Signature releases

Originally Posted by TopShelfExotics

I can see both sides, but for sellers its a potential nightmare. ...Unless I see that it has been signed for by a human being residing at the delivery residence or location, as a business you simply cannot guarantee it.

Ok, after looking at it from both sides, I have to agree with Rich and Chris that a signature is essential or no guarantee is possible. I'm going to revoke my signature waiver with Fedex before I receive another live package. BUT. I'm going to have a nice long talk with the local Fedex office about what will happen if they do that 3-nanosecond "delivery attempt" thing to me ever again. Or, if anyone has a suggestion as to how to prevent the Fedex guy from fleeing the scene with our precious packages, I'd really like to hear it.

Yes I know, but when a signature release is on file, whether you sign for it or not, it usually does not show that you did. Only that generic message "Signature release on file"

Sometimes the signature shows, sometimes it dosent. Either way to avoid the confusion thats why we ask our customers to let us know prior to ordering so we know ahead of time and can be certain we take the appropriate steps to protect both our customer and ourselves.

Originally Posted by Jim O

Chris,

Some shippers insist that the package be signed for or the live arrival guarantee is voided. In those cases I simply sign. It usually surprises the driver.

Jim, some drivers will literally not allow you to sign anything if there's a waiver in place.

Originally Posted by leaftail

Ok, after looking at it from both sides, I have to agree with Rich and Chris that a signature is essential or no guarantee is possible. I'm going to revoke my signature waiver with Fedex before I receive another live package. BUT. I'm going to have a nice long talk with the local Fedex office about what will happen if they do that 3-nanosecond "delivery attempt" thing to me ever again. Or, if anyone has a suggestion as to how to prevent the Fedex guy from fleeing the scene with our precious packages, I'd really like to hear it.

To be honest, talking with FedEx wont do a thing. Talk to the DRIVER. Usually its the same guy in most cases, given a specific route. Most drivers will be happy to take the extra moment if they know that it is imperative you receive the parcel in person and on time. Most know those white perishable boxes are live animals, but very few know the conditions they are able to withstand.... Have a a friendly chat with your driver next time you see him. I'm sure he'll understand

Originally Posted by TopShelfExotics

If you read my previous posts youll see we ask customers with such a release to contact us before ordering

I did indeed read your previous posts, and what stood out to me was "We do NOT guarantee any packages sent to customers with such a release". Kinda implied that if you have a release on file, there was no guarantee, period.

I'm glad to hear that a phone call within a certain time frame is an option. Seems pretty reasonable to me.

Originally Posted by leaftail

BUT. I'm going to have a nice long talk with the local Fedex office about what will happen if they do that 3-nanosecond "delivery attempt" thing to me ever again. Or, if anyone has a suggestion as to how to prevent the Fedex guy from fleeing the scene with our precious packages, I'd really like to hear it.

Good luck, you'd have better luck coaxing a hyena to eat tofu rather than your children. These guys live under a stopwatch their entire lives and are pushed by corporate to do quantity not quality work. Nothing will ever change.

Originally Posted by leaftail

Jim, some drivers will literally not allow you to sign anything if there's a waiver in place.

I don't doubt it but it has not happened to me. Like I said, I hate to miss a package because I was emptying my bladder. Or does a shipper expect a customer to hold it from the time the tracking site says "on vehicle" or "out for delivery" until delivery at 11 or 12? Or maybe I should just use a jug in the front room while waiting. Let's face it, we expect parties to be reasonable. I'm perfectly willing to do all that if the shipper guarantees that he will sit by the phone waiting for my call without doing anything that might distract him from taking it the moment it arrives. No bathroom allowed either. Reasonable? Not for either party.

So which is better for the animal? Sitting on a freezing cold or brutally hot delivery truck all day because I was using the toilet or sitting on a similarly cold or hot covered porch for a couple of minutes?

Stolen? That's on the customer 100%. The customer signed the signature waiver and it was delivered according to his wishes.

Originally Posted by DragonCharm

Good luck, you'd have better luck coaxing a hyena to eat tofu rather than your children. These guys live under a stopwatch their entire lives and are pushed by corporate to do quantity not quality work. Nothing will ever change.

Then I'll be camping at the curb, holding a harpoon gun, next delivery day. (harpoon gun is for the truck, not the driver in case that was not clear)

as I mentioned when addressing Chris, would it be so hard to require a phone call within a certain time frame (like within an hour) from the customer to verify that they have received the animal(s) and if they are OK? Rather than trying to go by what's on the tracking web site, which could very well be inaccurate?

Why get worked up about what the drivers do or don't do (which is out of our control really unless you have the same one each and every time, and he/she is trustworthy and you establish a good working relationship with him/her) EDIT - let me clarify that last statement - knocking and then immediately turning around and running back to the truck with the package so it can sit on the truck the rest of the day is NOT acceptable!!

Originally Posted by Traci1

I did indeed read your previous posts, and what stood out to me was "We do NOT guarantee any packages sent to customers with such a release". Kinda implied that if you have a release on file, there was no guarantee, period.

I'm glad to hear that a phone call within a certain time frame is an option. Seems pretty reasonable to me.

Oh no no no.... We do our best to work with the customers who have such releases on file with their carriers. Like I said, some people may have legitimate reasons for such a release, and its our job to make sure they receive their animals safe and in good health. In order to guarantee we have to know without a doubt said parcel was personally received and such a signature release does not allow us to gain such a confirmation so a phone call shortly after delivery is more than acceptable. In most cases though we ship with another carrier to ensure physical proof, it all depends on the customers preference