SYR vs. Reptiles Express: MAJOR price difference

So I'm getting ready to ship some Balls for the first time and since I don't have the certification necessary I was going to ship through SYR. Went and checked their web site and to ship a 16x16x8 box weighing approximately 2lbs they want $103! This seemed high to me so I poked around a bit, stumbled upon Reptiles Express and went through the process with them. $63. These weren't quotes, I went all the way to checkout on both sites.

I contacted SYR and they claim their rates are correct. So what's the deal? Is SYR gouging, or are the foks at Reptiles Express just uber-generous (or really good at negotiating a discount with FedEx!).

Thought I'd share this with y'all and get your input.

I'm not entirely certain and could be totally wrong, but isn't RE strictly in Canada? And Canada - US import shipping? (Not US to US shipping)
Shipping and postage here in the US could be more expensive than CAN, which would make sense for the price difference....


Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Keep in mind in order to use Reptile Express services you need to buy the box and packing material from them (this is how they were able to get the contracts with the couriers) and the smallest box will run you $17+shipping to get the packing materials to you(about $24 last I checked) so that puts your price at $104 for Reptile Express

Also, you can't do checkout on Reptile Express for anything other than shipping materials. They don't have thr ability to give real-time quotes onsite either, so I think your numbers are inaccurate. If you went to checkout - that was your cost for the shipping materials + shipping the materials to you.

To get the actual cost of transporting that box, you need to email Sam directly.

Make sure the RE price you are seeing is for Priority Overnight, as well. Two-Day shipping is MUCH cheaper, but obviously should not be used for live animals.

As a side note - Are you sure you need that big of a box? Rates go up quickly when you use larger boxes, and based on a 2# weight, it doesn't seem like you need those dimensions.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SquamishSerpents

Keep in mind in order to use Reptile Express services you need to buy the box and packing material from them (this is how they were able to get the contracts with the couriers) and the smallest box will run you $17+shipping to get the packing materials to you(about $24 last I checked) so that puts your price at $104 for Reptile Express

---

Nope. US.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SquamishSerpents

Also, you can't do checkout on Reptile Express for anything other than shipping materials. They don't have thr ability to give real-time quotes onsite either, so I think your numbers are inaccurate. If you went to checkout - that was your cost for the shipping materials + shipping the materials to you.

To get the actual cost of transporting that box, you need to email Sam directly.

---

Incorrect. You have to register for an account and have it approved, but once you do that you can check out online. No where does it say that you have to use THEIR shipping supplies. It only says "Approved Shipping Supplies", and I doubt they'd have any argument with the kits from SYR. The item in the cart is a FedEx Label. I've attached a picture for proof.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Annarose15

Make sure the RE price you are seeing is for Priority Overnight, as well. Two-Day shipping is MUCH cheaper, but obviously should not be used for live animals.

As a side note - Are you sure you need that big of a box? Rates go up quickly when you use larger boxes, and based on a 2# weight, it doesn't seem like you need those dimensions.

---

It's for Priority Overnight as the attached pic shows.

I'm shipping four snakes, so yeah, I think the box size is appropriate. The weight is a guesstimate based on the combined weight of the four animals and a stab in the dark on the weight of the packing materials.

http://i.imgur.com/SSnW7C2.jpg

Note: Though it says "Please Add Shipping Box" it lets me go all the way to PayPal without doing it.

Oh oops, different company than the one in Canada I believe, sorry about that!

If its the same company as the one in Canada I assume they're able to offer real time quotes due to different courier regulations. For example Fedexing snakes in US is no problem but you can't use FedEx in Canada unless you're hiring Reptile Express to contract it out.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Annarose15

Make sure the RE price you are seeing is for Priority Overnight, as well. Two-Day shipping is MUCH cheaper, but obviously should not be used for live animals.

As a side note - Are you sure you need that big of a box? Rates go up quickly when you use larger boxes, and based on a 2# weight, it doesn't seem like you need those dimensions.

---

I think I came off a little "I know best" in that last comment, and I don't. Just to verify: I'm shipping 4 2012 Ball Pythons with a total weight of 660g. Which box size do you think would be best: 9x9x9, 12x9,6, 11x11x7? Bigger or Smaller?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ChaosAffect

I think I came off a little "I know best" in that last comment, and I don't. Just to verify: I'm shipping 4 2012 Ball Pythons with a total weight of 660g. Which box size do you think would be best: 9x9x9, 12x9,6, 11x11x7? Bigger or Smaller?

---

No offense taken. :) I've shipped two small hatchlings in the same 7x7x7 box (~220g total), but don't have any experience with shipping more animals than that at a time. My guess is you might be able to get away with a 12x9 or 11x11, but I'll let someone else chime in on that. As for the price discrepancy between the services, I'm out of ideas. :confuzd:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Annarose15

No offense taken. :) I've shipped two small hatchlings in the same 7x7x7 box (~220g total), but don't have any experience with shipping more animals than that at a time. My guess is you might be able to get away with a 12x9 or 11x11, but I'll let someone else chime in on that. As for the price discrepancy between the services, I'm out of ideas. :confuzd:

---

I did a test fit in a 6.5x6.5x6.5 box that I've got lying around. They all fit in there snugly with little room to spare. I figure with a 9x9x9 I'd have room for some newspaper and the heat or cold pack depending on temp.

The question here is do they need much empty space? They're not going to be packed in tight, but it will be a fairly snug fit.

If you live near a reptile shop or breeder that ships ask them to do it for you with their account and insurance, depending on the package it's the cheapest way I've found so far.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ChaosAffect

I did a test fit in a 6.5x6.5x6.5 box that I've got lying around. They all fit in there snugly with little room to spare. I figure with a 9x9x9 I'd have room for some newspaper and the heat or cold pack depending on temp.

The question here is do they need much empty space? They're not going to be packed in tight, but it will be a fairly snug fit.

---

You want them to be fairly snug. The more room the bags have to slide around, the more potential they have for injury in transit. Just make sure none of the bags will come in direct contact with the heat/cold pack.

I've been using Reptiles Express since last August and they're definitely the best service.
No gimmicks, no catches, they're just cheaper.
The only hoop you have to jump through is getting the membership, which is just filling out the form and faxing it back to them. After that, you're all set and can ship at will.

Did you do the test fit with styro insulation?

Just in case you didn't already think of this, you'd be really surprised how much room you lose once you get insulation in there; I know I was. I just shipped 3 2012 hatchlings in rectangular delis and there was definitely no more room in the box and they were very snug.

It was a 9x12x6 I believe but since at that point it was slightly cold still (about 3 weeks ago) I used the 1" insulation. So lost 2" off the boxes height, and 4" total all around the inside perimeter

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/07/yneda6at.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SquamishSerpents

Did you do the test fit with styro insulation?

Just in case you didn't already think of this, you'd be really surprised how much room you lose once you get insulation in there; I know I was. I just shipped 3 2012 hatchlings in rectangular delis and there was definitely no more room in the box and they were very snug.

It was a 9x12x6 I believe but since at that point it was slightly cold still (about 3 weeks ago) I used the 1" insulation. So lost 2" off the boxes height, and 4" total all around the inside perimeter

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/07/yneda6at.jpg

---

Yeah, I calculated a 1.5" space loss with the styrofoam. I still wasn't happy with how snug it would be, though, so I went up a box size. (I canceled my SYR order. They were very cool about it. I do have to say, except for the massive price discrepancy their Customer Service is excellent.)

Quick rundown:
11x11x7 Insulated Box
Hot pack
Cold Pack
5x Cloth bag
Priority Overnight Shipping of materials to me
Priority Overnight Shipping of package to target
STILL more than $20 less than the price of SYR's shipping alone.

I got 3 snakes in a month ago. Total weight was roughly 900g total. The largest was over 600g and was in a bag. The other 2 were between 100-200g each. They were both in their own deli cups. Packed with heat and newspaper in a 12x9x6 box. I would say you can ship yours in the same size box and use snake bags. Fill the voids with newspaper shreds and a heat/cold pack as necessary. FedEx charges are based on dimensional weight. They charge what that size box should weigh, which is more than what the snakes weigh. Maximizing the space safely will save you money in the long run regardless of who you ship with.

I decided to go with an 11x11x7 Box. Shipping was just over $50.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SquamishSerpents

Did you do the test fit with styro insulation?
Just in case you didn't already think of this, you'd be really surprised how much room you lose once you get insulation in there; I know I was. I just shipped 3 2012 hatchlings in rectangular delis and there was definitely no more room in the box and they were very snug.

---

I would recommend using snake bags when shipping multiple snakes in a smaller sized box. You really lose a lot of surface area when using containers.
However, if you're shipping for example a 1000gr snake and a 100gr snake, I would advise to bag up the bigger snake, but place the smaller snake in a secure container to prevent crushing by the bigger animal.

Hope this helps,
-Sam

Reptilesexpress is awesome! Debbie is top notch and their pricing kicks butt. I've used them for the past handful of orders I've shipped. I will stick with them. I have my own FedEx certification if there were every any snags but RE beats SYR handily. I had a small mix up on my last order and Debbie even called FedEx. Talk about customer service.

Regards,

B

I have a friend that uses RE and loves them. He told me about RE and pays $15-$20 less than what I pay through SYR. I have no idea why, and his shipping boxes are the same boxes I use with SYR (at least they appear the same). I've been wondering why the prices were so different myself, I really like SYR :sigh2:

We offer a consistent and reliable 20% off the FedEx retail rate at ShipYourReptiles. As your volume grows, so can the discount. If you have a question about your rate, always feel free to contact me directly, I am happy to help- Robyn@ShipYourReptiles.com

I don't know what is going on at RE. Sometimes the rate is up, sometimes it is down. I can't remember the last time their "FedEx retail rate" figure was accurate.

We bring much more to the table than a discounted rate though.

We work VERY HARD to support the reptile industry. We offer unparalleled customer service. We offer an On-Time and Live Arrival Insurance program that is the only one of its kind in the industry, entirely self-funded. You won't find that with any competitors, including FedEx, UPS or Delta Dash directly.

We have a micro-donation program that allows you to donate as little as 50 cents per shipment to USARK and PIJAC, money that goes to protect your very future to keep, breed and ship reptiles. In just a few months we have sent over $2000 to those organizations. We are super proud of that program, we can all make a difference, only 50 cents at a time!

We pay to advertise at dozens of reptile, amphibian and invert forums, we buy tables at the largest reptile shows of the year, and we donate free shipments to fund raisers, charity causes and other benefits throughout the year.

We are developing a new scholarship program now that will provide COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS for young herpers looking to further their education. (Exciting!)

I spend a lot of time each week answering questions about reptile shipping at forums and Fb pages, we are looking to help folks with the proper shipping info whether you are our direct customer or not.

Competitive companies don't do any of that. We work VERY HARD to support the reptile industry. We are the industry leader, and we strive to set the best possible example. We provide the tools, knowledge and support for folks to ship their live reptiles and amphibians safely and responsibly. We deeply appreciate each and every customer, and we would love to have your continued support.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Robyn@SYR

We offer a consistent and reliable 20% off the FedEx retail rate at ShipYourReptiles. As your volume grows, so can the discount. If you have a question about your rate, always feel free to contact me directly, I am happy to help- Robyn@ShipYourReptiles.com

I don't know what is going on at RE. Sometimes the rate is up, sometimes it is down. I can't remember the last time their "FedEx retail rate" figure was accurate.

We bring much more to the table than a discounted rate though.

We work VERY HARD to support the reptile industry. We offer unparalleled customer service. We offer an On-Time and Live Arrival Insurance program that is the only one of its kind in the industry, entirely self-funded. You won't find that with any competitors, including FedEx, UPS or Delta Dash directly.

We have a micro-donation program that allows you to donate as little as 50 cents per shipment to USARK and PIJAC, money that goes to protect your very future to keep, breed and ship reptiles. In just a few months we have sent over $2000 to those organizations. We are super proud of that program, we can all make a difference, only 50 cents at a time!

We pay to advertise at dozens of reptile, amphibian and invert forums, we buy tables at the largest reptile shows of the year, and we donate free shipments to fund raisers, charity causes and other benefits throughout the year.

We are developing a new scholarship program now that will provide COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS for young herpers looking to further their education. (Exciting!)

I spend a lot of time each week answering questions about reptile shipping at forums and Fb pages, we are looking to help folks with the proper shipping info whether you are our direct customer or not.

Competitive companies don't do any of that. We work VERY HARD to support the reptile industry. We are the industry leader, and we strive to set the best possible example. We provide the tools, knowledge and support for folks to ship their live reptiles and amphibians safely and responsibly. We deeply appreciate each and every customer, and we would love to have your continued support.

---

Ugh, I thought my post went through the day when I thanked this one. Bare with me here, our power was on and off that day.

It's nice to read all the stuff you guys do for our hobby. I have let myself be bullied into using other shipping methods to save money. A good deal is big weakness of mine :oops: I don't have a problem spending a little more money to support a business that does a lot for me/the hobby. Thanks for the info Robyn!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Robyn@SYR

We offer a consistent and reliable 20% off the FedEx retail rate at ShipYourReptiles. As your volume grows, so can the discount. If you have a question about your rate, always feel free to contact me directly, I am happy to help- Robyn@ShipYourReptiles.com

I don't know what is going on at RE. Sometimes the rate is up, sometimes it is down. I can't remember the last time their "FedEx retail rate" figure was accurate.

We bring much more to the table than a discounted rate though.

We work VERY HARD to support the reptile industry. We offer unparalleled customer service. We offer an On-Time and Live Arrival Insurance program that is the only one of its kind in the industry, entirely self-funded. You won't find that with any competitors, including FedEx, UPS or Delta Dash directly.

We have a micro-donation program that allows you to donate as little as 50 cents per shipment to USARK and PIJAC, money that goes to protect your very future to keep, breed and ship reptiles. In just a few months we have sent over $2000 to those organizations. We are super proud of that program, we can all make a difference, only 50 cents at a time!

We pay to advertise at dozens of reptile, amphibian and invert forums, we buy tables at the largest reptile shows of the year, and we donate free shipments to fund raisers, charity causes and other benefits throughout the year.

We are developing a new scholarship program now that will provide COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS for young herpers looking to further their education. (Exciting!)

I spend a lot of time each week answering questions about reptile shipping at forums and Fb pages, we are looking to help folks with the proper shipping info whether you are our direct customer or not.

Competitive companies don't do any of that. We work VERY HARD to support the reptile industry. We are the industry leader, and we strive to set the best possible example. We provide the tools, knowledge and support for folks to ship their live reptiles and amphibians safely and responsibly. We deeply appreciate each and every customer, and we would love to have your continued support.

---

Robyn, you guys rock in my book. I love the insurance SYR offers, and the fact that y'all have been pretty willing to deal with me when I'm needy:).

I have never checked prices at RE (and I'm not knocking them, don't get me wrong) because I just like SYR. Even if I am paying a little more, it is worth it to me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SquamishSerpents

Keep in mind in order to use Reptile Express services you need to buy the box and packing material from them (this is how they were able to get the contracts with the couriers) and the smallest box will run you $17+shipping to get the packing materials to you(about $24 last I checked) so that puts your price at $104 for Reptile Express

---

that is not true, I have shipped several times with RE and my own packaging that meets their standards with no troubles.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ChaosAffect

So I'm getting ready to ship some Balls for the first time and since I don't have the certification necessary I was going to ship through SYR. Went and checked their web site and to ship a 16x16x8 box weighing approximately 2lbs they want $103! This seemed high to me so I poked around a bit, stumbled upon Reptiles Express and went through the process with them. $63. These weren't quotes, I went all the way to checkout on both sites.

I contacted SYR and they claim their rates are correct. So what's the deal? Is SYR gouging, or are the foks at Reptiles Express just uber-generous (or really good at negotiating a discount with FedEx!).

Thought I'd share this with y'all and get your input.

---

Both are great companies but have their own contracts with fedex. I am very happy with reptilesexpress and have had amazing customer service and the 'quoted' price on their main page has always been 100% accurate for my shippments.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dragoon

that is not true, I have shipped several times with RE and my own packaging that meets their standards with no troubles.

---

You really should read the entire thread before digging it up from the grave, lol. It has already been established that I was talking about Reptile Express in Canada (AWESOME COMPANY by the way!!) and this thread was talking about Reptiles Express in the States, which I believe are totally different companies. At the time of this thread I was not aware that there was a Reptiles Express.

The RE math is wacky a lot of the time.

Use FedEx.com to quote the actual retail rate on a package. Compare that to what is shown as the retail rate on both sites. I don't know why RE can't figure out what the retail rate is, but that is not the kind of predictability, reliability and execution I am looking for in a company.

Yeah.. It's an older thread but might as well add my two cents while its bumped. Reptiles express to me has hands down better customer service. I dealt with SYR for a long time but the last two years they claim to have the best customer service but 98% of the time i tries to contact them or I had a problem I couldn't get a real person. I got an answering machine saying the same typical BS you would expect "oh we are sorry we missed your call blah blah blah." And then would never get a call back or when i had a problem and could actually get a person on the phone they say let me check and ill call you right back.. Doesn't happen.. and I've had to just call FedEx hubs myself. With SYR you are just another number and they treat you that way. On the other hand with reptiles express I ALWAYS get top notch service. You call them and you get a real live person, if you have a problem they say let me call you right back and they absolutely call you back within 5 minutes. You feel like an actual important customer. And the prices are ALWAYS $15, $20, I've even seen $30 cheaper one time. It's ridiculous. SYR is just out th make a buck off of you where as reptiles express cares about the service they are providing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zach_24_90

Yeah.. It's an older thread but might as well add my two cents while its bumped. Reptiles express to me has hands down better customer service. I dealt with SYR for a long time but the last two years they claim to have the best customer service but 98% of the time i tries to contact them or I had a problem I couldn't get a real person. I got an answering machine saying the same typical BS you would expect "oh we are sorry we missed your call blah blah blah." And then would never get a call back or when i had a problem and could actually get a person on the phone they say let me check and ill call you right back.. Doesn't happen.. and I've had to just call FedEx hubs myself. With SYR you are just another number and they treat you that way. On the other hand with reptiles express I ALWAYS get top notch service. You call them and you get a real live person, if you have a problem they say let me call you right back and they absolutely call you back within 5 minutes. You feel like an actual important customer. And the prices are ALWAYS $15, $20, I've even seen $30 cheaper one time. It's ridiculous. SYR is just out th make a buck off of you where as reptiles express cares about the service they are providing.

---

Wow, I am really sorry you feel that way. We have multiple customer service reps on hand, and we make it a point to return all calls and messages immediately.

You are definitely not another number, and we are not out to "just make a buck off of you", we are actually leading the way and setting the standard for safe and reliable live reptile shipping.

You wouldn't believe how often we get this message- "Hey, I have a question, call me back", and with no name or number. I have seen that happen for 20 years in the industry. Or sometimes you end up talking to a customer that says "I called you 5 times, and no one called me back!". Did you leave a message? "No." Okayyyyyyy.

Unless you have done something like that, you should have a live person on the phone/email, or get a call back within minutes.

You are not our customer, but I am happy to spend some time on the phone with myself to try and identify what the problem has been in the past. Feel free to contact me directly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Robyn@SYR

Wow, I am really sorry you feel that way. We have multiple customer service reps on hand, and we make it a point to return all calls and messages immediately.

You are definitely not another number, and we are not out to "just make a buck off of you", we are actually leading the way and setting the standard for safe and reliable live reptile shipping.

You wouldn't believe how often we get this message- "Hey, I have a question, call me back", and with no name or number. I have seen that happen for 20 years in the industry. Or sometimes you end up talking to a customer that says "I called you 5 times, and no one called me back!". Did you leave a message? "No." Okayyyyyyy.

Unless you have done something like that, you should have a live person on the phone/email, or get a call back within minutes.

You are not our customer, but I am happy to spend some time on the phone with myself to try and identify what the problem has been in the past. Feel free to contact me directly.

---

I should note Robyn it was not you. And I am by no means saying you guys are bad people it's business and having a business degree and being in that world I get that. But that was just my experience. I'm in customer service in a way and I know it happens, it shouldn't , but it does. And just dealing with a live animals, time is a very important factor so I kind of just moved away to reptiles express after talking To some friends of mine this were with them.