Angry buyer over choice of shipping method

[Throttlesteer]

Just curious to hear opinions on a recent transaction I had. A buyer has contacted me twice, angry that I decided to ship FedEx ground with signature confirmation and insurance. In fairness, I listed FedEx ground as the shipping method but didn't include the other two bits. I only charged $3 for shipping and the total ended up being over $12.

He's upset that it's taking 8 days to arrive and that he has to take off work to sign for the shipment (roughly $100 value). I explained that I don't sell a lot and took a bath on the shipping cost. Now I'm at risk of getting crappy feedback.

Is his issue legit?

[Econteachert205]

Can't he sign the sticky receipt thing and leave it on the door for FedEx?

[Peter_Spaeth]

For me USPS is far and away the best option and I typically won't do signature required for anything under $500. Not a huge deal though the guy should just chill and move on.

[ruth-gehrig]

Often on the buyers end, through Fedex website, that package can be redirected to a local FedEx retail location and he can get at his convenience.

[bensie]

Originally Posted by ruth-gehrig

Often on the buyers end, through Fedex website, that package can be redirected to a local FedEx retail location and he can get at his convenience.

Yup, the buyer is a choad. FedEx is the best since you can have them deliver to Walgreens, your local grocery store, etc, and then pick up whenever. I divert mine too the Walgreens that's open late so I can go grab them after my day is done.

[jrawlsian]

I wouldn't worry about requiring a signature on a $100 item. It's not unreasonable since there are so many ways to redirect packages. However, it's probably best practice to provide multiple shipping options.

[bnorth]

For a $100 item I would also be pissed if I had to sign for it. I wouldn't leave a negative though.

[perezfan]

Yes, he can call FedEx and redirect the package to his nearest "FedEx Office" location. It will add a couple days of transit time to the mix, but at least he won't need to miss a day's work to be physically present, and can sign for it + pick it up at his convenience.

I also agree that regular US Mail is by far the best for these types of shipments. FedEx is next, and UPS is a distant 3rd. With UPS you have to labor through their 3 futile yet mandatory delivery attempts, after which you'll have to drive forever to their nearest warehouse. And when you finally have it in-hand, it is most likely beaten to hell.

[rats60]

You really should ask people before you ship Fed Ex. For me I have to have someone wait at the house all day and hope the driver can find my house. Otherwise, I have to drive 1 1/2 round trip to pick up the item. They don't have the number of locations that UPS has. Their drivers are independent contractors and can deliver the item or not. They have fewer deliveries and have to cover more area and often are not familiar with the area they are delivering to. I too would be pissed if someone did that with a 100.00 card. Send USPS insured with signature confirmation or UPS.

[Thromdog]

As soon as an auction house sends the FedEx number and it shows in transit, I have them redirect it to the Walgreens by my house. Very easy.....

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by perezfan

Yes, he can call FedEx and redirect the package to his nearest "FedEx Office" location. It will add a couple days of transit time to the mix, but at least he won't need to miss a day's work to be physically present, and can sign for it + pick it up at his convenience.

I also agree that regular US Mail is by far the best for these types of shipments. FedEx is next, and UPS is a distant 3rd. With UPS you have to labor through their 3 futile yet mandatory delivery attempts, after which you'll have to drive forever to their nearest warehouse. And when you finally have it in-hand, it is most likely beaten to hell.

In my area there generally isn't any additional wait if I change the delivery location. Once I had to leave the day a Fedex package was to arrive and I just got online and changed the location to a nearby Walgreens and they had it there by 3:00pm the same day, and I only had to walk a few blocks.

UPS now delivers to a nearby locker facility if I miss the delivery. I don't even get the option of making that long slog out to the warehouse.

If someone ships USPS with signature required, it's the worst of the three - If I miss delivery I have to go to my local post office which is about ten miles away and it isn't there until the next morning. In addition, the line is always horrible and they frequently say that it isn't there, which requires that I get a manager and prove that it's there somewhere - they always eventually find the package, but it's a postal mentality.

Given that it's 2018, I don't see why each of the three can't figure out a way to give their customers an accurate and small delivery window.