Those of you that ship products, how do you ship?
I’ve became a fan recently of Priority Mail, Global Priority Mail, and Priority Flat Rate Box through the US Post office. Not only do you get free boxes, but you also get the labels online, pay online, and get free pickup at your shop to boot. That saves on heck of a lot of time!
I still use FedEx and UPS for larger items. Over 5 lbs and they are cheaper than the Post Office. I’ve never asked for pickup through them. Is it free, too? Last time I looked, it didn’t seem that it was.
After 5 years of shipping I filed my first claim last month. Was not the US Post Office – have never lost a thing through them.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
PlaneWood
Replies
How would you ship a larger item, like a chair?
Michael
I would print up assembly instructions and ship it unassembled! Fortunately I don't have to deal with stuff that large.
I did ship fold up patio chairs unassembled for a while. Profit margin was to small so I quit that.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood
For large items I use Craters and Freighters. They roll up, blanket wrap the piece and then take it back to their facility to crate it. I've never had to file a claim on the dozens of pieces I've sent. The only downside to them is the cost. As an example a card table to the East coast from Ohio, costs about $225.00.
I'm going to try UPS for smaller items, having them pack it. I used UPS when I first started out with poor results. In fact it may have been better for me to tie the piece to the bumper of my car, and drag it to the customer. They did a great job of paying off on the claims.
I've heard that Fed Ex does not insure for kind of things I make, but that information may not be correct.
Rob Millard
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