Vendor Flat Rate Shipping
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 32
From: Damascus MD
Vendor Flat Rate Shipping
Just curious to see if everyone has noticed how expensive the flat rate shipping has become.
Twice in the last month, from two separate corvette parts vendors, I went to order some small parts that would have shipped in a $3.99 USPS padded envelope. Their flat rate is typically $11-$12. Seems excessive.
We use the USPS all the time in my office for small packages since UPS has become so expensive.
I am really curious why the vendors have gone to the flat rate shipping policy. I am guessing there is some kind of rebate program from UPS.
After talking with the one vendor and they were kind enough to use the USPS padded envelope and save me about $8 in shipping. Big time Kudos for their customer service.
Bill
Twice in the last month, from two separate corvette parts vendors, I went to order some small parts that would have shipped in a $3.99 USPS padded envelope. Their flat rate is typically $11-$12. Seems excessive.
We use the USPS all the time in my office for small packages since UPS has become so expensive.
I am really curious why the vendors have gone to the flat rate shipping policy. I am guessing there is some kind of rebate program from UPS.
After talking with the one vendor and they were kind enough to use the USPS padded envelope and save me about $8 in shipping. Big time Kudos for their customer service.
Bill
Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 535
Likes: 8
From: London Ontario
Try living just north of the US border. Many of the "free shipping" offered by the major vendors somehow turns into $100 'international shipping' on even the smallest of orders! 
I have been 'rectally violated' by many of our common suppliers who have charged several times the actual cost just because I'm on the other side of the Great Lakes!
I have been 'rectally violated' by many of our common suppliers who have charged several times the actual cost just because I'm on the other side of the Great Lakes!
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 421
From: BC
I live 2 miles north of the Canada/US border and UPS is by far the worst for hidden charges. They charge the final customer a surcharge at the door for collecting the federal and provincial sales tax. My last order had a $101. surcharge for collecting 36 bucks in sales tax. Their surcharge was more than the total shipping bill. There is no duty on US auto parts just local sales tax. They never collect up front or nobody here would use them and if you don't pay their hidden demands at the door, you don't get your parts. Corvette Central uses UPS but actually collects the sales tax on your order and sends it to the proper authorities so UPS can't gouge you on "collection fees" at the door.
Canadians hate UPS because of their hidden collection charges.
Canadians hate UPS because of their hidden collection charges.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
yup, it's expensive. thats why I only buy when there is at least a free shipping coupon. If I need something really small, there's a few good eBay sellers with reasonable shipping cost and they sell all the same stuff the major vendors do.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
it is all part of the "total" price for the part and should be part of your diligence when comparing prices. it takes more than the shipping price to box, wrap, pack the peanuts, haul the part to the shipper, etc.
Plus the more you pay for shipping the more they make if the product is returned ( some vendors will give you the entire amount back, others will only return the price of the part upon a return, then watch out for restocking fees).. it is all built into the total price.
Plus the more you pay for shipping the more they make if the product is returned ( some vendors will give you the entire amount back, others will only return the price of the part upon a return, then watch out for restocking fees).. it is all built into the total price.
