Reptster Shipping

[Ed Clark]

Anyone's free to try it out...But I'm gonna pass. I see issues that could arise considering their is no true certification process (and hasn't it already been pointed out that they still need to put scientific AND common name for the Lacey Act and currently they aren't doing it?). 1-2 years down the road if it's still up and running I'll give it a go for sure...But I'm not one to jump on something new with something as important (to me) as shipping.

Steph, I agree with you on this.

If you have a reliable shipper that gets your animals there on time alive....why change!

 

[shrap]

Steph,

Maybe you should not look at it as a all or nothing type of thing. Instead look at it as another tool/option at our disposal. Which is only a good thing.

As Gary said it can save you money on boxes/packaging and help you sell your $50-$100 animals easier when the shipping price is $20 cheaper for the buyer.

Here is another aspect that you may not have considered. Every time a person ships via FedEx without a reptile waiver it has the potential to give the entire industry a black eye. At least with Repster you are shipping within FedEx's terms of service.

So ultimately what they are doing is only a good thing all around. Could there be some bumps in the road? Certainly, all new ventures usually do. Is this a good idea and something the reptile industry sorely needed? Absolutely. Especially for the hobbyist breeder who only has a handful of animals to ship a year.

But ultimately the shipping process is no different than having your own account. You fill out the air bill, you give package to FedEX, FedEx gives package to customer. So if there is a problem with that particular delivery, then more than likely the problem was going to happen regardless of whether you used Repster or your own account.

Just some food for thought.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

Maybe you should not look at it as a all or nothing type of thing. Instead look at it as another tool/option at our disposal. Which is only a good thing.

I understand what you're saying...But I am already FedEx certified...So why do I need another tool (at this time) for something I already have?

As Gary said it can save you money on boxes/packaging and help you sell your $50-$100 animals easier when the shipping price is $20 cheaper for the buyer.

I wouldn't use their packaging unless I covered up their advertising sticker...and I don't think they'd like that.

Here is another aspect that you may not have considered. Every time a person ships via FedEx without a reptile waiver it has the potential to give the entire industry a black eye. At least with Repster you are shipping within FedEx's terms of service.

I already am shipping via FedEx's terms of service. Technically these individuals who are using Repster aren't certified...How long do you think it'll take FedEx to go "Whoops! We should have required actual approval because these people aren't doing things right." That is what I'm worried about.

But ultimately the shipping process is no different than having your own account. You fill out the air bill, you give package to FedEX, FedEx gives package to customer. So if there is a problem with that particular delivery, then more than likely the problem was going to happen regardless of whether you used Repster or your own account.

Exactly! But I'm not ready to gamble my shipping on this system yet. Like I said, 1-2 years down the road if it's still running and the kinks have been ironed out, I will seriously take a look at it and take it into consideration.

 

[shrap]

Steph,

I was not asking you to use the service. I was just trying to point out how it can be a good thing for the reptile industry as a whole. Not you personally.

 

[hhmoore]

Anyone's free to try it out...But I'm gonna pass. I see issues that could arise considering their is no true certification process (and hasn't it already been pointed out that they still need to put scientific AND common name for the Lacey Act and currently they aren't doing it?). 1-2 years down the road if it's still up and running I'll give it a go for sure...But I'm not one to jump on something new with something as important (to me) as shipping.

Does that mean you finally gave up the other companies to go with FedEx for shipping your snakes?
As far as the labeling, that is up to the individual shipper - NOT the shipping company. I'll agree that I think that should have been mentioned in the video, though, because a lot of people just don't know. (Apparently, a lot just don't care, too, because I don't think I have EVER received a package that was properly labeled...the closest one I can recall had the information written on the inside flap of the box top, so it was visible only when the box was fully opened.)

The rest of your points I understand and agree with...I jumped quicker than I would have because I had animals going out, and an unresolved issue with my FedEx account. If I can ever get in touch with my rep to fix it, I'd probably continue to use my account.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

Does that mean you finally gave up the other companies to go with FedEx for shipping your snakes?

Not too sure what you're talking about, but I've got shipping agreements with both FedEx and DHL (I give customers the choice)...but I've never used UPS (at least not in several years if at all that I can remember) or Delta.

The rest of your points I understand and agree with...I jumped quicker than I would have because I had animals going out, and an unresolved issue with my FedEx account. If I can ever get in touch with my rep to fix it, I'd probably continue to use my account.

I don't fault anyone for using it at all. We all have different requirements and concerns... Heck, if no one jumped on the program right away, I wouldn't be able to watch and see how it goes for everyone else!

 

[SPJ]

I am Fed Ex certified and have still used Reptster a few times now. The rates I get thru Reptster are better than thru my account.
If I can charge a customer $45 for shipping across the country versus $60, then it makes the total price lower to the buyer.
I have not had any issues with Reptster getting things there on time. I was however, using my account for pickups since I did not want to deal with Kinkos but now Reptster allows you to schedule pickups as well.
Plus with Repster, I no longer need to order boxes thru Superior since the boxes Reptster provides free of charge are the exact same ones. That allows me to knock a few bucks off the selling price of the animal.
Reptster is just starting out and so far they are doing everything they can to make it easier and less costly to ship animals.

 

[hhmoore]

All I know is everday that passes without me hearing from a FedEx rep irritates me just that much more, lol.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

All I know is everday that passes without me hearing from a FedEx rep irritates me just that much more, lol.

That's really weird. I don't have issues with my FedEx or DHL reps (though I will say my DHL rep seems to be more attentive). Can you maybe request another one if you lodge a complaint about your current one?

 

[hhmoore]

I suspect that my FedEx rep is no longer there, as she was always very good about responding. I'm not getting responses from anybody - which is why I'm getting annoyed

 

[nocturnal1]

Hi,

Just noticed SPJ's reference to Reptster rounding up on box and weight.

I just shipped a package out Monday and indicated 2 pounds but the system insisted on 5 pounds so I gave up because it was still cheaper than my Fedex account.

Fedex did indicate weight at 2 pounds when I dropped off the package so you are saying I was charged for 5 pounds regardless?

 

[SPJ]

Fedex did indicate weight at 2 pounds when I dropped off the package so you are saying I was charged for 5 pounds regardless?

Yes, because you paid thru Reptster for 5 pounds.
Granted, in my case, the rounded up price was still less than what I would have gotten using my account but this is a glitch in the Reptster portal IMO.

 

[SPJ]

Well, it looks like some are pocketing the difference of what Reptster charges and the $65 standard shipping fee some are charging customers or even more by some since they claim cool packs add a lot of weight.

That is total BS if you ask me.

I shipped a 12" x 9" x 6" box with an adult female BP and large cool pack from CT to Georgia for $31.

I also shipped a 12" x 9" x 6" box with 2 small cool packs and 2 baby BP's from CT to Nevada and it was $46.

I don't believe for a minute that 2 baby boas or a baby sav or 2 baby leos will be $65 or more no matter where you ship (even with cool packs) thru Repster as some are claiming.

 

[nocturnal1]

Well, it looks like some are pocketing the difference of what Reptster charges and the $65 standard shipping fee some are charging customers or even more by some since they claim cool packs add a lot of weight.

That is total BS if you ask me.

I shipped a 12" x 9" x 6" box with an adult female BP and large cool pack from CT to Georgia for $31.

I also shipped a 12" x 9" x 6" box with 2 small cool packs and 2 baby BP's from CT to Nevada and it was $46.

I don't believe for a minute that 2 baby boas or a baby sav or 2 baby leos will be $65 or more no matter where you ship (even with cool packs) thru Repster as some are claiming.

SBJ - I'm with you. I pass along the savings to my customers but I can tell some people are pocketing it. It's a shame - people need to stop being greedy and pass along the benefit. I refuse to do business with anyone who doesn't have reasonable shipping anymore. There is absolutely no reason for it.

Tina

 

[nocturnal1]

By the way, I just shipped a baby boa the other day (box and all was only 2 lb.) but even though Reptster rounded it to 5 lb., it still only cost me $42 to send Priority Overnight to IL...

 

[FunkyRes]

I agree.
It's fair to charge a small fee for packing related supplies such as cold/heat packs - but I like to charge the customer what it really costs me - simply because I like to be charged what it really costs to ship to me.

I use to charge $10 box charge - I don't do enough volume to bulk order boxes, I believe a live animal should always be shipped in a CLEAN new box, and I would cut my own insulation. With reptster sending me the boxes with insulation, I can drop the cost of my box charge to just a few bucks. I may drop it all together once I start sewing my own snake bags, heat/cold packs are not very expensive.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

Ok, so I was a little bored and sat and watched the Reptster shipping video for poops and giggles...

I have some concerns...

1) They recommend destroying the insulating property of the the styrofoam box by stabbing holes in them for "ventilation." Shipping boxes are not air tight, you do not need to jeopardize the insulating properties of the shipping box by stabbing holes in it...

2) They recommend putting a heat pack UNDER the animal? Good way to cook them! Heat packs should be taped to the side or top of a box.

3) No mention of the required scientific/common name label for the shipment to be legal.

Hasn't anyone else actually watched the video and seen this?

 

[FunkyRes]

The ventilation thing - it may be an issue with adult snakes as some heat packs consume oxygen in their reaction. Sure, the boxes are not air tight, but the flow of oxygen is limited. Poking a few holes will not destroy the insulation properties, though it will allow some cold air in - the insulation is still effective at dampening temperature change and protection against contact of the box with extremes.

As far as where the heat pack goes - regardless of where you put it, you need to have proper insulation between the heat pack and the reptile, because despite all the "this side up" labels in the world, the guy loading the box is more concerned about building a wall than following the directional instructions on the box. I use to work for UPS - "this side up" means nothing. The only person who pays attention to it is the delivery guy, for appearances sake.

I do however put the heat pack on the side myself - taped to the insulation.

Yes - they do need to mention Lacey act compliance. That's not a small fine.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

The ventilation thing - it may be an issue with adult snakes as some heat packs consume oxygen in their reaction. Sure, the boxes are not air tight, but the flow of oxygen is limited. Poking a few holes will not destroy the insulation properties, though it will allow some cold air in - the insulation is still effective at dampening temperature change and protection against contact of the box with extremes.

Perhaps, but the 100's of packages I've personally sent out have never had "ventilation" holes and I've never had a problem, nor would I ever recommend someone do that. I would rather prevent the cold/hot air influx by not damaging the insulation (damaging the insulation does reduce the protection properties of it). If I get a package from someone and they stabbed holes in it, I'm for sure going to say something to them.

As far as where the heat pack goes - regardless of where you put it, you need to have proper insulation between the heat pack and the reptile, because despite all the "this side up" labels in the world, the guy loading the box is more concerned about building a wall than following the directional instructions on the box. I use to work for UPS - "this side up" means nothing. The only person who pays attention to it is the delivery guy, for appearances sake. I do however put the heat pack on the side myself - taped to the insulation.

No argument there...However it should not be loose in the bottom. It should be taped to the side or top. I too prefer side because they're less likely to carry the box side ways then upside down.

Yes - they do need to mention Lacey act compliance. That's not a small fine.

I was always curious...What exactly is the fine? Does anyone know?

 

[Gary O]

I believe it is around 150 to 300 dollars. I could be wrong