Thread: International shipping

Hi Gregg,

I know that Bailey's lost business when the USPS stopped offering the cheaper fourth class surface shipping method for overseas orders. Currently, it seems that what you offer is only the USPS express mail air freight on box contained items. Probably pallet shipped is different. I think it is like a 2-3 day service to Asia. There is a slower air service called priority international, still air freight and like a week to ten days delivery is the usual. Insurance is available on it. Personally, I sure don't need to have the goods in a couple days, especially since the express mail you use is like a third more expensive or so, compared to Priority. There are also other companies like DHL or FedEx, that can give a much cheaper rate than the USPS on some shipments, and are a fast and secure service with tracking available. The USPS tracking is terrible to non existent, because basically it's the case that often nothing shows up with a search beyond saying that the goods have been shipped. I guess it depends on the size and weight of the parcels to determine the cheapest rate, but all in all, the post office for larger orders is definitely not the cheapest, from my experience. Most companies shipping international try to get the cheapest secure or insured rate for their customers, Bailey's seems a bit 'undeveloped' about this, to be honest. I tried to get my current order sent cheaper through USPS priority or possibly another shipper, as the charge is quite high, but apparently when Russ ran it by your shipping manager, all he could suggest was that if I had an account with another shipper myself, it might be workable. I don't have one, and likely most of your international individual customers wouldn't either. I don't have a clue how much of your business is international, but it doesn't seem like it would require too much work to possibly set up some alternatives to the expensive shipping that you have going. Like I mentioned, most companies seem to want to do that for mutual benefit. Just thinking that it would both help out your customers, and also possibly get back some of the bizz that you lost when fourth class shipping was no longer an option.

I don't know how the rates get compared by the company wanting to ship, a phone call or charts...? You probably need to set up some accounts with the shippers first....? Perhaps Laytonville or wherever you are shipping from, doesn't have the options available? Anyway, if the cheaper shipping was available, it would make things easier at the customer's end, given the added on expense.

Thanks.

Dennis

I second that!
Also, could it be possible to get an international shipping quote before completing the checkout?

Isna, hard to see how you could get an accurate shipping quote before checking out. Those computer generated ones are usually pretty far off the mark. One arborist supply company I do business with, gets back to me the next day or so with the shipping alternatives and rates. I just let them know which and the goods are out the door. It is a good system.

Howdy,
Beleive me when I tell you that we've looked at this international shipping every way from Sunday, and EMI (Express Mail International) is the best choice. We charge exactly what Post Office charges us. Yes, we can ship it PMI (Priority Mail International), and yes it can be insured but, it doesn't mean they"ll pay a claim. The biggest problem with PMI is the trackability. It was about a 90% rate that if the last track on the package was somewhere in the delivery country, the claim will be denied. If you want to roll those kind of dice with your size of order, just let us know.
Regards
Gregg

Certainly not a gambling man with other folk's money, since the larger orders are generally people that I work with asking me to purchase for them included....so as you describe, priority could well be problematical. Just wonder if you have recently investigated those other shippers I mentioned? From my perspective, over the last few years they seem to have much left the USPS is the dust regarding rates, tracking, and general customer service. Sometimes the rates are preferable by a huge margin. The tracking is right on the mark, and if there are problems, I know that one of them has a quick response via live chat online. I would not be surprised if they are faster than the USPS express as well, or certainly equal, generally about four or five days to the door, it depends how long things get stalled at customs, but that is not related to the shipper. I have never had a claim with any of them, so I don't know how that might work out. I do certainly get the impression that they offer a secure insured service. The other folks sending me goods from the states don't seem to have a problem with those outfits, generally seem preferred over the USPS. Not saying I know more than you guys about all this, perhaps your location or whatever makes the USPS the best choice from your angle? Saving a few pennies is big these days, that's all, so it compels me to enquire. You know that I really like doing bizz with you guys, must be about 35 years now or near that, but the shipping can be a tough add on since fourth class disappeared.

Thanks and regards,
Dennis

Howdy,
I'm going to have our shipping manager contact you. He''ll have some numbers and options (along with each ones good and bad points) for your shipment. This way we can make the most well informed decision on how to proceed with your order. Everything we have ships out of Woodland now, so every option should be available.
Regards
Gregg

Sounds good, Gregg, thanks for going to the bother about my moaning.

Take care,
Dennis

Hi Gregg,

Any idea when the shipping manager might be contacting me? I was just going to go ahead and place the order after your earlier comments, but figured to wait to at least hear from him. In the waiting mode here....

Can I get your email address?


Thank you.

Dennis

Howdy Dennis,
I know he just got back from attending some HR classes so he's a little behind. He said he would be able to contact today yet but, it'll be after hours for us. He said it would be about 4 hours from now.
Regards
Gregg