Mutatis Mutandis Posted April 7, 2021 Posted April 7, 2021 I was about to start a thread on "Traps for Young Players" when sending via Pack and Send, but found this instead. So - I finally bit the bullet and shipped my first sold set of gear. I wanted to make sure it was packed absolutely well - so each unit was double boxed; as follows; * layer 1 - several layers of bubble-wrap; * layer 2 - first box taped tight; * layer 3 - Styrofoam packing and/or foam peanuts or equivalent all round; * layer 4 - second box; alerts that items were "electronics"; 'fragile" and "please take care" clearly displayed and about half a kilo of tape added to bind. All good so far. Problem was in using the on-line quote system, which gives options of Self Serve or Full Service. I chose Self Serve due to the cheaper price and confidence my boxes would survive the transport trauma. On-line calculator came to ~$115 with insurance for 3 boxes. Not to bad I thought. Here is what I did not know and think others should know:- * I assumed that packing and taking to the P&S outlet was "Self Serve" - wrong; * that was 'Full Service'; Self Service is when they come to you (yes!) * insurance is ~2% of declared value in Self-Service; but 4% in Full Service (yep); and * there was a $20 charge per box for manual handling because I labelled the boxes fragile etc. * there was one other delta I can't recall as I was kind of annoyed by this. Total came to $232 - quite a bit above the on-line calculator. I swallowed it as I had promised sending that day but it still grates a bit. Could I have researched the @#$#!! web site for small print terms better - sure could have. But I can tell you the costs of the choices were not exactly prominently displayed. So - if sending your gear by Pack and Send; please all do that research to avoid being annoying out of pocket.
JkSpinner Posted April 10, 2021 Posted April 10, 2021 Hi all can anyone point me in the right direction. Looking for on line quotes for shipping amplifiers etc from Melbourne to Brisbane, however most that I search for on line have a limit to the weight of the package. Can anyone suggest a courier that can ship heavy amplifiers, that I can also do an on line quote
2ears1mouth0brain Posted April 13, 2021 Posted April 13, 2021 I used Pack & Send to send a 50 kg subwoofer etc. from Qld to Vic as a buyer. No problems, but I only used their web form as a starting point. Had the depot mgr make a quotation with the items in his possession. He put it on a cut-down crate. Opposite of cheap. I'd used them again. Best bet is to PHONE them with weight, dimensions, postcodes.
Guest Posted April 13, 2021 Posted April 13, 2021 Since when did Australia Post implement delivery times SMS update? This is the first time I have been notified of a delivery window. This is on the back of a express post service between Melbourne to Gold Coast and back, in 3 days (yes, sent Monday, coming back today, Wednesday).
Guest Posted April 14, 2021 Posted April 14, 2021 Well done Aust Post, even got a 15 minutes away alert. If this capability can be rolled across the network and done consistently, Express Post parcel will be hard to beat. But it does not mean there are no Aust Post stinkers. Last month, this happened with a standard parcel from a local audio retailer. It took 1 week from a place about 10 km away; had I not inquired, it may have taken even longer. The Swamp aka Melbourne Processing centre adds 2 to 5 days delay, even pre-COVID. NEVER use standard Aust Post parcel service within Melbourne.
Pigpen Posted April 14, 2021 Posted April 14, 2021 (edited) I purchased 2 March Audio amplifiers that are being shipped by Toll. Plugged in the consignment number provided by March Audio on the Toll website - item not found. Contacted Toll support via email, "the online tracking system does not work properly, it is a known issue" they tell me - I could have told them that as well...... They give me a number to call so I do and provide the consignment number to an obviously overseas call centre - it is at this point, I fear the worst as I am told they are still in Albany South Australia and won't get to NSW for a week or so. I told the young lady, "Albany is in Western Australia" - she asked "if I am sure and can I spell the place name" Just to complicate the issue, I advised her Canberra is not in NSW but in the ACT - this may have been a bridge too far in todays conversation I feel. She then asked can I spell the name of the person who sent the products, their address, postcode, mobile number, what was being sent, package dimensions and weight - I said I can provide all but the dimensions and weight to which she responds I cannot get the status of the delivery without dimensions and weight - I pointed out when they were in "South Australia being shipped to NSW" she knew the status I informed her I do not know them as I am not the one shipping them as I am the one receiving them - I then had to spell out my name, address and email using the phonetic alphabet - fortunately, they understood my mobile number without the need for phonetics or interpretive dance..... I now know they are still in Albany Western Australia, possibly Perth maybe, possibly but definitely not definitely. They will take 7 - 10 business days from today the 14th of April and will arrive on the 22nd or 23rd of April - I pointed out that will it be 7 - 10 business days OR 22/23 of April? She replied 7 - 10 business days getting here on 22/23 April. It is at this point I thank her for her genuinely polite customer service and wish her well. I then proceeded downstairs out into the rather large work car park to find the largest vehicle with the largest, heaviest door so I could slam my nether regions in it........ Edited April 14, 2021 by Pigpen One too many "shipped" and one too many know.
Pops110 Posted April 14, 2021 Posted April 14, 2021 On 10/04/2021 at 9:20 AM, JkSpinner said: Hi all can anyone point me in the right direction. Looking for on line quotes for shipping amplifiers etc from Melbourne to Brisbane, however most that I search for on line have a limit to the weight of the package. Can anyone suggest a courier that can ship heavy amplifiers, that I can also do an on line quote Interparcel or Transdirect are the ones I would use.
Pops110 Posted April 14, 2021 Posted April 14, 2021 14 minutes ago, Pigpen said: I purchased 2 March Audio amplifiers that are being shipped by Toll. Plugged in the consignment number provided by March Audio on the Toll website - item not found. Contacted Toll support via email, "the online tracking system does not work properly, it is a known issue" they tell me - I could have told them that as well...... They give me a number to call so I do and provide the consignment number to an obviously overseas call centre - it is at this point, I fear the worst as I am told they are still in Albany South Australia and won't get to NSW for a week or so. I told the young lady, "Albany is in Western Australia" - she asked "if I am sure and can I spell the place name" Just to complicate the issue, I advised her Canberra is not in NSW but in the ACT - this may have been a bridge too far in todays conversation I feel. She then asked can I spell the name of the person who sent the products, their address, postcode, mobile number, what was being sent, package dimensions and weight - I said I can provide all but the dimensions and weight to which she responds I cannot get the status of the delivery without dimensions and weight - I pointed out when they were in "South Australia being shipped to NSW" she knew the status I informed her I do not know them as I am not the one shipping them as I am the one receiving them - I then had to spell out my name, address and email using the phonetic alphabet - fortunately, they understood my mobile number without the need for phonetics or interpretive dance..... I now know they are still in Albany Western Australia, possibly Perth maybe, possibly but definitely not definitely. They will take 7 - 10 business days from today the 14th of April and will arrive on the 22nd or 23rd of April - I pointed out that will it be 7 - 10 business days OR 22/23 of April? She replied 7 - 10 business days getting here on 22/23 April. It is at this point I thank her for her genuinely polite customer service and wish her well. I then proceeded downstairs out into the rather large work car park to find the largest vehicle with the largest, heaviest door so I could slam my nether regions in it........ Craziness mate, bit stressful. What does March Audio say? Have they definitely been shipped? 1
Pigpen Posted April 14, 2021 Posted April 14, 2021 7 minutes ago, Pops110 said: Craziness mate, bit stressful. What does March Audio say? Have they definitely been shipped? Definitely shipped and in the Toll system - just exactly where in the Toll system remains to be known.........
Guest Posted April 14, 2021 Posted April 14, 2021 1 hour ago, Pigpen said: Definitely shipped and in the Toll system - just exactly where in the Toll system remains to be known......... Sorry to hear about your Toll experience; have not used them and now unlikely to do so. I am surprised March Audio has not said anything to you. While technically not their issue, it creates a poor customer experience...
Pigpen Posted April 14, 2021 Posted April 14, 2021 7 minutes ago, Snoopy8 said: Sorry to hear about your Toll experience; have not used them and now unlikely to do so. I am surprised March Audio has not said anything to you. While technically not their issue, it creates a poor customer experience... March Audio are good - they gave me the consignment number - it is Toll’s approach that is difficult to get my head around.
JB82 Posted April 14, 2021 Posted April 14, 2021 Toll had a lot of trouble recently with the CEO apparently neglecting parts of the business and running it into the ground. I was told it was being shopped around for buyers for different parts of the business. They also have a reputation for sitting freight as they want. 1
Pops110 Posted April 14, 2021 Posted April 14, 2021 When I’ve used Interparcel and Transdirect I have gone with TNT and they have been really good. 1
Pigpen Posted April 19, 2021 Posted April 19, 2021 Toll picked up my March Audio amps 13 April 21 from Albany WA and are still in Perth today 19 April 21 (Albany - Perth distance around 420km) - from Toll "we expect to ship them via road soon"........March Audio have been great to deal with, however, I would have gladly paid extra to get a better freight service. 1
Dingbat Posted April 19, 2021 Posted April 19, 2021 Toll are truly shocking. I've had experience, but not of audio stuff being delivered, it was window coverings. They dropped something at the house when nobody was home, and no notification of the delivery. Then another time they came with no warning, nobody home, and had to ring to chase them up what happened to the delivery. Hard to get updates, and even harder to coordinate getting something delivered when you are actually home. Their online tracking didn't seem to track at all well. I don't blame any companies using Toll to ship goods. The problem lies with Toll actually delivering stuff properly. Thank goodness, since then, nothing I've ordered online has used Toll. 1
GregWormald Posted April 19, 2021 Posted April 19, 2021 6 hours ago, Pigpen said: Toll picked up my March Audio amps 13 April 21 from Albany WA and are still in Perth today 19 April 21 (Albany - Perth distance around 420km) - from Toll "we expect to ship them via road soon"........March Audio have been great to deal with, however, I would have gladly paid extra to get a better freight service. That's great service mate. Why it took 5 days for UPS to deliver a package from Texas USA! 1
Dingbat Posted April 20, 2021 Posted April 20, 2021 Totally amazing. I ordered something on Sunday night, it was shipped yesterday through Australia Post, and it arrived today! Mind you, I've had some strange experiences with Australia Post. Like when I ordered something from Sydney and Melbourne. The Sydney item got to me in 3 days, and the Melbourne item took more than 2 weeks. According to the tracking, it went to Canberra, then came back. I guess somebody tossed it into the wrong van? 1
Guest Posted April 20, 2021 Posted April 20, 2021 8 minutes ago, Dingbat said: Totally amazing. I ordered something on Sunday night, it was shipped yesterday through Australia Post, and it arrived today! Mind you, I've had some strange experiences with Australia Post. Like when I ordered something from Sydney and Melbourne. The Sydney item got to me in 3 days, and the Melbourne item took more than 2 weeks. According to the tracking, it went to Canberra, then came back. I guess somebody tossed it into the wrong van? Was this standard Australia Post parcel or Express Post parcel? I found Express Post to be a lot more consistent, and standard parcel post all over the place, some reasonable and others terrible.
Dingbat Posted April 20, 2021 Posted April 20, 2021 31 minutes ago, Snoopy8 said: Was this standard Australia Post parcel or Express Post parcel? I found Express Post to be a lot more consistent, and standard parcel post all over the place, some reasonable and others terrible. Basic, standard Australia Post parcel. The Express Post was extra. Yes, I agree, the standard post can be all over the place, but usually I don't mind waiting if it's cheaper to post. Now, I should go out and buy a lottery ticket. Or perhaps not. I might have used up all my luck on Australia Post. 1
Guest Posted April 20, 2021 Posted April 20, 2021 9 minutes ago, Dingbat said: Basic, standard Australia Post parcel. The Express Post was extra. Yes, I agree, the standard post can be all over the place, but usually I don't mind waiting if it's cheaper to post. Whatever you do, don't use Aust Post standard parcel within Melbourne (and it was the choice of retailer to use them to send to me). https://www.stereo.net.au/forums/topic/314112-freight-couriers-shipping-hi-fi/?do=findComment&comment=4739434 Whenever I see their Melbourne Processing centre in tracking, I know it will be delayed at least 2 to 5 days. It has happened to local, inter state and international parcels. Thank goodness Express Post bypasses that Swamp!
blybo Posted April 20, 2021 Posted April 20, 2021 1 hour ago, Snoopy8 said: Whatever you do, don't use Aust Post standard parcel within Melbourne (and it was the choice of retailer to use them to send to me). https://www.stereo.net.au/forums/topic/314112-freight-couriers-shipping-hi-fi/?do=findComment&comment=4739434 Whenever I see their Melbourne Processing centre in tracking, I know it will be delayed at least 2 to 5 days. It has happened to local, inter state and international parcels. Thank goodness Express Post bypasses that Swamp! Maybe things have changed with Covid, however I have had an eParcel business account with Aust Post for around 15 years and Melb/Sydney/Adelaide deliveries were almost always next day, or 2 days at worst. I don't use the account so much these days though.
Guest Posted April 20, 2021 Posted April 20, 2021 29 minutes ago, blybo said: Maybe things have changed with Covid, however I have had an eParcel business account with Aust Post for around 15 years and Melb/Sydney/Adelaide deliveries were almost always next day, or 2 days at worst. I don't use the account so much these days though. Unfortunately, that particular Melb Processing Centre slowed things even before COVID struck. It has been responsible for most of my parcel issues that involve Aust Post. Had little, if no problems, when that centre was not involved,
ray4410 Posted April 20, 2021 Posted April 20, 2021 as someone mentioned above(pops110)i used transdirect+chose tnt,to send a cd player from melb to sydney,was picked up in the morning and delivered the next day in good condition,i will never use couriers please nor toll,had bad experiences with them. 1
rantan Posted April 20, 2021 Posted April 20, 2021 12 minutes ago, ray4410 said: as someone mentioned above(pops110)i used transdirect+chose tnt,to send a cd player from melb to sydney,was picked up in the morning and delivered the next day in good condition,i will never use couriers please nor toll,had bad experiences with them. Similar experience for me, although I have had great success with Couriers Please as well as TNT. I have also tried Interparcel and several other booking agencies but have never found anyone of them either cheaper of better. *********Just a tip for anyone here. If you join Transdirect as a member you receive always 10% ( and up to 30% ) off every booking and cost is zero.****** No connection with them at all, just a happy customer and I don't mind saving 10%.
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