Best method of mailing large packages?
-
CaptainWeasel
- 32-bit
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2008 1:39 pm
Best method of mailing large packages?
I was wondering what is the cheapest method of shipping a big package, such as a boxed console? I'm guessing UPS Ground, but I'd like some input from someone who actually has done this before..
signature temporarily offline due to fixed width constraints and anger
-
RyaNtheSlayA
- Next-Gen
- Posts: 9201
- Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2008 4:56 pm
- Location: Denver CO, USA
-
Hobie-wan
- Next-Gen
- Posts: 21705
- Joined: Sat Aug 15, 2009 8:28 pm
- Location: Under a pile of retro stuff in H-town
- Contact:
Re: Best method of mailing large packages?
It seems like UPS is kinda spotty. I see discussions on boards everywhere where people say UPS is the scum of the earth, then other places where nobody's ever had a problem. I've never really had a problem with UPS with personal stuff, nor when I did shipping at a previous job.
That being said, don't sent UPS to a home where someone isn't there and attentive to expect a package. I think that's where people run into the most problems as UPS doesn't really expect anyone to be at a residence in the middle of the day. If someone will be home, or the recipient can receive it at work without the employer getting mad, it should be fine. With UPS you get $100 of coverage for 'free' before you have to pay extra, plus the tracking it built in. Just take pictures beforehand if you're felling paranoid and pack everything properly with lots of bubble wrap or peanuts. Put items in bags first if you're using peanuts.
That being said, don't sent UPS to a home where someone isn't there and attentive to expect a package. I think that's where people run into the most problems as UPS doesn't really expect anyone to be at a residence in the middle of the day. If someone will be home, or the recipient can receive it at work without the employer getting mad, it should be fine. With UPS you get $100 of coverage for 'free' before you have to pay extra, plus the tracking it built in. Just take pictures beforehand if you're felling paranoid and pack everything properly with lots of bubble wrap or peanuts. Put items in bags first if you're using peanuts.
I've never met a pun I didn't like. - Stark
My trade, sale and services - Rough want list - Shipping weight reference chart - AC Power Adapter reference list
My trade, sale and services - Rough want list - Shipping weight reference chart - AC Power Adapter reference list
-
grittykitty
- forever 16-bit
- Posts: 952
- Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2005 1:49 am
- Location: sega nomad
Re: Best method of mailing large packages?
we ship daily using the post office and ups at my job. if something happens, you're more likely to get something done about it (though not quickly) with ups. if the post office messes up, you're screwed.
however, i shipped a dreamcast via the post office back in march or april and it arrived safely. proper packaging is VERY important in either case, for obvious reasons. if either shipping company investigates a damage claim you have, poor packaging equals no money for you.
if the large package you're shipping is heavy, i would choose ups. just make sure there's plenty of bubble wrap, styrofoam peanuts, or other padding - they're savages when it comes to package handling
however, i shipped a dreamcast via the post office back in march or april and it arrived safely. proper packaging is VERY important in either case, for obvious reasons. if either shipping company investigates a damage claim you have, poor packaging equals no money for you.
if the large package you're shipping is heavy, i would choose ups. just make sure there's plenty of bubble wrap, styrofoam peanuts, or other padding - they're savages when it comes to package handling
Re: Best method of mailing large packages?
USPS flat rate boxes have a foxed rate up to 70 lbs. Not sure if that is the best deal, but sounds hard to beat.CaptainWeasel wrote:I was wondering what is the cheapest method of shipping a big package, such as a boxed console? I'm guessing UPS Ground, but I'd like some input from someone who actually has done this before..