How to hopefully avoid getting ripped off when shipping large or bulky packages

[RT Eddy]

I recently attempted to buy a windshield from a fellow Spyderlover but unfortunately, it was very expensive to ship so I politely declined and found one on eBay for $121 shipped to my door. (Shipping was a mere $21)

I had another experience with a humongous Harley Road King Classic saddle I had sold and was shipping it from Virginia to Wisconsin. USPS wanted $80 to ship it, the UPS retail store wanted something absurd like $120 so based on advice from my neighbor who is a UPS package truck driver, I went online and found my local UPS Customer Service Center. They shipped the saddle for $28! I have since had many GREAT experiences using this service center. Last year I shipped THREE motorcycle tires that had been duct taped together, from VA to Ohio, for $35!

I didn't know but all of those retail UPS stores in the strip malls are privately owned franchises, they charge much more (like TRIPLE the price) than the customer service centers found inside the huge UPS hubs! I have no affiliation with UPS but next time you have a big or heavy package, it may be worth finding your local UPS customer service center! Good luck! :thumbup:

Link to find a UPS Customer Service Centers: https://www.ups.com/dropoff?loc=en_US

 

[Chasinsparks]

Thanks

Thanks for this great information.

 

[UtahPete]

That is very good to know. Thanks

 

[canamjhb]

That is excellent information. A couple years ago I sold a Goldwing seat and the shipping was over $150. I went to both FedEx and UPS stores and shipped it from the least expensive one. But still outrageous cost. Now I know why..... My local "UPS store" just lost all my future business.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I guess maybe I've cheated the local UPS store out of few bucks. I have on occasion gone online to get a UPS ship label, put it on the box, and take it to the local UPS store for pickup! I usually ship by USPS doing the shipping info and label online and take it to the PO. USPS is usually cheaper than UPS.

 

[ARtraveler]

Those local UPS packaging stores are franchises and are in it for the money. They charge extra for the box, the packing materials, the insurance, etc.

It cost me $225 to have a Corbin seat shipped stateside, and needing someone else to pack that monster and get it safely to the purchaser, I lost my shirt on the shipping. Customer paid $125 shipping and I was stuck for the other $100. And...they got a "steal it" price on the seat.

Had to chalk that one up to a "sunk cost" sale. :roflblack::roflblack:

 

[Chupaca]

Thanks....

Good to know...my UPS store is pretty good and have always suggested USPS on many items I have shipped. Last shipped an oem 2012 RS muffler $118.40 to Canada. :thumbup: