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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
OT Stamps.com
OT Stamps.com
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nacoran
6796 posts
May 14, 2013
10:12 AM
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Shipping hassles are a killer. I've been ordering parts that range from 10 cents to a dollar or two and then getting stuck with stuff sent in $7 flat rate shipping envelopes.
On a slight tangent, I've discovered why companies with similar businesses cluster together (like Silicon Valley or Detroit)- shipping costs. No one near me stocks tiny parts (I can get harmonica screws at a model train hobby shop, but that's about it). I order something, pay more on shipping than on the part, and still have to wait a week for the part!
I don't know if there is anything around me, but out in Syracuse, one of the suburbs has built a 'library' style community workshop where you can check in and use a bunch of machines, including 3D printers! I wish SmAlbany had something like that.
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Nate
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Greg Heumann
2141 posts
May 14, 2013
1:03 PM
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I'm a USPS Click'n'ship user. It is great for priority mail, both domestic and international, but it SUCKS when I need to ship a $15 adapter overseas. The lowest priority mail rate (small flat rate box or envelope) to Europe has gone up to $23.95 - so most of my customers want First Class. For that I have to address the package, and fill out the small customs form CN 22. The post office, in their infinite wisdom, has recently redesigned this form and further reduced the already inadequate space for longer addresses. Anyone who has shipped to Japan or the U.K knows what I mean. Those folks have some crazy-ass long addresses! Then, I have to wait at the post office while THEY have to type in all the information on that form. All of it. They hate this as much as I do.
Yesterday I contacted the Click'n'Ship support people and asked why I can't print 1st Class labels. Their answer: "It's coming, later this year." I have been considering switching to stamps.com but since click'n'ship is free, works well, provides free boxes.... I think I'll stick it out. On the other hand if they fail to get their shit together with regard to First Class, I WILL switch.
One thing I can tell you - for larger mailing labels the label paper is stupid expensive - and if it ever jams in your printer, (and it will) it will transfer adhesive to the printer mechanism and your printer will never work right again. Don't ask me how I know this. It is much cheaper to print on plain paper and put it down on the package with clear tape.
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/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
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Last Edited by Greg Heumann on May 14, 2013 1:05 PM
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WinslowYerxa
299 posts
May 14, 2013
1:11 PM
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Ditto Greg on the hassle of first-class shipping. I think the real reason is that USPS wants to push customers to the more expensive options by making the less expensive options also less convenient.
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Winslow
Last Edited by WinslowYerxa on May 14, 2013 5:57 PM
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SuperBee
1112 posts
May 14, 2013
3:48 PM
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I was amazed that the first class package you sent me (Tasmania) Greg, was here within a week. Other times I have waited much longer. I'm still waiting for a package from US that was apparently shipped 3 weeks ago. A bookseller recently notified me they'd shipped my order and put the anticipated delivery 3 weeks in the future too. Yet sometimes first class is as fast as priority.
In Australia the word is that daily domestic delivery (Australia Post) will soon cease. Inside word from the bean counters is that they'll move to delivery only 3 times per week. It's either that or increase charges and they don't want to put up the charges.
With the high Aus dollar, there is a great deal of offshore shopping, lots of parcels. And with online business, email, social networking, not so much standard letter delivery..
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