Package tracking... what's it worth?
02-08-2012, 05:15 AM
#1
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Location: Orchard Park, NY (near Buffalo, which is near Niagara Falls)
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Package tracking... what's it worth?
I'm considering switching from USPS to FedEx for some of our international shipments. To some countries, there would be a cost saving, to other countries it would cost a little more. But with FedEx you can track the packages.
So... the question is, what is package tracking worth? Is it worth an extra dollar? Two? Just to know where your package is at all times?
Or does it not really matter to you at all?
This is mostly a question about international shipping, since domestic USPS packages do have at least a minimal amount of tracking available. But anyone / everyone is welcome to answer, because I'm trying to get a feel for whether most people value tracking a great deal, or not.
??
So... the question is, what is package tracking worth? Is it worth an extra dollar? Two? Just to know where your package is at all times?
Or does it not really matter to you at all?
This is mostly a question about international shipping, since domestic USPS packages do have at least a minimal amount of tracking available. But anyone / everyone is welcome to answer, because I'm trying to get a feel for whether most people value tracking a great deal, or not.
??
02-08-2012, 05:24 AM
#2
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Location: Vermont
Posts: 7,049
speaking as a seller, I only use USPS for international. And I don't offer it on anything expensive. I was not aware FedEx was anywhere close to USPS in cost for overseas.
I think tracking is mostly a benefit to you as the seller, since you are responsible for getting the package there and proving it was received.
As a buyer I would not care, as long as it got there eventually.
ETA - I just checked FedEX for a 1 pound package going from USA to UK and came up with $82. A far cry from the USPS flat rate boxes.
I think tracking is mostly a benefit to you as the seller, since you are responsible for getting the package there and proving it was received.
As a buyer I would not care, as long as it got there eventually.
ETA - I just checked FedEX for a 1 pound package going from USA to UK and came up with $82. A far cry from the USPS flat rate boxes.
Last edited by ptquilts; 02-08-2012 at 05:35 AM.
02-08-2012, 05:29 AM
#3
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Location: Norfolk, VA
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Tracking is also a benefit for the buyer. With busy lives its nice to be able to go on line to see when an item is expected. It's also nice not to get upset because it hasn't arrived and call the seller for it to arrive later that day or the next. If you have the ability to track then that eliminates that problem.
02-08-2012, 05:42 AM
#4
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Tracking is also a benefit for the buyer. With busy lives its nice to be able to go on line to see when an item is expected. It's also nice not to get upset because it hasn't arrived and call the seller for it to arrive later that day or the next. If you have the ability to track then that eliminates that problem.
02-08-2012, 05:54 AM
#6
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speaking as a seller, I only use USPS for international. And I don't offer it on anything expensive. I was not aware FedEx was anywhere close to USPS in cost for overseas.
I think tracking is mostly a benefit to you as the seller, since you are responsible for getting the package there and proving it was received.
As a buyer I would not care, as long as it got there eventually.
ETA - I just checked FedEX for a 1 pound package going from USA to UK and came up with $82. A far cry from the USPS flat rate boxes.
I think tracking is mostly a benefit to you as the seller, since you are responsible for getting the package there and proving it was received.
As a buyer I would not care, as long as it got there eventually.
ETA - I just checked FedEX for a 1 pound package going from USA to UK and came up with $82. A far cry from the USPS flat rate boxes.
There's no cost advantage to countries like Australia, which don't charge a Customs Clearance fee or taxes, unless the purchase is valued at $500 or more. I think. We don't get many $500 orders from Australia! :-)
What complicates things, too, is that sometimes USPS packages slip through in the UK and Canada without incurring the Customs Clearance fees / sales tax assessment. And IMHO this makes it kind of feel like a lottery game for the recipient, where some days you win (big) and some days you lose (big). Whereas with FedEx, taxes will always be charged (small loss). So this makes it harder to decide which way is best. It probably depends on whether you like games of chance, or would rather go with the sure thing.
02-08-2012, 06:37 AM
#7
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 205
Tracking is also a benefit for the buyer. With busy lives its nice to be able to go on line to see when an item is expected. It's also nice not to get upset because it hasn't arrived and call the seller for it to arrive later that day or the next. If you have the ability to track then that eliminates that problem.
02-08-2012, 07:48 AM
#8
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Northern California, Sonoma Co.
Posts: 2,814
As a buyer, I love tracking. If it is something I can't wait to get, I check every day to see how much closer it's getting to me. When I see it's in my town and out on a truck for delivery, I woo-hoo. Love tracking!
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