USPS NEVER AGAIN

[RockinResin]

Hi,

I have had two bad experiences in the last month and I am pretty upset.

Package 1
Sent about three weeks ago. Missing Mail claim filed. No one even had the decency to get back to me via email. Tracking is HORRIBLE!!! Package was coming back to me and now is apparently going back to the addressee in CA. A complete “nightmare”. EBay customer is real cool though. Just glad I got the extra insurance. Lord only knows how long it would take to get that.

Package 2
A real swell Clubhouse member sends me two packages at the very same time at the same post office Priority. One arrives on time and the other is in limbo somewhere. Again, tracking tells me nothing. Just that it is on its way.

Bottom line: I will certainly spend the extra money for the very dependable UPS or FEDEX mailing system. I have learned a very valuable lesson.

Sal

[Heavy Metal Spike]

. . . the very dependable UPS or FEDEX . . .

We'll have to agree to disagree on that one Sal

The only issues I've ever had with USPS have been International insurance claims (still have one of those I'm chasing from last July) - tracking has always been real easy with them.


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[RockinResin]

Insurance claim from last July? WHAT?? I hope it wasn’t for a cut and dry lost package.

UPS and FEDEX have a superb record for dependability and their tracking is professionally precise. I usually stay away because of pricing but now I will spend for “Guaranteed” 2 day or even overnight. Well worth it for the piece of mind alone, especially for items of the collectible nature.

I probably wouldn’t have minded if it was just one rare occasion but two in one month just doesn’t sit well with me.

Thanks,
Sal

[Heavy Metal Spike]

Insurance claim from last July? WHAT?? I hope it wasn’t for a cut and dry lost package . . .

Claim for damage on some of the buildups I bought from John Petik's (raydrz) estate sales. It's only $120 USD, but it's the principle.

It's mostly the fault of the Auctioneers (Matthew Bullock Auctioneers) who are refusing to follow-up when the USPS give them excuses and try to wriggle out of responsibility.

I've had a couple of USPS claims go that way over the years - it's all down to how honest the shipper is (some folks have more honour than others).


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[RockinResin]

If I have learned anything in life it’s “Persistance, Persistance, Persistance”.

Most of my experiences have been positive with the USPS but when you screw up back to back then I find that inexcusable.

Thanks for your input Heavy Metal Spike. I’m just a bit frustrated.

Sal

[Heavy Metal Spike]

I hear you.

Fingers crossed it all works out for you Sal.


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[tay666]

UPS and FEDEX have a superb record for dependability and their tracking is professionally precise.

Not in my experience.

[drhall762]

I have had problems with all of them at one time or another. Currently, in my area, USPS and UPS are pretty dependable. FEDEX likes to deliver my packages two houses down.

[RockinResin]

Hey Dave. At least Fedex gets it to your block. LOL. My package has taken two treks across the US. Not even sure if Boris Karloff has done that in his lifetime. I can tell you that a collectible model of him has (or is).

Sal

[Todd P.]

I've been having nutty problems with USPS for about six months now, especially with boxes sent first class. I suspect a problem originates in Denver, where many of my packages travel before moving on to other places. At least half a dozen packages lost, many many more delayed by weeks.

[sirjames678]

Here’s the results of my sending an original sculpt to my caster. It was wrapped extremely well, but the USPS worked it’s magic and managed to destroy it. However, I have other horror stories both from UPS and FEDEX, so I don’t really have an answer on how to safely send a package across the country.

[RockinResin]

Hi Todd,

I knew that I wasn’t the only one having issues.

You’re better off using a privatized company like UPS and FedEx. Although not perfect, they still seem to have way better track records. I have gotten numerous kits over the years from Danny Fay at Sassy’s and not once got anything later than the due date. He only uses UPS.

Sal

[RockinResin]

Hey Brian,

I remember this. Such a shame. Like I said Danny at Sassy’s uses UPS after having problems with USPS and hasn’t looked back. And he ships worldwide. Those are good enough odds for me. LOL

Sal

[Heavy Metal Spike]

. . . Danny at Sassy’s uses UPS after having problems with USPS and hasn’t looked back. And he ships worldwide. Those are good enough odds for me . . .

Thanks for the heads-up that he's changed carriers - that means I'll have to warn him NOT to use UPS on any further auctions I'm tempted to bid on.


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[PROFESSOR JARROD]

I bought a rare model kit one time and the UPS delivery person turned the delivery box on its side totally ignoring the this end up markings, and to top that off the box was wet. the model box inside was water damaged.
I pointed these issues out to the UPS delivery lady and she told me not to worry the package was insured. I told her that wasn't the point, I said the kit and model box within the shipping box was very rare and very possibly couldn't be replaced. I filed a complaint at the post office and was told I could file a claim for the insured amount on the package but I would have to turn the kit in the shipping box over to them.
"So if I were to turn the kit in I'd be out a rare kit and model box all because of UPS negligence."

Rick

[RockinResin]

Hey Rick,

That’s just it with insurance for damaged items. If they damage something then you need to turn it over to them in order to get the insurance money. In cases that I have dealt with I was able to repair the damage caused by shipping. It’s just annoying that you need to go through the trouble of trying to fix something that isn’t your fault. In my opinion, getting insurance is only good for packages that are totally lost or obliterated. Now, the problem with a lost or obliterated package is that you may be waiting an eternity to get your insurance money. They will take your money REAL fast and pay out REAL slow. So is the game of “life”.

Thanks for the input,
Sal

[drhall762]

Of course you all know that both UPS and FEDEX have a contract with the USPS for delivery of their smaller boxes. You would have to make sure the shipper declined this feature or the USPS delivers the last leg.

[RockinResin]

Good to know Dave. Thanks!

Sal

[mentalmischief]

Sal,

I think the best answer here is to use what works best for you, and the
area that you live in.

Like some have said, using UPS or FedEx has been a total travesty for some,
while others will swear by them. I happen to prefer using USPS simply because
I've never had them mess up anything that I've sent. Can't claim the same for UPS.

And unfortunately, with more and more people ordering things online, and with
people shopping online more, you're going to find that this is going to become the
"norm" for getting things anymore. Best thing we all can do is complain when we
have issues and pray that someone at their end cares enough to resolve the problems
that arise.

I think the only other thing I can mention is to make sure if you ship something out,
pack it with the intent that it will be used as a football, no matter which company you
use for delivering it. How's that saying go -- 'An ounce of prevention'....?

Just my added two cents worth.

Mark

[RockinResin]

Thanks Mark. That is excellent advice. I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Good news is that the package going to the EBay buyer out in CA is said to be “Out For Delivery”. Fingered crossed. My Ardeth Bey “Yagher Classic” from Troy is still MIA.

Thanks again for the input. Moral support goes a long way!

Sal