-2007, 09:12 PM

It's legalized Extortion, thats what it is. I often have t ship things Via UPS. I get large items that USPS and Purolater wont touch. It chaps my arse the brokerage crap. The Post office charges a brokerage, but it's only $5. UPS is almost $50% of what the stated US value is. So, if you can get the shipper to state a lesser value, you will pay less brokerage. Stores wont do this, but alot of Ebayers will, if you ask, and expaine the 'cash grab' thing to them.

I just reciently got my Brokerage number with UPS, through my buisness, but have not had anyhting shipoped as of yet to see what the acctuall outcome would be.