When you RMA do you send UPS or USPS? Insured?

[Muse]

I think I've only RMAed twice and both times (including this morning) by US Mail (USPS). I figure this is maybe 1/2 the cost of UPS. Would/do you send by US Mail? I didn't bother insuring either -- this morning, my 11 oz. package shipped First Class for $2.67, but insuring it for $100 would have cost me an extra $3, so I passed on that. What are your thoughts on this?

 

[Technonut]

I always send my RMAs Priority Mail/Delivery Confirmation/Insured.... I like to have confirmation that the package was delivered. If it is lost without insurance, you are SOL....

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: Technonut
I always send my RMAs Priority Mail/Delivery Confirmation/Insured.... I like to have confirmation that the package was delivered. If it is lost without insurance, you are SOL....

I understand the thinking and that's why I feel bad about not insuring it and confirming delivery. It seems to me, though, that the additional expense is not worth it if you can replace the item by making a similar purchase of a new item, assuming it's not more than a few hundred dollars. In my case, I just RMAed my SlimX IMP-350, and I could get another (I think) for around $100.

The odds that your package won't get there do not justify paying the extra money in most circumstances. I can understand that if it's something critical you would get insurance and pay for confirmation. Of course, if you have reason to suspect that the receiving party might deceive you, that's another matter.

 

[igowerf]

If it's something expensive, I don't mind the extra $3 for the peace of mind.

 

[Technonut]

I have had a few packages lost, and had to bite it a couple of times trading in the For Sale Forum early on when I did not insure a couple of packages... The PO came though for the ones that were insured after that...

 

[saber800]

For me, its cheaper to send my RMA stuff Fedex Ground instead of USPS. I usually save $3-$5 but it depends on the weight/size of the package. With Fedex Ground, insurance is included at no extra cost (upto $100 insurance, after that you gotta pay) and you can track your package online (fedex tracking updates are much better than USPS).

 

[Lord Evermore]

I usually use UPS for anything major, USPS for something that's not that important or really small. UPS has insurance included up to 100 dollars value. After that it's only 35 cents per 100 dollars. UPS ground for a 1 pound 6x6x1 inch package with the standard insurance is only $6.90 (from Massachusetts to Florida), and you obviously get signature delivery and all that included. Doing the same thing with USPS costs $7.75. Doing the same with FedEx is only $7.25. (For UPS and FedEx, those are residential rates. It's even cheaper for a business delivery, $5.73 and $4.08 respectively.)