Shipping bows USPS

JamesV · October 23, 2011, 12:12:00 PM

I have shipped several bows USPS Priority W/ tracking lately. Seems that tracking is down most of the time. Are they trying to save money or just having a bad run of computer luck? Anyone else notice this or could it be a local problem?

mmisciag · October 23, 2011, 01:01:00 PM

My experience with the USPS is that you can not count on the interface to show you what a FedEx interface will show you. Also, I believe that more information is available to Postal employees then on the website.

My experience with USPS is that if you send anything first class, it will be there in two or three days. Priority Mail is much the same speed.

In the end, I do not depend on the computer to track anything USPS. It gets there when it gets there.

Martin

SlowBowinMO · October 23, 2011, 03:12:00 PM

If you want USPS's best tracking, opt for the Signature Confirmation option. It will give you constant updates if you want them.

Delivery Confirmation is just that, it will let you know when it's been delivered and that's about it.

JamesV · October 23, 2011, 06:21:00 PM

Braveheart.................

Thanks guys, guess I was expecting too much sugar for a nickel.

Nattybumppo · October 23, 2011, 08:55:00 PM

USPS rarely scans anything. If you have to know send it via FedEx or UPS.

Jim Wright · October 23, 2011, 09:25:00 PM

I do not believe there is tracking conformation with U.S.P.S. untill you get past priority mail. It has however been my experience shipping and receiving a number of bows, once by fed-ex & ups, the rest by usps priority mail and confirmed by merchants shipping archery supplies that the Post Office is the way to go.

Hud · October 23, 2011, 09:58:00 PM

Delivery Confirmation is a good idea.

You should include the sender and receivers name, address and phone no., copy and put inside the Box. Take a picture of the items in case it ends up in the Dead Letter File, and add insurance for valuables.

Rob DiStefano · October 24, 2011, 07:07:00 AM

i've shipped bows and other large packages around the globe with a variety of vendors and here's a word of caution - if you insure, make SURE you have receipts and invoices for the insured item(s).

and even having those receipts will not insure (pun intended) that the shipping vendor will pay out.

i've never gotten insurance satisfaction from ups or fedex, but i have gotten full insurance dollars back from usps after rendering a receipt for the bow they broke, and the check arrived in a month.

Night Wing · October 24, 2011, 08:00:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Braveheart Archery:
If you want USPS's best tracking, opt for the Signature Confirmation option. It will give you constant updates if you want them.

I agree and I think this is the best way.

Jack Shanks · October 24, 2011, 08:12:00 AM

Maybe I'm lucky but I've bought sold and traded probably 250 bows in the last two years without a problem. I use USPS priority mail and insure everything. I have found USPS priority mail the fastest, safest and least expensive carrier to use. I mailed out a package Saturday and was able to see it was processed and where it was at today.

portugeejn · October 24, 2011, 02:41:00 PM

Although I have had good experiences with the USPS, I have never had their tracking work well. I still use USPS Priority-the only way to go.

The longer a shipper has your package, the greater chance that they will lose or break it.

RonP

WildmanSC · October 24, 2011, 02:53:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Jack Shanks:
Maybe I'm lucky but I've bought sold and traded probably 250 bows in the last two years without a problem. I use USPS priority mail and insure everything. I have found USPS priority mail the fastest, safest and least expensive carrier to use. I mailed out a package Saturday and was able to see it was processed and where it was at today.

Wow!!! Did you folks read that? Jack's bought, sold and/or traded 250 bows in two years. And I get teased because I've bought, sold and/or traded around 150 bows over 10+ years.

Jack,

Thanks for providing me some cover good buddy!

Bill

Jeff Strubberg · October 24, 2011, 03:33:00 PM

The delivery with USPS is great. Never had a problem with a bow not arriving.

The tracking is terrible. They should sub that out to a private company. They do an awful job of letting you know where the package is. Many times my packages arrive 2-3 days before the status on teh tracker gets updated to delivered.

Jack Shanks · October 24, 2011, 05:01:00 PM

Bill,

Any time. I've slowed way down but I did buy five bows in the last week and bought, sold or traded four the week before. Keeps me busy making boxes and the post office took my picture down off the ten most wanted wall.

WildmanSC · October 24, 2011, 07:21:00 PM

Jack,

I like your sense of humor. Mine is more of the punishing variety, if you know what I mean!

Bill

October 25, 2011, 12:15:00 AM

James, if you are referring to Autumn's bow, Chanda had to out for a time today. There was no note on the door or anything, so maybe they have not been there yet. Fingers crossed.

stujay · October 25, 2011, 12:17:00 AM

Sent and recieved several bows and all have been priorty mail with delivery confirmation. To date I've had good tracking, and prompt 2-3 day delivery anywhere in the country. Even shipped a bow to Sweden and good tracking and 8 day sevice. I've been very pleased with the USPS.