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Free Shipping - Be Careful!

I want to let our community know that we need to be careful when making purchases and accepting “free shipping”.  Here is the story, I recently ordered a set of KT150s from TubeDepot. I was offered free shipping. I accepted it and wrongly assumed (mistake: never assume) that they would use a reliable shipping carrier to ship their expensive, fragile glass vacuum tubes. A reliable carrier to me, IMO and personal experience means either FedEx (my preference) OR UPS. Did TubeDepot do that? No! They shipped with USPS. The problem is that the tracking number isn’t working. Their is no documentation that USPS took possession of the package. While TubeDepot has a nicely written page describing USPS’ problems they still use them and this information is not readily available on their website. If I had this information at checkout I would have chosen FedEx and paid for it. I suggested to them that they should put a link to this information right on the checkout page where buyers are going to choose their shipping. I think this transparency would empower buyers to make an informed decision, take ownership of that decision, and save the vendor a lot of time with back and forth emails about where the product is and why the tracking isn’t working. Bottom line: free shipping may be bad shipping. Don’t blindly assume that the free shipping method is good. Ask the vendor who they use for free shipping before making your purchase and act accordingly. 
Ag insider logo xs@2xkingbarbuda
Ag insider logo xs@2x
kingbarbuda OP
514 posts
 
@carlsbad. Wrong. I posted three things: 1. A tip for vendors to disclose who their free shipping is and 2. That we buyers would be well advised to ask who the free shipping service is, if the vendor neglects to disclose it. 3. My *opinion* (not fact) regarding my preference based on my personal real life experience for shipping service. As I have stated before if you like another service. Great.

Also Jerry what you are stating above in your second paragraph is also your *opinion*. Not a fact.
Regarding your third paragraph: Agreed. But I don’t want that hassle. If I had known that TubeDepot’s mystery surprise shipping was USPS I would have gladly paid for FedEx. Please read that again. Thanks.
Regarding your 4th paragraph: Agreed. But I contend that they should disclose who they want to use. I am not contesting their right to choose the shipper. I just want it disclosed before I submit my order so I can pick another shipper if I don’t like who they use for their free shipping.
I hope this is finally clear. No good turn goes unpunished.
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,523 posts
 
"...You just don’t understand the point of this thread despite that I have reiterated it now for the third time..."

I recant my previous posting...perhaps two glasses of wine is in order. 
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,484 posts
 
I have used all three and even when there have been problems or damage I have always been covered and reimbursed. Maybe I am just one of the lucky ones. Anyway, I suggest that you always keep accurate information and take pictures of your packing process and use insurance when necessary. Be professional and stick to the facts when making a claim. The people handling your complaints are there to help you and not your adversary. Kindness and understanding go a long way when dealing with customer service personnel. 
Just finished a deal in Hawaii. Delivered in three days! All good. My experience to date.👍🏻
wturkey's avatar
wturkey
784 posts
 
If purchased with a credit card, the burden is on the seller. If the item fails to deliver or is damaged, the c.c. company should be notified via a dispute. 
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
Bought many tubes there, never had an issue, even with free shipping....
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