Someone please correct me if I'm incorrect about shipping costs. I have some late model Corvette parts for sale on a Corvette site. One item is a front/rear set of GM extended fender rock guards which are triangular shaped at approximately 18"L x 6"W.

I used the USPS website as a reference for flat rate shipping. USPS says a large flat rate 'game' rate box is $18.30 in which the parts might fit.

Is there a less expensive manner to ship the four parts (w/o risking damage)? USPS, FedEx or UPS?

I just had a member of that site ask me to ship the guards from northern AZ to west TX. He suggested the cost couldn't be more than $5.00 and he made an offer accordingly which I did not accept. He got a bit indignant when I told him he was naive about shipping costs.

quote:

Originally posted by az4783054:
Is there a less expensive manner to ship the four parts (w/o risking damage)? USPS, FedEx or UPS?

A USPS regional flat rate box may be a few bucks cheaper, if there's one that the parts fit inside. Those are typically slightly cheaper than the standard flat rate boxes.

Otherwise, UPS/FedEx won't save you much if anything. I had a buddy who owned a business that did a lot of shipping quip once that $15 is about the floor for UPS/FedEx shipping costs, joking it would cost $15 to UPS/FedEx a pencil next door.

I ship handguns all the time along with other stuff. Unless it fits into a small flat rate box it will cost over $10. I rarely can ship anything under $20

Thanks for the replies. Pretty much confirmed what I thought.

The parts originally cost me about $150 if I recall which I'm asking significantly less. They're still like new w/o any damage to the clips. I don't want to ship in any manner which could risk damage. A box would provide the most protection knowing how things get thrown around by shippers.

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I just had a member of that site ask me to ship the guards from northern AZ to west TX. He suggested the cost couldn't be more than $5.00 and he made an offer accordingly which I did not accept. He got a bit indignant when I told him he was naive about shipping costs.

Haha. The flat USPS envelope is 7.45, and small box is 7.65. Shipping has become very expensive. Any decent box now $30+.

you might be able to ship them for less than flat rate prices, just depends on weight and box size.

It could go regular mail but you'd have to bump for tracking and signature, which you'd obviously want...

Even something the size of a small shoe box, weighing 2-3 lbs, costs $15 with UPS or Fed Ex, just to ship within the state of FL.

You really cannot touch shipping for less than $15 nowadays, unless you have access to a corporate account.

The prices being quoted above are roughly accurate for retail shippers, ie, those without access to a high-volume discount account. As noted above, if you do have access to a corporate account, it's possible to save significantly over the posted retail prices. For example, I recently shipped some rifle and pistol sized boxes overnight for less than 10 bucks each. Note, I am not saying that is necessarily what was in the boxes, just noting the general size and weight.

Now, just because you have access to discounted shipping doesn' mean you should feel obligated to pass that savings along on a private sale, but I generally use it was guide when I price something for sale with "shipping included."

quote:

Originally posted by az4783054:
I just had a member of that site ask me to ship the guards from northern AZ to west TX. He suggested the cost couldn't be more than $5.00 and he made an offer accordingly which I did not accept. He got a bit indignant when I told him he was naive about shipping costs.

Twenty years ago, maybe. Ain't nuttin' larger than a hardcover book shipping for $5 any more. Not by USPS, not by UPS, not by DHL, not by FedEx. It's not happening.

I ordered some 3/8" DOT chain online, Amazon I think. Two lengths at 20' and biders. He mailed them in "if it fits it ships boxes." The poor mail lade came in the office looking for help to get them out of her mail truck. Is it any wonder the USPS loses money every year.

quote:

Originally posted by az4783054:
Is there a less expensive manner to ship the four parts (w/o risking damage)? USPS, FedEx or UPS?

You don’t happen to be in Cottonwood, or passing through anytime soon, are you? If so, I can print you a shipping label from work. I could probably do that and email it to you as well, using our tiered discounts. Would probably cost about $12 to ship from AZ to TX.

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:

quote:

Originally posted by az4783054:
Is there a less expensive manner to ship the four parts (w/o risking damage)? USPS, FedEx or UPS?

You don’t happen to be in Cottonwood, or passing through anytime soon, are you? If so, I can print you a shipping label from work. I could probably do that and email it to you as well, using our tiered discounts. Would probably cost about $12 to ship from AZ to TX.

Thank you very much for the offer. After my last message with that guy I don't think I'll hear back from him again.

Ran into maybe the same idiot last year selling some old loading presses I had. When I listed them I also listed their WEIGHTS. All of them cast iron and heavy. One of the buyers thought I could ship 23 pounds for " five or ten bucks" to NY. Thoose days are LONG gone.

if you have not already, get an online account with each


as Rogue mentioned USPS has Regional Flat rate A and B boxes (2 sizes or shapes of each)
a B may be what you need ,

however they are not always cheaper than just regular priority, (pays to compare)


FEDX sucks,


UPS has a new simple rate plan, Xsmall, Small, Med, Large and I think X large,
all based on Cubic inches, and distance,

some stuff it is much much cheaper than standard UPS ground,


weight limit is 50lbs,


and fed ex sucks,

I can't justify an account with any of the shippers at this point, but thanks for the suggestion. I typically ship USPS flat rate using their free USPS boxes.

It has been my experience that people generally have no idea how much it costs to ship things. Folks are used to "free" shipping, not understanding that the shipping is being paid by the added profit built into the item.