Help with online business

[Bettacreek]

Alright, I haven't had any guarantee listed on my website, however, generally, if somebody tells me that the package never arrived, I have reshipped, without charging extra shipping fees. This is simply because it doesn't happen often. However, I had someone report me on an auction site because I hadn't shipped, when, in fact, I had. I reshipped the item, then sent an email telling them when it should be there (sent today to arrive this Friday), and they then respond saying that the package arrived Tuesday (today is Tuesday, so, either he was mistaken and got it some other day, or he meant LAST Tuesday). Obviously I am changing my guarantee, but, how do I make it fair? I also sent the man a new invoice, and said that I want the second package either returned or the invoice paid, though I highly doubt I will get the package back or have him pay for the invoice. So, anyways, how do I protect myself and not screw the customers over if a package gets lost? Most of my packages go out First Class to keep shipping charges as low as possible, and I don't think the USPS covers First Class with any insurance. Any help would be appreciated.

[ptate]

I would ship with delivery confirmation. That way you have a tracking number and can track the package throughout it's transit.

[Bettacreek]

Part of the problem with delivery confirmation is that I would need to send everything Priority mail. Priority plus delivery confirmation costs $5.55 on packages weighing 16oz or less. I ship mainly small amounts of fish foods, such as brine shrimp eggs, flake foods, etc. When you're spending $5 on two ounces of decapsulated brine shrimp eggs, you don't want to pay $5.55 for shipping when you can get it sent for $1.51. So, the only thing I can think of is skipping any guarantees on First Class and only guaranteeing the Priority packages with delivery confirmation. If the P.O. looses one of the confirmation packages, then do I suck it up and loose money on reshipping another pack (I would loose even if they paid the shipping fee again), or do I only guarantee packages that are Priority with delivery confirmation AND insurance?

[RichardA]

I ship Priority, I just charge the $5 or whatever for shipping, bam, get instant tracking.

[ptate]

Part of the problem with delivery confirmation is that I would need to send everything Priority mail. Priority plus delivery confirmation costs $5.55 on packages weighing 16oz or less. I ship mainly small amounts of fish foods, such as brine shrimp eggs, flake foods, etc. When you're spending $5 on two ounces of decapsulated brine shrimp eggs, you don't want to pay $5.55 for shipping when you can get it sent for $1.51. So, the only thing I can think of is skipping any guarantees on First Class and only guaranteeing the Priority packages with delivery confirmation. If the P.O. looses one of the confirmation packages, then do I suck it up and loose money on reshipping another pack (I would loose even if they paid the shipping fee again), or do I only guarantee packages that are Priority with delivery confirmation AND insurance?

Delivery confirmation is available with first class (Parcel Post) packages for 75 cents.

[Bettacreek]

Delivery confirmation is available with first class (Parcel Post) packages for 75 cents.

Damn. I don't know HOW I could have messed up on that. I swore it was only Priority and above. I'm changing my shipping prices then. Thanks.

[desertpirate]

Be aware that parcel post packages can take weeks to months to arrive! I gave up on ever receiving one once, and 5 months later- surprise!!

If you use PayPal to print out shipping labels they include delivery confirmation for free. Also, if you ship Priority you can have the packages picked up at your home and save gas money.

[Bettacreek]

I still need to purchase a printer so that I can use Click-n-Ship. I've been "planning" on getting a printer for over a year now, but I just haven't gotten around to it.

As far as parcel post goes, it's supposed to take up to 9 days. Any package can be lost or take forever to arrive unfortunately, just ask the dead fish I received today. :/ But, first class is pretty reliable for light packages (under 13oz total), and usually arrive within 3 days. I only ever use parcel when I receive certain packages, such as cases of brine shrimp eggs and other huge packages that would cost a small fortune if sent via Priority.

[mckittie]

Always pay the extra for Signature Required & Delivery Confirmation