I sent out three packages today: a trade to Beware the Hockey Card Closet, a trade and group break package to Sportscards from the Dollar Store, and the massive group break loot (equipped with a spectacular autographed 1/1) to Rob PBS. Three packages. Two to Canada and one to the UK, for a total of $36!
Now I'm not complaining about having to send stuff out of the country. If I really felt that way, I wouldn't trade with anyone in Canada, and I would keep my group breaks closed to anyone outside the U.S. What I am complaining about, though, is that every year, we hear the USPS make all sorts of statements about how they're losing money, and how they have to cut staff, and how they have to raise prices. All I'm saying, is that with the INSANE price increases that took effect in February, I don't want to hear these complaints ever again.
I'm sure we'll hear about it again next year, but really, what other options do we have?
I feel your pain !
ReplyDeleteI lost almost $30 in my last break...just from shipping increases from just December! INSANE!!!
ReplyDeleteI had to bite that same bullet with Ebay. I used to charge $4 to ship to Canada before the increase. I didn't realize that it had changed over and I had to take a loss on my $.99+$4 cards that cost $6.50 to ship.
DeleteI've found that, at least recently with stuff I send stateside, I can usually get a cheaper rate, despite envelope size if I can get the package as flat as possible. A few days back, I was standing at the counter, trying to break a couple of those pesky bubbles to get it down to a smaller size.
ReplyDeleteThe real idiocy comes when I'm sending boxes. Your standard 100 ct box is nice to send, but it is too small to send as a package, so it has to go for a $20.00 rate. But, if I jerry rig it by taping random paper to the side of the box (I used tax forms the most recent time this problem arose) to cut the cost in almost half.
I know it's a seperate entity, but when I see what it costs to send things my way, and compare it, there is a HUGE difference. Either someone is charging way too much, or way too little.
DeleteI agree on the box thing, too. I had one of the packages in a box, and it ended up being twice as much as each of the other two, but I didn't really have any other way to send it securely. A padded envelope would have likely been cheaper, but I'd rather pay a couple extra bucks just to make sure that the items are safer from damage.
Hey Matt,
ReplyDeleteThis is one reason I am glad to live on a border city. I visit the USA (Detroit) often now and can send put all my trade packages and TTMs for in-country prices.
The price increase is insane, though.
I really appreciate you trading with me. Thanks!
Kyle
That's the thing. I live in North Dakota, so it really doesn't have to go that far. It's just the simple fact that it crosses the border triples the cost over what it takes to ship it, for example, to Florida.
DeleteYea, those prices are way steep now. Pony Express.
ReplyDeleteI'm fully prepared to switch over to Carrier Pigeon.
ReplyDeleteDo you want some money towards it? I am in the UK after all
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely not. I refuse to offer a price and then ask for more money when I discover somebody is a little further than I thought. Off of principle, it's something that I won't do, so don't worry about that.
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