UnBelieveable....

[Hiball]

Well today i reach into my mailbox and find 2 packages.. Yes... The first one is in a Bubble pack (The plastic type) and the second one is a Envelope , For the life of me i cant figure out what it is. Now most of the Members know that i buy and sell alot of stuff so this isnt really a suprise, At Least to Me. Im always forgetting about something then its a total suprise when it shows up. Well.. Curiousity has gotten the better of me so i tear into the package to find my Newley Aquired Matco 88 1/4" Locking Flex ratchet that i won off ebay for around 50% of Retail. At first i was Mad.. Why the Hell would someone send a $114 dollar ratchet in a freaking 1st Class Mail envelope? The Pissed off sensation was replaced with Happiness that my Ratchet actually made it Home. WTF is Wrong with People?? I would never even think about sending a ratchet in a 1st class mailing envelope... Maybe its me, maybe this guy is cornering the market. Anyways, Here are some pics.. He didnt even apply tape to the seam, Just licked it and dropped it in the box.

Also.. If the Seller is a member here at GJ im sorry but if i pay $8.25 cents for shipping you can at least drop it in a Small Flat rate box at $5.

 

[Super Sport]

I buy and sell a lot myself and it is unbelievable the level of stupid you run into on ebay.

Lucky for the both of you that it made it home safely!

 

[z28snksknr]

I wonder what the seller's reaction would have been if it never found it's way to you because the PAPER ENVELOPE it was in tore open in transit.

I don't usually care too much about packaging, but that is piss poor, especially after charging $8.25 for shipping

 

[Trucky]

Hey man, I paid good money for that envelope! It got there, right? I don't know what yer complaining about.

Kidding. But trust me when I say this, I've encountered that many, many times. I used to buy and sell paintball gun parts, tanks, guns, the masks, jerseys, and whatnot. Try dealing with kids ranging from 10 yrs to 16, and explaining to them why a freakin evelope will NOT secure a $150 (metal) air regulator. I feel your pain. Especially when the part gets lost. It's not their fault apparently...

 

[six-T-seven]

so, you got your ratchet? right?

 

[timesrgood?]

My last ebay items were new armstrong ratcheting wrench sets and 1/2" socket sets, larger sockets to 1-1/4". All thrown together loose into a flat rate box. I didn't complain as they were a great deal, the items have a lot of factory marks on them anyway, seen that a lot with Armstrong lately. I am still happy with them, marks on tools I will use doesn't bother me. It is annoying to have someone be careless with my goods though.

In this case the wrenches poked through the box, and looks like the PO put tape over them to keep them in.


I wonder where these guys get these tools, they sure are cheapskates when it comes to spending their own money.

 

[z28snksknr]

so, you got your ratchet? right?

No, he got raped in shipping charges and he got lucky with the postal workers that handled that package.

Neither of those were conditions of the orginal transaction I'm guessing.

Just because it got there doesn't mean it's right.

 

[Hiball]

so, you got your ratchet? right?

Uh yeah.. The picture is pretty obvious.

 

[Bull]

I cannot believe that made the trip. How far did it travel? Not one piece of tape on the envelope? Any rips or tears?

That's the most ballz-out gutsy shipping I've ever seen for a ratchet.

 

[Hiball]

No, he got raped in shipping charges and he got lucky with the postal workers that handled that package.

Neither of those were conditions of the orginal transaction I'm guessing.

Just because it got there doesn't mean it's right.

He just wants to stir the pot, Dont even respond to him.

Just search His Post History.

 

[t100]

1st class has a 3/4" rule, thicker than that you gotta put in as parcel post.

 

[Hiball]

I cannot believe that made the trip. How far did it travel? Not one piece of tape on the envelope? Any rips or tears?

That's the most ballz-out gutsy shipping I've ever seen for a ratchet.

Texas... NO Tape whatsoever.

 

[z28snksknr]

He just wants to stir the pot, Dont even respond to him.

Just search His Post History.

Noted.

 

[Bull]

It's believable. Here's the envelope I received... empty... from a member here! Still waiting for resolution. We need a how-to post on packaging.

And that one even had tape; Hiball's story is off the charts.

What was supposed to be in there, Frank?

 

[Boiler]

1st class has a 3/4" rule, thicker than that you gotta put in as parcel post.

Not true at all. I've sent a LOT of 12 x 4 x 4 boxes via first class. As long as they are 13oz or less just about anything can go first class.

http://www.usps.com/prices/first-class-mail-prices.htm

I would have been pissed too, to get a ratchet in a paper envelope. It is as bad as using a flat rate envelope, a little worse even.

I send MOST of my tools first class. They get there, and I get great feedback on my packaging. A small flat rate is overkill and charging $5+ for shipping things like a midget wrench or a socket will get you nothing but bad ratings on ebay (for too high of a price of shipping).

First class has delivery confirmation for $0.19. I like to use 4x8 stretchy plastic "indestructable" bubble mailers, and for things like a wrench or a screwdriver, I wrap it in fine bubble wrap first, tape it all up secure, and drop it in the indestructable mailer. A bigger, soft item will ship just fine in a bubble mailer, and they go for $1.90 to $3.60 depending weight, after delivery confirmation.

1100 feedbacks later (and probably 1100 not received at all) and never ONE problem with delivery or condition at delivery.

 

[Bull]

I would have been pissed too, to get a ratchet in a paper envelope. It is as bad as using a flat rate envelope, a little worse even.

The PFL envelopes are fine if you use them properly. I have sent hundreds of tools out in them, with zero problems. These tools include wrenches, screwdrivers, and even 1/2 drive ratchets.

It's actually a lot of work, and so I am looking for alternatives when I sell these days.

 

[Boiler]

yes thats way too time consuming for me. I take all of that stuff, tight-wrap it together with masking tape so it can't move with respect to each other (and beat eachother up), then wrap it in bubble and put it in a box. Many times they can go regional rate or up to 1 lb priority (basically same price as flat) or even several lbs priority for $5 if it is relatively close ( a few states). I would guess 60% of my shipments are $3 or less, 20% are about $5, 15% are $6-9, and the rest are usually $15-20 cause they are huge...

 

[warmpancakes]

NJ handy guy was just complaining I used too much tape on his box

 

[Joelfke]

am i on the wrong forum to be more concerned with what date and mintmark the morgan dollar there is?

 

[Trucky]

am i on the wrong forum to be more concerned with what date and mintmark the morgan dollar there is?

Carson City plleeeeassseeeee!

Haha, no. I was staring at it as well.

 

[Hiball]

Not true at all. I've sent a LOT of 12 x 4 x 4 boxes via first class. As long as they are 13oz or less just about anything can go first class.

http://www.usps.com/prices/first-class-mail-prices.htm

I would have been pissed too, to get a ratchet in a paper envelope. It is as bad as using a flat rate envelope, a little worse even.

I send MOST of my tools first class. They get there, and I get great feedback on my packaging. A small flat rate is overkill and charging $5+ for shipping things like a midget wrench or a socket will get you nothing but bad ratings on ebay (for too high of a price of shipping).

First class has delivery confirmation for $0.19. I like to use 4x8 stretchy plastic "indestructable" bubble mailers, and for things like a wrench or a screwdriver, I wrap it in fine bubble wrap first, tape it all up secure, and drop it in the indestructable mailer. A bigger, soft item will ship just fine in a bubble mailer, and they go for $1.90 to $3.60 depending weight, after delivery confirmation.

1100 feedbacks later (and probably 1100 not received at all) and never ONE problem with delivery or condition at delivery.

Nothing wrong with using 1st class shipping for tools, I use it all the time. The 3/4" rule i believe is only affect for Mailing envelopes, You can ship stuff 1st class using Boxes.. As long as its under 13 ounces. I prefer to use Small flat rate boxes when shipping valuable tools, Especially just to save a buck or 2. I factor shipping into all my Tool Sales and anyone who has ever done business with me knows its packed to withstand the USPS Donkeys. Even if i use a padded envelope, I figure im gonna put extra tape on it, So ive got $.50 cents in the Envelope, .25 cents worth of tape and then the 1st class charge. Im getting pretty damn close to the cost of a Small flat rate box..

 

[sawatch]

No doubt the worst I've see, but I did LOL!

 

[SMKS]

The PFL envelopes are fine if you use them properly. I have sent hundreds of tools out in them, with zero problems. These tools include wrenches, screwdrivers, and even 1/2 drive ratchets.


It's actually a lot of work, and so I am looking for alternatives when I sell these days.

I also use many, many FREs. But I think you may go a little overboard.

I do something similar to you. I zip tie the tools to cardboard. But, I don't sandwich them between another sheet of cardboard. I just put some tape on the outside of the envelope to keep the tools from poking through.

I've never lost an item in transit, and I've sold hundreds of items on ebay and here on the GJ.

 

[Hiball]

I also use many, many FREs. But I think you may go a little overboard.

I do something similar to you. I zip tie the tools to cardboard. But, I don't sandwich them between another sheet of cardboard. I just put some tape on the outside of the envelope to keep the tools from poking through.

I've never lost an item in transit, and I've sold hundreds of items on ebay and here on the GJ.

To be Honest with you guys, I would look into these Regional boxes. Ive sent a few here lately that rung up at $5.15. There much safer than the flat rate envelopes and dont take as much tedious packaging.

 

[SMKS]

Nothing wrong with using 1st class shipping for tools, I use it all the time. The 3/4" rule i believe is only affect for Mailing envelopes,

You are correct. If you go over 3/4", you have to pay the First Class Package price, which isn't much more.

Here are the rules for a First Class Mail large envelope:

-The maximum size of a large envelope is 12 inches high by 15 inches long by 3/4 inches thick.
-Mail pieces that exceed the maximum dimensions for a large envelope are charged parcel prices.

 

[VWandDodge]

I ship a lot of stuff related to the car hobby, and were I the OP the E-Bay feedback would be scathing. That ratchet would have easily shipped in a flat rate box. Some people are too caught up in making a buck rather than providing quality service.

 

[Hiball]

I ship a lot of stuff related to the car hobby, and were I the OP the E-Bay feedback would be scathing. That ratchet would have easily shipped in a flat rate box. Some people are too caught up in making a buck rather than providing quality service.

AMEN... I havent left feedback yet and i dont intend on leaving bad feedback. I received exactly everything i was supposed to and thus will leave a positive feedback but adjust the Stars on the Shipping section to match the service. I also will fire a Message off to him questioning his shipping practice and await a response.

 

[Hiball]

Here is a Quick Link to 1st class packages and there prices along with rules (girth, etc)

The Funny thing about this package is that the Seller used:

6 stamps x .44 cents = $2.64
1 USPS Postage paid sticker = .38 cents
1 In store delivery confirmation = 1.00 (I think i very seldom buy them in the store)

----------------------------------------------------------

Grand total of $4.02 cents when he could have used a Small flat rate box at $5.00 with Free Confirmation from Paypal or USPS.

 

[franzdom]

Regional Rate A boxes have saved me a fortune over regular Priority mail, you just have to order them in advance, the post offices do not stock them.

 

[Hiball]

Regional Rate A boxes have saved me a fortune over regular Priority mail, you just have to order them in advance, the post offices do not stock them.

And have to print the shipping from Home, I dont believe it can be done in Store.

 

[alex71]

The only thing that has stopped me from using the regional rate boxes is paypal shipping doesn't seem to support them. At the slow rate that they update (it took a couple of years for them to add the small and large flat rate boxes) I don't think I'll be using them anytime soon.

 

[SMKS]

To be Honest with you guys, I would look into these Regional boxes. Ive sent a few here lately that rung up at $5.15. There much safer than the flat rate envelopes and dont take as much tedious packaging.

I have started using the Regional A box quite a bit. But, It hasn't come out cheaper than a FRE any of the times I've checked.

But, the Regional A Box has always been $4 -$7 cheaper than the Medium Flat Rate Box when I've checked. That saves me a lot on big items.

 

[SMKS]

The only thing that has stopped me from using the regional rate boxes is paypal shipping doesn't seem to support them.

Yeah, that's the problem.

I ended up getting a USPS.com account. I have to log in to order the Regional boxes and padded flat rate envelopes. That same account allows me to print postage from USPS.com. The USPS website allows you to print postage for all the flat rate boxes/envelopes.

 

[rockchucker]

I was waiting for the empty envelope to show up.

I had a guy ship me a box of 4 Cams once. It had dirty sheets, used pizza boxes and moldy cardboard McDonalds Whopper boxes as packing material. Sure I got the items listed but just about puked at the smell when I opened the box. It was like he went to the dumpster and just started packing stuff around the Cams.


At least the Envelope was clean? lol

 

[alex71]

Yeah, that's the problem.

I ended up getting a USPS.com account. I have to log in to order the Regional boxes and padded flat rate envelopes. That same account allows me to print postage from USPS.com. The USPS website allows you to print postage for all the flat rate boxes/envelopes.

Yes, I know, but you can't beat paypal multiorder shipping for ease of use and speed of making labels. using the USPS website, you have to do all the data entry, and you can't use a label printer.

If you're just printing the occasional label, no big deal. But printing ten or more a day, the USPS website is just not an option.

 

[Bull]

I was waiting for the empty envelope to show up.

I had a guy ship me a box of 4 Cams once. It had dirty sheets, used pizza boxes and moldy cardboard McDonalds Whopper boxes as packing material. Sure I got the items listed but just about puked at the smell when I opened the box. It was like he went to the dumpster and just started packing stuff around the Cams. QUOTE]

That's pretty bad.

Worst I received was a lot of ratchets that someone threw loosely into a box filled with used, un-rinsed soda bottles and cans. I could just imagined lip juice all over the mouths of each bottle/can. Made me wanna yuke.

 

[franzdom]

Paypal will let you print first class so I have to use that sometimes, but it's easier to save addresses at USPS.com so all in all I prefer their service. The other pain with theirs though is if you can't reprint there though you can at Paypal. If you change your mind on how you want to ship after you put the label on you have to void it and buy another one.

 

[oldtools]

I didn't know you can mail bulky stuff with envelope. I would not be too happy if mine came like that. My UPS guy always throw (not place) my package onto the yard resulting in damage to the box (but not the tools). It is a nice ratchet thought.

 

[Hiball]

I didn't know you can mail bulky stuff with envelope. I would not be too happy if mine came like that. My UPS guy always throw (not place) my package onto the yard resulting in damage to the box (but not the tools). It is a nice ratchet thought.

Lots of Home brewing concerning rules at different USPS offices, My Local store keeps the little 3/4" cutout template right next to the computer and there not afraid to use it.

 

[Skyline]

There's 1st class, and then there's 1st class package rate. Two different things. All I use for shipping tools is the 1st Class Package rate (I use bubble envelopes). For 1st Class package rate, there is a minimum thickness of 1/2". If a buble envelope with a tool in it is too thin...I just add some shipping peanuts.

Also, there really is no reason to go through all the trouble anymore to try to make a Priority Mail Flat Rate envelope safe for shipping tools...now that we have the new Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate envelopes.

>OP...Your eBay seller is an idiot for shipping something that way. At the very least, you should give him low DSR for shipping cost as he pocketed $5 on that.