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-   -   My little rant about shipping (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/my-little-rant-about-shipping-t62102.html)

raptureready 08-30-2010 06:40 AM

I shipped the same amount of fabric to two places---one Ohio, one Quebec. The package going to Ohio was $4.95, the one going to Canada was over $11. From where I live Canada isn't that much farther than N.E. Ohio. Ridiculous. My husband ships and recieves RC plane parts from all over the world---shipping rates from Hong Kong to here aren't near as much as the reverse.

Have you check out Marshall's Dry Goods? Their pricing is so low that you can pay more for shipping and still get a good deal. Of course, I don't know about the shipping charges to Canada but it's worth a try. They have bundles of 17 (I think it might be 11, I can't remember) 5 yd blenders for only $102.

ptquilts 08-30-2010 06:53 AM

If the company has a toll free number, you should call and let them know that they missed out on an order because of high shipping. Tell them your friends (that's us!) feel the same way too.

costumegirl 08-30-2010 07:11 AM

I always check the shipping and then calcullate that in for my cost per yard. Sometimes it's way over the top for sending to Canada.

Many times it isn't expensive with the USPS flat rate global envelopes and boxes but it seems that some companies almost double the true cost for 'international' shipping. It may be that they do not wish to worry about the hap-hazard tracking of international mail (which I really don't blame them) or that they do not wish to fill in the correct paperwork that goes with it.

Whatever you do, be sure that they do not send you anything through the private companies like Fed Ex, UPS or any of the others. Always insist that shipping is through the US postal system. I learned the hard way and didn't inquire about shipping method and got slapped with a huge brokerage charge on top of the money already paid for shipping cost. When using these companies the receiver must pay, on delivery of the parcel, all brokerage fees that are required for cross border shipping. These fees can amount to 50 - 75% of the value of the parcel depending on what the merchandise is. This is paid to the delivery person at your door and can be quite a shock!!

I like dealing with Hancock's of Paducah - they are very fair and reasonable.

btiny36 08-30-2010 08:02 AM

Well I feel alot better knowing most of you feel the same way about shipping as I do...So I did contact this store and they said the shipping amount was correct that it is shipped by flat rate box...hummmmm NOT...I surfed around a bit more and found most of what I was looking for and I can buy up to 8yds of fabric and the shipping in a flat rate box will on cost me......are you ready for this.....$14.99 at the most...and as for shipping fedx or UPS Not a chance I was also caught on the extra huge charge...so yes it is USPS.....but hey thanks bunches for listening to my alittle rant....I feel much better now...Yeppers if the shipping is out of this world I just don't buy from that shop......

cjc 08-30-2010 08:16 AM

As someone who works shipping packages for a company, I will always pay more for UPS. USPS has lost more packages and the tracking they (USPS) use is a joke, even with the priority boxes. I want to know where my package is. Yes, UPS costs a bit more but it's worth it.

amandasgramma 08-30-2010 08:42 AM

If you complain to the company, they'll say that part of the shipping costs are the "handling" costs. Yeah, right...like who pays for those workers when there's NO orders??? That has never made sense to me. The handling costs should be included in the cost of the fabric....because they don't hire someone JUST to handle my order. As for shipping, I'd wondered if anyone was going to lower prices since USPS started with those specials. And I agree with cjc, I trust UPS and FedX a heck of a lot more that the PO.

franie 08-30-2010 08:54 AM

Well, not living in Continguous USA, we are usually not allowed to use free shipping. Why? It costs more to ship to AK. NOT if you use flat rate boxes. Well, the last excuse was we have contract with FedEx and use them only. Your order is separate. So three boxes came by USPS but the total was $7. Not bad. And when one was lost I called the company and they had tracking numbers. All turned out ok. I guess I am just used to paying more for EVERYTHING!

quilterguy27 08-30-2010 09:18 AM

Here's my two cents: Yes, some places have outragous S & H charges. on more than one occasion I've been told that's how they get away with selling the item for less. So they can make up the difference in S & H charges. Recently on eBay I had a lady tell me that's how she offsets the eBay fees. I didn't buy from her. Shipping was almost twice the price of the item I wanted. Oh well, just keep shopping around and eventually I will find it at the price I'm willing to pay. I was just using eBay as an example, I think it's that way with a lot of businesses. Maybe they think we aren't paying attention and that's how they stick it to us.

plainpat 08-30-2010 09:25 AM

Agreed!!! I can't get comfy using any on line site till I find shipping charges.BTW,several sites state they can get up to 7yds in a pre paid envelope.Sorry to hear about the $$ shipping charges to to you!


[ Shipping is the first thing I look at when I go to a website.[/quote]

hobo2000 08-30-2010 12:10 PM

I have been selling books on the board and I can ship them anywhere in the Continental US for $2.77 media rate. I am shipping a book to Canada and it cost $10.88. Big difference.


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