Ridiculous shipping charges..

[Ella08]

Today I went shopping at Toys R Us for my nephew. I pick out a present, wrap it and go to UPS to get it shipped. As I am filling out the paperwork the lady behind the counter is asking me questions regarding the shipping. After all is said and done she quotes me $180 to ship the present. I decline the service, leave the store and return the present to Toys R Us. I decided to buy the present online where Toys R Us only charged me $13 to ship and the package will be delievered on the 19th! Sorry I had to vent about my experience today.

Anyone else think this is outrageous?! or have a similar experience?

[Lil Sis]

That is crazy!!!! I sell a few items and the first few times I shipped I overpaid ... but now I used standard sized boxes (like the one price from post office) or even at the ups store. A lot of the places add charges on top of the ups fees. Large companies can get discounted shipping fees.

[yorkietalkjilly]

$180!!!! Outrageous! Was it limo service shipping?!?!

[capt_noonie]

HOLY CRAP! What service did you choose?

Originally Posted by Lil Sis

That is crazy!!!! I sell a few items and the first few times I shipped I overpaid ... but now I used standard sized boxes (like the one price from post office) or even at the ups store. A lot of the places add charges on top of the ups fees. Large companies can get discounted shipping fees.

You have to ship a LOT in order for them to give significant discounts. We have an account with FedEx but it's only 10% off the price regular people pay. I know some large companies get extremely discounted rates with high volume. For example if I ship a bike within the state it costs be about $25. One of my vendors ships bikes, it costs them $5 a bike.

[Verbena]

It is crazy sometimes to ship. That is why I drop ship most things

[Ella08]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

$180!!!! Outrageous! Was it limo service shipping?!?!

I guess so!
I could've bought a one-way ticket and delivered it myself!

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

HOLY CRAP! What service did you choose?

This was via UPS. I cannot understand why it would cost SO much money.

[Ellie May]

That is insane!

I use Media Mail when possible.
When I can't I almost always ship USPS Flat Rate.
Large items - I don't ship at all.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by Ella08

I guess so!
I could've bought a one-way ticket and delivered it myself!



This was via UPS. I cannot understand why it would cost SO much money.

No I know it was UPS, but I mean was it Ground, Next Day? What? I can't imagine Ground costing that much. I can ship a 40 lbs bicycle to the East coast without needing a signature for less than $50. What state was it going to?

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

That is insane!

I use Media Mail when possible.
When I can't I almost always ship USPS Flat Rate.
Large items - I don't ship at all.

When you use Media Mail, do you print postage yourself or go to the PO? I tried a few times to use MM and they wouldn't let me. They said it's only for books and paper, etc. Maybe next time I should just lie?

[Ella08]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

No I know it was UPS, but I mean was it Ground, Next Day? What? I can't imagine Ground costing that much. I can ship a 40 lbs bicycle to the East coast without needing a signature for less than $50. What state was it going to?

The crazy thing was she never asked me about the type of shipping. I did need to purchase a box and "packing" which was $30 each! But I didn't have too many questions once she told me its $180 to ship. It was going to Virginia from Texas. I assumed shipping would be $40-$50, but boy was I wrong.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by Ella08

I guess so!
I could've bought a one-way ticket and delivered it myself!



This was via UPS. I cannot understand why it would cost SO much money.

For almost $200.00 I would expect at least a curb-to-curb black SUV with a backseat TV and non-alcoholic bar service, if not the stretch with running lights, heated seats, full bar service, lumbar support, media and those foot cushions!

Kidding aside, that's a ridiculous amount.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

When you use Media Mail, do you print postage yourself or go to the PO? I tried a few times to use MM and they wouldn't let me. They said it's only for books and paper, etc. Maybe next time I should just lie?

No. I only print postage for flat rate because I don't have a postage scale. Most of it is packaged at home though, so the workers never see what it is. But I follow the rules because MM is subject to random inspection. Not only does it have to be books/media, but it can't have any advertisements! Just sold some veterinary journals and would like to send them MM but I'm sure that isn't even allowed.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by Ella08

The crazy thing was she never asked me about the type of shipping. I did need to purchase a box and "packing" which was $30 each! But I didn't have too many questions once she told me its $180 to ship. It was going to Virginia from Texas. I assumed shipping would be $40-$50, but boy was I wrong.

If she didn't ask you any questions, then most likely you picked up the form for 2 day or overnight, or something other than Ground which is the cheapest. Most of the time when I ship at FedEx a lot of people just grab the first form they see. There is a different form for each type of service. And the shipping person never questions you or tells you there is a cheaper way unless you ask.

[GuinnessStout]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

No I know it was UPS, but I mean was it Ground, Next Day? What? I can't imagine Ground costing that much. I can ship a 40 lbs bicycle to the East coast without needing a signature for less than $50. What state was it going to?

I wish I could have shipped my hubby's bike to him for $50 when he was in Tenn, it ended up being cheaper for me to rent a car and drive it the 8 hour trip to him lol and then after I got there he decided he didn't want it Grrr lol

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by GuinnessStout

I wish I could have shipped my hubby's bike to him for $50 when he was in Tenn, it ended up being cheaper for me to rent a car and drive it the 8 hour trip to him lol and then after I got there he decided he didn't want it Grrr lol

What? Did you break down the bike? It shouldn't be that much. I swear I can ship a 30 lb bike to the East coast for about $50. Beach cruisers is a different story though.