Does UPS Suck?

flason

Do they just hire apes at UPS that throw around packages like in that Samsonite commercial? I purchased a Scott tube amp (299C) off a guy in PA, which had sufficient packaging and was clearly marked as fragile, and it got all tore up. Pieces broken off the back, faceplate dented. At least the tubes were intact, but it wont power up. It was insured for the purchase price, but since the seller took out the insurance, any claim would go to him. Kinda backward, but it's just the inconvience of waiting to get the cash to get it repaired or replaced. Oh well, back to the waiting game.

RuSsMaN

USPS issues the check and handles the claim with the buyer (recipient). UPS does the opposite.

A USPS claim takes 8-12 weeks, a UPS claim takes about 2 weeks.

If it's a good seller, I'm sure you'll get your refund. I went through the same process with a real **** seller, and was able to call UPS and check on the claim, and see when the seller was mailed the check.

All I can say is its a risk buying ANYTHING fragile, cd players, vintage tube amps, turntables. Better off shopping locally and waiting for a good deal you can pick up in person. If not, it's gotta be packed to widthstand an atomic blast.

Hope it works out for you, keep us updated.

Cheers,
Russ

flason

I was going to purchase 2 other things from e-bay on your list Russ. A turntable and a good cd player or transport and DAC. Now my dealings with this have me re-thinking the whole thing. This whole sepatate 2 channel rig will be a challenge. Thanks for the heads up on the USPS thing. I will use them the next time.

DarqueKnight

Over the years, I have had many pieces of audio gear, musical instruments, and general merchandise damaged and [stolen] by Universal Package Sabotage. Claims were always settled promptly and without a hassle. However, I avoid using UPS if at all possible.

For the last year I have been using FedEx ground. They seem to take better care of electronic items and seemd to actually know what the big flourescent orange FRAGILE stickers I place all around the tops and sides of the box really mean.
I have also not had any instances with items being stolen out of shipping boxes with FedEx. I have had only one damage claim with FedEx so far. An amplifier was delivered to a customer with a dead power meter display. There was no obvious damage to the box or amp, but the box had been dropped and the some of the small bulbs behind the LED display were broken. I faxed the claim form to FedEx on 01/10/03 and received a refund check for the amp's repair on 02/05/03.

In theory, USPS Priority Mail is supposed to be gentler and kinder than regular mail. I have shipped a couple of amps using trackable Priority Mail to customers who insisted on shipment by mail. I have used Priority Mail to ship CD's, DVD's, and phonograph records and have not had any incidents of loss, theft, or damage.

porter1173

I use UPS everyday to ship very expensive digital imaging systems. My understanding is if you insure the package for 1000 dollars or more, they put the package in special pink bags for extra protection. I have never had a problem with UPS so far. All of my packages arrive to our customers (50% international) in perfect shape. I believe it is only an additional .35 cents per hundred dollars insured so I would recommend paying the extra 3.50 to make sure they take good care of your package. My personal beef is with FedEx. My company had 2 shipments valued over 20,000 that was either lost or mishandeled. We properly insured both packages fully and in the end they came up with some bull **** excuses and got out of paying us. Not to metion both claims took over 6 months and we had our own FedEx rep. working the case. Just my 2 cents.


Justin

wangotango68

one problem i have with fedex is they can not keep to packages together! ups can.

scott:cool:

nadams

Originally posted by raife1 ...and seemd to actually know what the big flourescent orange FRAGILE stickers I place all around the tops and sides of the box really mean.

"Fra-gee-lay.... sounds Italian"

Anyone else know what I'm talking about? heh...

nadams

Frank Z

nadams,
And she had the nerve to break that beautiful lamp!!

nadams

Originally posted by Frank Z
nadams,
And she had the nerve to break that beautiful lamp!!

HAHAHAHAHA

STUFFMD

I order from Amazon.com quite a bit...I used to pay extra for the Ups supposedly second day service that always showed up on the 3rd businedss day, Yes I would track it. One day I was in no hurry to recieve a particular packege, I ordered Usps regular delivery...1/3rd the price and I recieved it in 2 business days, have consistantly ordered regular Usps delivery ever since and have always recieved in 2 business days...Yea I'm not a big beliver in UPS.
My 2 cents Stuff.

STUFFMD

Hey Porter,
I understand you have got good service from UPS and are satisfied with them,if your happy stay with them...but let me get this strait...You are already paying Approx. 3 times the price of USPS, which is a premium shipping rate, I would already expect better care and service with that premium, Then I have to pay .35 per hundred to insure it???????? I'm kind of scratching my head over here and it ain't dandruff............I guess we all need some kind of tax write offs.
Peace Stuff

brettw22

I have sent and received packages via FedEx Ground and have never had a problem. They are less expensive than UPS and more reliable, at least in my experiences.

porter1173

The reason the comany uses UPS is because about half of the things we ship go overseas. I am not sure if USPS handles interantional shipments and customs can get very messy. UPS is very convenient because we can ship all of our packages with one pick up and a I could it all online. I am not saying they are the best, its just I have found zero problems using them. They might cost more than USPS, but when it comes to shipping a 50,000 dollar camera to lets say ITALY, UPS will be the best bet.


Justin

Systems

UPS gets widely varying ratings due to the perspectives involved. Many shippers seem to love them. I hate them. I live in an apt in a locked bldg & UPS can't get in. I don't mind if packages are left outside my apt door, which is on the top floor & has not had any theft/break-in problems in the decade I've lived there. But unless it's from the Post Office, which has a key to the building's front door, I always wind up going to the closest office to pick it up. Going to get them from UPS is a major chore. Fed Ex & Airborne Express are MUCH easier to deal with as far as picking them up in the evening after the driver's taken them back to the office. I could have a totally different opinion if I were a shipper or lived in a house in the country, etc.

flason

The good thing about UPS is that for a mere $300 shipment, they just called me and said they would issue a check. The bad news is the check goes to the seller. I'm sure I will get the cash though. I used bid pay with a credit card and the guy has no negative feedback on e-bay.

goingganzo

ups realey sucks it took me 30 min to find what i wanted and it was not all the info i needed and when you call the 1-800 # they make it seem like you have to visit the site. i wnet to the local pick up/droop off and found out i had to call them and come back at 8 to get my stuff i wont be home when they are going to delever tomarrow or friday so i am picking it up tonight.