I hate losing things in shipping

[eborcim]

Won a nice Cornwell 3/8 flex ratchet on eBay and the package arrived today...minus the ratchet and with a nice ventilation in one corner of the priority envelope. :wtf: Pretty obvious what happened. Somewhere between the east coast and Columbia, MO is my ratchet. We'll see how well the insurance pays.

[Zrexxer]

Sorry to hear you are the victim of another moron who can't pack stuff properly. On the other hand, I got the pair of Proto Big Dawg ratchets that I bought on eBay today, the guy had

1. taped the two ratchets together with strapping tape
2. wrapped the taped ratchets inside a folded-over cardboard fedex overnight envelope
3. taped that envelope with strapping tape
4. put that inside ANOTHER cardboard overnight envelope, folded over double
5. wrapped that envelope almost entirely with clear shipping tape

I had to go get a utility knife to get them out and it STILL took me like 10 minutes! lol. So there are both extremes.

[eborcim]

I would agree that is a little extreme, but at least you have your ratchets. :thumbup: I have sent tools in cardboard tubes before too and also single wrenches in an envelope but they were always packed well and all the seams resealed with tape.

[rhastings80]

Sorry to hear you are the victim of another moron who can't pack stuff properly. On the other hand, I got the pair of Proto Big Dawg ratchets that I bought on eBay today, the guy had

1. taped the two ratchets together with strapping tape
2. wrapped the taped ratchets inside a folded-over cardboard fedex overnight envelope
3. taped that envelope with strapping tape
4. put that inside ANOTHER cardboard overnight envelope, folded over double
5. wrapped that envelope almost entirely with clear shipping tape

I had to go get a utility knife to get them out and it STILL took me like 10 minutes! lol. So there are both extremes.

Just got mine today too. Packed the same way. :beer:

[FNFS2000]

someone ought to turn him in and fedex will pull his account for wasting their shipping containers.

[Zrexxer]

someone ought to turn him in and fedex will pull his account for wasting their shipping containers.Oooh and maybe it will go on his permanent record... :wtf:

[boro_boy70]

The same thing happened to me recently. The 1/2 to 3/4 impact adapter I won is somewhere between here and texas:mad: The small flat rate box arrive at my house flat as a pancake.

But on the bright side, the seller did save himself about 5 cents worth of tape that would have avoided all the hassle.

And my money was refunded:thumbup:

[FNFS2000]

seriously though, don't know who this ebayer is, but I see this often. Imagine how many thousands of envelopes are wasted in this country each day as packaging material, and we all complain about shipping costs...

I'm no greeny whining about tree's, those things cost FEDEX UPS and USPS money, they are far from free for them. They are provided as a courtesy providing you use their shipping service to deliver the product inside...

[FNFS2000]

reason #42843 I stopped shopping at ebay :) You always get the odd balls at rummage sales :)

[Rickster]

should've tie-wrapped them to a backer board.

[Hiball]

Ill keep a eye out in Mexico, Mo for your ratchet, LOL. Agreed it sucks when a package shows up with a corner opened, Its that sick feeling you get wondering just how much you lost on the deal.

[Joe Mamma]

seriously though, don't know who this ebayer is, but I see this often. Imagine how many thousands of envelopes are wasted in this country each day as packaging material, and we all complain about shipping costs...

I'm no greeny whining about tree's, those things cost FEDEX UPS and USPS money, they are far from free for them. They are provided as a courtesy providing you use their shipping service to deliver the product inside...

Personally, I would never complain about pakaging that is too good. It's like the saying, "Too much is just right."

Joe Mamma

[back2class]

Yeah, 9 out of 10 times it's a lazy shipper.
I lost a mack combo this way. Seller sent a new one and another time lost a a nice assortment of 4" adjustable wrenches that simply had a thin piece of tape to close thanks to the seller. he refunded.

[dieseldodge01]

If anything I get has to go through the USPS Cincinnati sort facility I'm screwed. I have lost two packages there. I cringe every time it says Cincinnati. I have had packages show up from there that looked like they either played baseball with the package or just want to see how sharp there knives were.

[Snappy]

I lost some GJ decals in transit somewhere. I was looking forward to them too :(

[Bull]

You guys make me nervous. I pride myself on the way I package tools. I borrowed Rick's zip-tie method to a piece of cardboard backer. Two zip ties per tool. I might also incorporate some bubble-wrap, another layer of cardboard, and tape on the outside of the envelope or box. But, I stop short of making the box or envelope a fortress...I can't anticipate that the package is going to get run over by a truck and sent down a conveyor of razors, otherwise I'd spend an hour packing each tool. I'd hate if the Post Office or UPS abused a package of mine and then people on here were laying all the blame on me and calling me a scrub. There's only so much you can do!

[nate379]

I've had several things lost in the mail sent from my folks or my brother.

I had to put a lock on my mailbox... My Mom sent me a package and it was recovered )opened) about 2 months later in another end of town. The guy that delivers my mail said he had put it in my box (box is about a mile from the house).

Best we can figure is some kids popped the mail boxes open. The only thing they took was some dog treats :confused:

[Stick Figure]

You guys make me nervous. I pride myself on the way I package tools. I borrowed Rick's zip-tie method to a piece of cardboard backer. Two zip ties per tool. I might also incorporate some bubble-wrap, another layer of cardboard, and tape on the outside of the envelope or box. But, I stop short of making the box or envelope a fortress...I can't anticipate that the package is going to get run over by a truck and sent down a conveyor of razors, otherwise I'd spend an hour packing each tool. I'd hate if the Post Office or UPS abused a package of mine and then people on here were laying all the blame on me and calling me a scrub. There's only so much you can do!

Your packaging method works pretty well. I'll be honest, the 1" wrench broke the zip tie before it arrived, and the ratchet had worked its way loose and was sliding around. The important thing is, everything made it here in one piece.

Not that i have tried it, but i would guess the best be would be what one of the guys at work does. Take a piece of cardboard and cut out the basic shape of the item and slide it in ... another piece on top and one on the bottom, some tape, then in the envelope, and it should be more than okay. Problem always comes when the heavy object inside is allowed to slide around.

and Bull ratchet works great, i was using it today at work.

[Bull]

Stick, that's really good for me to know about the zip ties breaking or coming loose...that means I need to improve on the method. Did the ties snap, or the cardboard behind them break, or what?

I will say that I am not loving the bubble mailer method. Someone on here suggested I try it because it is more economical. I much prefer the flat rate boxes, though. They are sturdy and have room inside for extra packaging materials.

I'm glad you like that ratchet...it sure did feel nice and smooth to me after the clean and lube! As for me, I'll be putting the snap ring pliers to use later this week, when the twenty old ratchets I bought arrive for disassembly, cleaning, and lubing!

[boro_boy70]

You guys make me nervous. I pride myself on the way I package tools. I borrowed Rick's zip-tie method to a piece of cardboard backer. Two zip ties per tool. I might also incorporate some bubble-wrap, another layer of cardboard, and tape on the outside of the envelope or box. But, I stop short of making the box or envelope a fortress...I can't anticipate that the package is going to get run over by a truck and sent down a conveyor of razors, otherwise I'd spend an hour packing each tool. I'd hate if the Post Office or UPS abused a package of mine and then people on here were laying all the blame on me and calling me a scrub. There's only so much you can do!

The ratchets you sent me arrived fine, no broken zip ties, and eveything intact:thumbup: I have some stuff listed now, and was going to use the same method.

[Stuey]

seriously though, don't know who this ebayer is, but I see this often. Imagine how many thousands of envelopes are wasted in this country each day as packaging material, and we all complain about shipping costs...

I'm no greeny whining about tree's, those things cost FEDEX UPS and USPS money, they are far from free for them. They are provided as a courtesy providing you use their shipping service to deliver the product inside...

I've got to agree with you there. What also bothers me is when people turn new Priority Mail boxes inside out to use. It's one thing to reuse a box, but to take a brand new box for non-Priority needs, that just raises the cost of shipping for everyone else.

[car99r]

FYI,

As a seller who recently lost on the end of an item never arriving. I can assure you if you file a dispute through paypal then you will be refunded in full including shipping. It does not matter if you chose insurance or not. It is now the responsibility of the seller to buy insurance if he wants the protection.

I shipped a motorcycle seat to IN. I offered insurance and the buyer declined therefore I did not buy any. The seat never arrived at his house. I had the tracking number and it showed it in transition. I filed a claim through USPS.com and after several phone calls was told he would need to contact his local office with the information. He refused and filed a claim. He won and I was out the seat and the money.

Just thought I would share so you are all in the know.

[eborcim]

Ill keep a eye out in Mexico, Mo for your ratchet, LOL.

'ppreciate if you would let me know if it shows up and I'll buy you a beer sometime. Apparently, the post office is supposed to stamp packages that are open with no contents inside. That can allow for some kind of tracking to see where it might have been lost. I realize the volume of mail they go through does not mean they miss a few things.

[wantedabiggergarage]

FYI,

As a seller who recently lost on the end of an item never arriving. I can assure you if you file a dispute through paypal then you will be refunded in full including shipping. It does not matter if you chose insurance or not. It is now the responsibility of the seller to buy insurance if he wants the protection.



Technically, it has ALWAYS been the sellers responsibility. They are responsible for you getting the item you bid.

[Stick Figure]

Stick, that's really good for me to know about the zip ties breaking or coming loose...that means I need to improve on the method. Did the ties snap, or the cardboard behind them break, or what?

I will say that I am not loving the bubble mailer method. Someone on here suggested I try it because it is more economical. I much prefer the flat rate boxes, though. They are sturdy and have room inside for extra packaging materials.

I'm glad you like that ratchet...it sure did feel nice and smooth to me after the clean and lube! As for me, I'll be putting the snap ring pliers to use later this week, when the twenty old ratchets I bought arrive for disassembly, cleaning, and lubing!



all of the smaller things were 100% intact. The 1" wrench actually had the zip tie fail. We had this problem w/ some of the zip ties we got at work, they are just too brittle. The ratchet had worked its way out which i imagine was due to the cardboard ripping a bit and making the zip tie loose enough to allow the handle to slide through. I would guess most of that could be resolved w/ an added zip tie on the heavier items. or another thought on the ratchets, putting a hole in the cardboard and putting the drive through it would be another point to help secure it.

Hopefully that helps, i don't want you to feel like i'm being to critical of your shipping, i know mine is not always the best method. I just do what i can usually w/ mailers from the 99¢ store.

[Tool Pants]

I bought an ebay ratchet and it arrived with the ratchet handle sticking out of a hole in the bubble mailer. I bought a Proto double ended ratchet that took me a long time to find. Same thing. If the mailer had been tossed around a few more time it would have arrived empty.

Then I bought a Craftsman V selector. The seller asked for feedback, but I told the seller I had not received it. The empty mailer was later returned to the seller. So that ratchet I never received. I was lucky to find one at the flea market a few weeks later.

A heavy tool inside a mailer is not good, unless you do something like Rick does.

[forceyoda]

I am in the middle of a dispute right now over the same thing. Bought a 1/2 drive ratchet and got an empty envelope with a large tear in it. Seller should have known that that a long handle 1/2 ratchet wouldn't stay in a cheap envelope with no other form of retention.

What realy gets me about this is the post offices response. I called them and had the "investigate" where the ratchet is and they came up empty.

Where do these tools end up?

How can these postal employees get away with taking this stuff home?

[Hiball]

I am in the middle of a dispute right now over the same thing. Bought a 1/2 drive ratche and got an empty envelope with a large tear in it. Seller should have none that that a long handle 1/2 ratchet wouldn't stay in a cheap envelope with no other form of retention.

What realy gets me about this is the post offices response. I called them and had the "investigate" where the ratchet is and they came up empty.

Where do these tools end up?

How can these postal employees get away with taking this stuff home?

Yoda ive had good luck with insurance disputes with Usps, I used there online system which gathers all the information, pictures, values etc. The last package i had problems with had there stamps all over it basically stating that it was damaged etc from them and they maid payment fairly quickly. Would have to agree it would be much easier if the person sending would take a little time and make sure that seams are secure etc..

[eborcim]

On small ticket items (say less than $50) the insurance may be worthless b/c of the time involved in chasing said insurance. In my case, a little more packaging effort would have made everyone happy.

Hiball so you had to take a picture of the torn package and submit that with the claim? I'm assuming you were the seller/shipper?

[Bull]

Stick, I am not insulted and I don't feel like you are being critical. I want this feedback so I can make improvements to my system. I am still quite new to the tool selling game, so I am sure I have a lot to improve upon.

I am afraid of the cardboard bubble-mailers because of the delicateness some of you are describing. I have sent a few tools (including yours, Hiball) in one of those plastic bubble mailers. It's not Tyvek, but another somewhat similar material that is not supposed to tear. Problem is that they are pretty damned expensive at the local Staples.

This all has me thinking. What about insurance when using the USPS? Buyers always want the cheapest shipping. Sometimes, they feel that flat rate Priority is too high, so they ask you to look for alternatives to save a buck or two. I always like to get Delivery Confirmation so there is a tracking number for the package. But how many of you get insurance for EVERY tool you ship? Do you make the buyer pay for it? It adds another what, $1.50 or so to the cost, and once you have the fee to mail, Delivery Confirmation, and insurance, the $15 ratchet you are trying to sell has bloated to around $22+ shipped.

[lauver]

should've tie-wrapped them to a backer board.

Rickster knows. I received a package from him and the rachet was tie-wrapped to a backer board. Oh, and the ratchet made it all the way to me in good condition, as promised. :beer:

[Bull]

Any thought on the insurance issue? Bueller? Bueller?

[eborcim]

Well, I filed the insurance claim online yesterday afternoon, so we'll see what happens.

[Bull]

But I mean, about my question regarding shipping. Do you allow the buyer to choose to pay extra for it, insist that they do, or what?

[car99r]

But I mean, about my question regarding shipping. Do you allow the buyer to choose to pay extra for it, insists that they do, or what?

Well to be honest. I don't purchase insurance on cheaper items. I usually ship around 20-30 packages a week sold on ebay. Most of the stuff is 5-30.00. I have sold thousands of items and only had 2-3 items not arrive. I refunded the money on all of them. My loss! However, it keeps my shipping cost low and creates more sales.

Techincally, you should insure everything and the cost of course would be passed to the buyer.

[wantedabiggergarage]

Some people have it figured in as part of their handling. Others (one particular seller I have had good luck with), state it is mandatory in their auctions, after they found out, insurance, is technically to protect them.

[eborcim]

Bull,

I have offered it and had it offered to me both ways. Either way, the buyer pays the cost. On a big ticket item over $50 I require it. I figure with my packing ability and sending it through FedEx Ground it has a better chance of arriving, plus their tracking system works good. I know some others will disagree, but that is my preference.

[eborcim]

Just an update, got my insurance payment today from USPS. Worked out in the end but I would rather have had the ratchet than the headache.

[Hiball]

Just an update, got my insurance payment today from USPS. Worked out in the end but I would rather have had the ratchet than the headache.

Glad to hear all worked out financially. Funny story.... I was standing at the front porch door the other day and i seen the Postal truck pull up in front, This normally means im receiving some packages because normally they walk my street. Not wanting to meet the guy at the door, because frankly i was in my boxers i just was gonna wait till he dropped it off and sneak out in get it. Then it was like a bad episode of ESPN and Mark Bulger of the St Louis rams he takes 1 steps towards my front porch and literally chucks my package up onto the porch, Now mind you it takes 5 steps from sidewalk to porch. Simply amazed at his lack of respect for my stuff i swung the door open and was like WTF man!!! At first he had that stunned look like "Crap" and then he apologized and said it "slipped" out of his hands. Now mind you it was heavy and sounded alot worse than it actually was but it still boils down to lazyiness and lack of respect for other peoples stuff. Ive come to the conclusion that USPS workers hate Flat rate boxes and after receiving numerous beat up packages i take extra time to make sure the contents inside are secure and all edges are taped.

[eborcim]

I'm sure the ratchet is now in the possession of a postal worker in Columbia right now, b/c the package was not stamped "Package open contents gone" at all.

I hope you called the local PO and let them know how your carrier thought he was doing a lateral play with your package.

[mkdive]

That sucks you didn't get your tools. It has happened to me also. I have had ebay purchases like others with great packaging....and then the other type of seller that just throws the tool in a priority envelope and hopes for the best. :wtf:

One thing I have have to say is.... USPS is handy, they do provide pretty much free shipping consumables. But their actual delivery and sorting stinks! At least one or more times a week I get someone else (neighbors) mail in my box, & I know the opposite is true.

I bought a plomb key chain screwdriver off ebay about a year ago. The seller was about 15 miles from me. The same day/time I made other buys on fleabay. I got all the other winning auctions delivered to me, (some coming from east coast).

But still never received my plomb driver (WTF)?!?!:headscrat

I waited 2-3 weeks and then I contacted the seller. He was very nice, emailed me a copy of his receipt showing he mailed it. We both were surprised that it didn't show up the normal 2 days after him sending it. He ended up refunding the money (I didn't even ask him to). :)

Then 3 weeks later a nice stranger came over with the package!:wtf:
It was delivered to his house 4 blocks away!!!! Not even the same house number or street name?!?! I immediately pay-palled the guy the money back and wrote him an email. :thumbup:

I was so ticked off with the USPS. It happens all the time here. Seriously at least a couple times a week I get someone elses mail stuck in with mine. I wonder at times what is sent to me..... that never actually makes it to our house?!!?

We have complained, but it doesn't change.

[Tool Pants]

Here we go again. In my mailbox today.

This time I received the ratchet. Almost.... The only thing holding it in the envelope was the wad of bubble wrap around the ratchet. Old Craftsman in mint condition, and I would be pissed if it got lost.

Then I had to take it apart.

[Bull]

Those Priority envelopes are not that durable. I sandwich the ratchet between cardboard inside that envelope, and tape the heck out of the sandwich. Then, I tape the edges of the envelope, front and back. That gives it a real good shot at enduring "normal" abuse.

[truckdriver]

I bought a SO 1/4 metric deep,shallow set with 2 ratchets and extension set. Never got it. UPS said that they couldn't read the address so they looked in the computer for my last known address. They delivered it to an address that I haven't lived at for 10yrs. UPS has delivered several packages to by current address so I'm not sure why they went with they old one. I contacted UPS and they went back to my old address and surprise, the current residents said they never got it. Since I was not the one who shipped it I wasn't allowed to file a claim. The person i bought it from used a shipping service(packpal IIRC) so he wasn't allowed to file a claim. Packpal filed a claim and I never got any money back. Since we were waiting for the claim to go through, my time expired to file a claim with paypal. UPS has screwed up several deliveries for me,including a turbo for my truck. I paid for 2 day service on Mon, shipped mon and recieved on Fri. When I am looking on ebay, if ups is listed as shipping I will not bid unless seller agrees to USPS or Fedex.

[justinmc]

Those Priority envelopes are not that durable. I sandwich the ratchet between cardboard inside that envelope, and tape the heck out of the sandwich. Then, I tape the edges of the envelope, front and back. That gives it a real good shot at enduring "normal" abuse.

Exactly.. if you are going to pack stuff in an envelope thats really not supposed to go into an envelope.. you better tape the crap outta it. I've mailed quite a bit of stuff here lately to other GJ folks and always employ the backerboard (I try to cut it to the size of the envelope then another strip over the top of the tool. I then use liberal amounts of packing tape on all corners of the envelope and especially over any creases, etc that I can tell will become "wear" points in transit. All it takes it a couple mins and some thoughtful placement of tape and you too can durably use USPS flat rate mailer envelopes. I will say however that I don't think I would EVER send a ratchet or non "semi flat" item in an envelope. Just spring for a box.. its a better choice and better chance your stuff will show up in the package.

[LoneGunman]

The flat rate envelopes aren't bad for small to medium wrenches if you do the tie wrap thing. The wrenches tie wrapped to cardboard then placed inside a USPS Tyvek bag inside of a flat rate mailing envelope will stop just about everything from puncturing the Tyvek then the flimsy cardboard envelope. I thank all the members who pay for my free shipping materials, it's about time I place another USPS order :)

Bull, how do you make the hole for the tie wraps? If you just use a knife to make a slit or stick the point in and twist it rip if the item is a little heavy, an empty .22 casing makes the perfect punch for a nice clean hole.