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OKAY NOW Happ is ripping people off !
ErikRuud:
I just checked my invoice, frieght was $3.39, well within reason for what I ordered. They could not have charged much for handling, and my last order was for a bunch of loose parts to upgrade my supers to top fire josticks.
Chris:
--- Quote from: caykroyd on May 12, 2003, 03:18:59 pm ---Also notice it's shipping and handling. So what they're charging you for is handling. They do sort out your order and bag it up. It's not prepackaged stuff that they just throw in a box and ship, but it still seems a little expensive. I guess they have to pay someone to put the buttons and switches in bags, mark the bags, and box them up. Not to mention that you really can't buy the stuff elsewhere. Maybe they should go to court like M$ did for being a monopoly ;D
--- End quote ---
Happ is a business-to-business supplier. They're not used to selling a single marquee retainer to a hobbyist; they ship a dozen to an operator, and the shipping cost for a dozen is likely the same as the shipping cost for one due to dimensional weight.
I have never had a problem with Happ's shipping costs, but I've avoided buying large, light stuff just because of dimensional weight issues. A big "thank-you" goes out to SNAAAKE for warning me about this the first time he had the problem; I actually called Happ to take a marquee retainer out of my order that time, and satisfied myself with $2 worth of corner molding from Home Depot which worked just as well and looks great.
--Chris
Grasshopper:
I have to say I'm amazed that anyone would hand over their credit card details before getting the exact amount they're paying (including shipping) confirmed in advance.
Why not tell Happ that you'll be paying by cheque or money order? Then they'll have to calculate the exact cost in advance.
I've ordered many parts (sometimes from overseas) and I'm surprised how arbitrary the shipping costs appear to be. However, if the costs are too high simply ask for a re-quote using a different shipping method. If the company refuses then walk away and they'll eventually get the message. I've done it before.
ErikRuud:
It's not that much different than paying by credit card at a resturant.
They run your credit card, and put through a "pending" charge that is higher than your actual bill so that they know there is enough to cover the bill and any tip you may add to the bill. Later on they put through the adjusted amount, and "complete". If they leave the charge "pending" for more than ten days, the "pending" amount is automatically reveresd by your credit card company.
Usually most people do not see this happen, because they only look at their monthly statements. I look at my account online a couple of time per week, so I see it more than most people.
I was just annoyed that they couldn't do a better job of estimating the tax and freight. They overestimted by about 300%, and then took their time about sending in the completed amount.
RandyT:
--- Quote from: MameFan on May 12, 2003, 03:16:44 pm ---I have shipped over 60 packages via UPS ground since November. Trust me, they charge Dimensional weight on ground packages too. >:(
--- End quote ---
Sorry, I stand corrected :). The scenario I gave the rate calculator was an 50lb. package, one that was near the maximum allowable size and one that was very small. Of course, It gave me no difference in cost.
Most things I send (or receive) don't fall into the "large and light" category so I never see this.
RE: Dimensional Weight.
This is what is used by UPS to calculate the rate charged for parcels sent by Next or Second day service that are larger than one cubic foot. Ie. a box that weighs 2lbs and measures 13x13x13 may be charged at a rate equal to a heavier parcel. As the size goes up, based on a different magic formula that I am too lazy to find, so does the "dimensional weight". The oversize classification is more like a two-stage penalty for large and light boxes, than actual dimensional weight.
But in reality, they both exist for the same reasons you spelled out. :)
Too many technicalities :P
RandyT