USPS vs. UPS

[Action Martin]

I've been shipping eBay packages for 9 years with USPS. But with the new rates, shipping to Canada, and my being only able to get to the post office to ship on Saturdays, it's getting to be a real hassle. The post office is packed on Saturdays and is only open from 9am to 12pm. The new USPS rates aren't bad for U.S. delivery but I get screwed shipping to Canada everytime.

There is an authorized UPS drop-off store in my town and they appear to be open after I get home from work. I'd like to try using them since UPS is pretty quick and reliable.

Which do you guys use? How are the UPS rates? Do the drop-off stores charge a surcharge or anything?

[toys2cool]

I still use USPS unless it's a big package

if it's to the USA,don't they have that machine where you could ship it out yourself using your credit card? I'm in and out in 3 minutes with that thing and it's opened 24 hrs.

[Action Martin]

if it's to the USA,don't they have that machine where you could ship it out yourself using your credit card? I'm in and out in 3 minutes with that thing and it's opened 24 hrs.

I've only seen that machine at one Post Office in my county. And that p.o. is about 25 minutes (without weekend tourist traffic) away from where I live.

[Mikey]

I use USPS because I want my packages to arrive in one peice

[ctc]

Hmmmm....

UPS charges huge brokerage fees for bringing things over the border. I get stuff from the US here in Canada a lot; and USPS hasn't caused any problems.

Don C.

[MegoSteve]

I'm not a big USPS fan after the last round of Priority Mail postage increases. If a package is larger than one cubic foot, the post office hits you with a "volume weight" charge. I tried to mail a big box with a Marvel Legends 2-pack in it and they wanted $20 for it. UPS only charged me $8.50ish.

UPS is cheaper for larger packages, has free insurance up to I think $100 and tracking the whole way through the shipping process.

USPS is cheaper for smaller packages if you don't get insurance (~$2 to start) and delivery confirmation (75 cents).

[livnxxxl]

I've been shipping eBay packages for 9 years with USPS. But with the new rates, shipping to Canada, and my being only able to get to the post office to ship on Saturdays, it's getting to be a real hassle. The post office is packed on Saturdays and is only open from 9am to 12pm. The new USPS rates aren't bad for U.S. delivery but I get screwed shipping to Canada everytime.

There is an authorized UPS drop-off store in my town and they appear to be open after I get home from work. I'd like to try using them since UPS is pretty quick and reliable.

Which do you guys use? How are the UPS rates? Do the drop-off stores charge a surcharge or anything?

I always preferred to deal with USPS since UPS was higher on the smaller packages which is mainly what I would send out. I also liked the click and ship method on line. Standing in line at a post office is not my idea of fun. On line postage in a snap and then you could just drop it off or have it picked up at your location whichever worked best.

[Adam West]

I have found that smaller expensive items are about the same price with UPS and USPS but will generally use USPS in most cases.

You really have to be careful with insurance...I can't remember if it is UPS or FedEx that really doesn't offer insurance per se or maybe both of them. Check out a list of items they don't cover and you will realize that almost nothing is covered but they will happily take your money for insurance.

[Mikey]

Here's why I don't use UPS

YouTube - Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

m

[livnxxxl]

Here's why I don't use UPS

YouTube - Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

m

I remembered that clip. That was a classic.

[SUP-Ronin]

I used to work in shipping, and we sent everything UPS. We sent expensive heavy parts, and couldn't afford to have things broken. For this reason we were taught to pack it to survive a 30 foot fall. They (UPS) use converyor belts to move packages, that are high off the ground. We used packing foam and a lot of peanuts. Most of us on here don't have liquid foam available, so pack them really well with other materials. If you can push down the top of the box after it has been sealed then it is too loose.
A couple pieces of newspaper doesn't cut it. It gets compressed during shipment so by the time it gets there it is all loose and rattles around. Plenty of bubble wrap is how I roll & I've never had a part broken or damaged. I like UPS for bigger stuff, and usps for smaller stuff.

Some people don't like to spend the time packing it well, then complain if it gets broken. They don't baby your package just because you write fragile on it. Sure stuff can get damaged now mater how you pack it, but I would rather spend a little more time packing it properly, then deal with PO'd Customers or insurance claims.