Never paying for shipping again!

[Jeff Elkins]

If you ship with FedEx and declare in excess of $500 (I think that’s the threshold) then they demand to inspect your self-packed boxes or use their packing services, or waive the declared value benefit. Does anyone know if USPS, UPS, or PirateShip has similar qualifications?

And, to be fair, the last item I shipped where this was an issues, I was quoted a fairly reasonable packing cost but it wasn’t a full bass in a case.

FedEx also doesn’t technically insure the item based on the declared value.

I had that experience at FedEx until they got to know me (I shipped maybe three basses a year for a couple of years of trying out different models and then selling or trading them). I think it was anything valued over $400 at the time.

I’ve found a couple of things: if you have an account with the shipper (FedEx, UPS) they treat you as more legit, and are less likely to inspect. If you come with prepaid, pre-printed labels attached, same. I used to use FedEx bc they were the lowest cost, but switched to pirate ship over a year ago, using UPS. I’ve never had a box opened at the UPS store or the UPS depot.

I think, though, that YMMV wildly depending on your store and the staff.

 

[bassfran]

I recently bought a 75lb (!) cab here on TB. I advised the seller to use Pirate Ship and it was only $100 from CA to IL.
Gamechanger.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I think this is really that the OP discovered that if you ship the most expensive way you can, it’s expensive.

 

[stevensivak]

Also, be aware that there are two rates when using UPS-
Direct through UPS at one of their depots and a higher
rate at the UPS stores. As mentioned earlier, those stores
are independently owned and charge a higher rate.

 

[Element Zero]

Also, be aware that there are two rates when using UPS-
Direct through UPS at one of their depots and a higher
rate at the UPS stores. As mentioned earlier, those stores
are independently owned and charge a higher rate.

Never knew that. IF I ever ship something again, it’ll be through Pirate Ship for sure.

 

[Spectre Gunner]

Did you pay a UPS Store to pack and ship the bass? The stores are usually franchises and they make most of their money from packing. If you pack the bass yourself you’ll save a lot.

The UPS/FedEx shipping stores add their price on top of the regular shipping price. Nothing wrong with them getting paid to provide convenience and service. However, if you pack it yourself and ship it from a major shipping center you'll get a lower shipping price by cutting out the middle-man and it may arrive a day sooner.

And one more thing. If you have an LLC or you own a business you can sign up for a business account with UPS, FedEx or USPS you will get their business rates. Keep your receipts.

 

[fhm555]

If you paid $380 to ship a bass then yeah, maybe shipping basses ain't for you.
Personally I've never paid more than $75. And that was Alabama to California in a hard case. Usually it's around $55. Pirate Ship

Yep, last bass I shipped went FedEx in an SKB44 and cost me right at $60.

 

[Deleted member 409896]

Glad to see Pirateship.com mentioned. Shipnerd.com is almost the same thing.

I've used Pirateship numerous times, to ship things sold on various forums, both small and large. They would be my first stop if I needed to ship something as large as a bass. I'm sure I've saved hundreds on shipping over the last few years, vs. USPS, UPS, or FedEx retail rates.

 

[DoggBass]

Yes, thanks for mentioning these services, I had no idea!

 

[jmattbassplaya]

How does PirateShip work? I’ve never used them before. I had a similar thing happen to me where shipping a bass cross country wound up costing a couple hundred. I should have told the buyer I couldn’t justify it and dealt with any repercussions on the back end.

 

[Deleted member 409896]

How does PirateShip work? I’ve never used them before. I had a similar thing happen to me where shipping a bass cross country wound up costing a couple hundred. I should have told the buyer I couldn’t justify it and dealt with any repercussions on the back end.

you buy USPS or UPS shipping services, at greatly reduced rates.

That's pretty much it.

Been using it for years at this point. Biggest thing I shipped so far was a set of motorcycle luggage. Have saved easily hundreds of $ vs. retail UPS/USPS rates.

 

[TomJ4Eden]

How does PirateShip work? I’ve never used them before. I had a similar thing happen to me where shipping a bass cross country wound up costing a couple hundred. I should have told the buyer I couldn’t justify it and dealt with any repercussions on the back end.

You go to their web site and create an account, then measure and weigh your package, enter on the web site and it calculates the cheapest method. As an example, I went toa UPS store to ship a bass and to ship it insured was going to be $240. I took it to a FedEx and it was about $140. Recently I shipped a bass using Pirateship (arrr,.matey!) and it cost me around $90. And yes, this is insured. These basses were in the neighborhood of $2500.

 

[klejst]

Likely due to another shipping rate hike. All the better to buy local...(and sometimes) pay more there too unless you buy off Marketplace or something and/or you're luckily enough to live there with no sales taxes.