Shipping - Is there an easier way?

[Former_Member]

Hi Everyone,

I am still relatively new to the Etsy community and just wanted to see if any of you can share your wisdom with me. I sell upholstered headboards in my shop and because of the size and weight, shipping is not only expensive but has also proven to be quite a hassle. I have to find ways to package the items myself (I find large carboard boxes and cut and tape until a headboard is covered), deliver them to FedEx and pay expensive fees; then, if the buyer is not home when the item is delivered they have to find a FedEx location where they can pick it up. Does anyone have tips or tricks when it comes to shipping large items? There must be an easier way, right?

Thanks for any help you can offer!!

Best Regards,
Katrina

[Former_Member]

well if you switch to UPS, they will package your item for you...usually it's included in the price of shipping---which you should make the customer pay, or wrap it into your item price.

other than that, there is nothing you can do about the delivery issue. if i'm expecting a piece of furniture i know to be home.

[Former_Member]

Does UPS offer any type of tracking system so the customer can expect when the item will show up and know to be home?

This is really helpful, thank you! :)

[Former_Member]

I agree with Brittany, if I know delivery of a large item is pending I arrange to be available to accept the item.

In addition to UPS/MailboxEtc. there's also PakMail that offers packaging services as well as shipping. In our area there are also a couple of locally owned stores who package and arrange freight deliveries for you. Good luck finding a good solution!

[Former_Member]

I believe UPS offers tracking. I know when I have received packages via UPS I was able to track them.

[Former_Member]

Yes UPS offers tracking included in the price of shipping and they insure automatically up to $300.

[Former_Member]

I ship large mirror frames, chairs and tables. Yes UPS offers tracking. Another option that is less expensive is greyhound. Yes, the bus. You do need to box and pack it yourself and deliver it to the local greyhound bus terminal. Also they only provide this service to certain locations where there is a terminal open 24/7. The customer has to agree to picking up the item from greyhound. Have successfully shipped to California and Colorado from NY. There is a size restriction so call them for details or go on their website. Good luck!

[LaurasLastDitch]

You might try Greyhound Package XPress. I don't know if your headboards will be bigger than what they'll take, but it's generally more economical than FedEx or UPS for larger items. Buyers have to pick the items up from the station, so it won't be good for everyone, but for those balking at the shipping costs, it might work.

[Former_Member]

Wow, I had never heard of delivering packages through Greyhound, I definitely need to check into that.

[heartsabustin]

I was going to suggest Greyhound, but someone beat me to it. *slips quietly away.*

:D Good luck!

[LaurasLastDitch]

Sorry, Erin! I didn't mean to steal your thunder.