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Info Ship Your Reptiles Random charge

sixgunsun1177

sixgunsun1177

Redneck reptile wrangler
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All pro shipping a.k.a. ship your reptiles just hit me with the random $23 charge. Make sure you check your accounts.
Shipyourreptiles.com
 

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Any idea why? Could there have been a difference (overage) in reported dimensions or weight when creating a label versus actual dimensions or weight when checked into FedEx's systems? Not saying that happened. Spit-balling.
 
Hi Matt, you can def inquire with us directly for more detail on this. I am DEF not looking to air it out in public. But the BOI is the BOI, and it doesn't get erased, so I will run through the details.

You shipped a 6 pound package on Sept 19th, and booked it as 12x9x6, our very common "#2" size. But the actual package shipped was the "#4" size, at 15x15x8.

FedEx charges by actual weight or dimensional weight, whichever is greater. They scan every package with a 17 laser system to get the actual size.

A 12x9x6 package dims at 9lbs. A 15x15x8 package dims at 13lbs, which is quite a bit larger, and is $23 more expensive. There is no admin fee or penalty in the charge, it is just the actual difference between the package you booked and the one you shipped.

Dimensional weight is covered on our site in a variety of spots, and you agree to any adjustment charges when you check off on TOS during the booking process.

We have a few different FAQs addressing dim weights, adjustments, and "why did you charge my card after", but this is a good one with detail- https://www.shipyourreptiles.com/en/get-help/get-help-shipping-tracking#question-33

That link includes the simple FedEx formula for calculating the dim weight of any package. HxWxL/139

We have to chase down $1000+ in adjustments a week. It is my LEAST favorite part of the job. But that is over $50k a year that would be lost to underbooking. We waive any adjustment under $2, and that alone costs us over $10k a year. Still, charging folks adjustments bums me out, but it is necessary.

Often a breeder books a package, prints the label, and then during the packing process finds that the box is not quite big enough, so they bump to the next size, or in this case, two sizes up. No worries, it happens. But that larger box costs more. You don't HAVE TO rebook the label, especially if you are short on time, just expect, as we cover on the site, for an adjustment to roll through once the FedEx billing cycle goes, which can be 1-3 weeks.

Again, there is no penalty or fee in that $23. Just the actual difference between the package you booked and the one you shipped, and it is calculated at your SYR discounted rate.

I'm sorry for the confusion and hassle. I have a screenshot of the adjustment detail from SYR admin, but you can also see the FedEx package size scan of 15x15x8 in the lower right hand corner of your tracking screen from FedEx.com. Contact me by email if you want that image, I don't want to post it publicly.

It isn't malicious, or a "gotcha" extra charge, just an actual package cost. And, as it turns out, it is a good opportunity to fill other folks in on dimensional weights, how to calculate them, and why they are important : )

100% we appreciate your business and support. We bust our butts to provide a great service and we work hard to be the industry leader in reptile shipping!
 
My mistake, it was booked as 15x11x7, our #3 size box, not 12x9x7. The 15x11x7 box dims at 9lbs. The screenshot shows 15x11x7, I just had 12x9x6 on the brain when I was writing the post, sorry.
 
I switched to ship your reptiles earlier this year and I have to say they are great. Someone will always respond to an email in a timely manner, even throughout the weekend. I would encourage reaching out to them with any questions or concerns, they are very helpful.
 
I am thinking that it is almost always appropriate to reach out the other party prior to a BOI thread to ask for an explanation if something appears incorrect. As it turns out there was a solid factual explanation for the charge in this case, but even in the cases where a party makes an error, I think a private notification first and an opportunity for that party to explain the issue or correct any errors is a good way to handle a perceived problem.
 
Lucille said:
I am thinking that it is almost always appropriate to reach out the other party prior to a BOI thread to ask for an explanation if something appears incorrect. As it turns out there was a solid factual explanation for the charge in this case, but even in the cases where a party makes an error, I think a private notification first and an opportunity for that party to explain the issue or correct any errors is a good way to handle a perceived problem.
Click to expand...

It seems like a lot of folks think this is some kind of magic customer service site for anything having to do with reptiles.
 
I am very impressed with information/explanation given by Robyn. Clear, concise, stays on point. I'm just beginning to ship out snakes and I so appreciate that there is no added fee when a miss-weight or upsize occurs.
 
Robyn and Chad are among the most professional businessmen in the Reptile trade. Excellent explanation for the additional charge.
 
I work in a coffee shop, where we ship a lot of our stock all around the world. In the space we have a friend that does some other work and ships his stuff around also. I'm usually the one who will take his deliveries to the post office with the coffee shipment.

One time I was told that he used the wrong packaging for Flat Rate when he used a flat rate label. So he was going to be charged the difference. I also know from all the shipments I make that giving a too low weight and wrong dimensions also can end in a charge for my bosses. So, I do my best to keep the dimensions correct, and I usually round the weight up by an ounce.

I'm fairly sure that when it comes to shipping reptiles, a lot of the same standards apply when it's with dimensions and weight. You need to be very precise, or your going to end up with a charge. Which it seems, is what Ship Your Reptiles has said.

Please correct me if I am wrong, so far I only know about shipping Coffee, not animals.
 
Seems like a very good explanation by Robyn. It's only fair for them to charge for the actual size of the package, after all.
 
sixgunsun1177 said:
All pro shipping a.k.a. ship your reptiles just hit me with the random $23 charge. Make sure you check your accounts.
Shipyourreptiles.com
Click to expand...

Wow, so you literally posted this first thing instead of... I don't know, sending SYR an email or calling them to inquire about the charge first?

Sounds like you owe someone a public apology.
 
BillZ said:
Sure would be nice if the OP took a few minutes to acknowledge or refute the explanation given by the shipper. Lots of people seeing this use their services and a follow up is in order..
Click to expand...

That is really not necessary. It isn't that hard to understand. The OP just doesn't want to get it or didn't read the instructions on SYR's web site.

Everything Robyn stated yesterday in post #6 was correct. FEDEX checks the actual weights as well as the actual size of the boxes at their shipping centers while they are being sorted and routed to their destinations. If the dimensions and weights have not been properly entered by the shipper, FEDEX re-figures the charges based on the actual size and weight. Then FEDEX bills SYR for the difference, and SYR passes on that extra charge to the shipper.

From the SYR web site:

Package Dimensions

FedEx will scan your package for label accuracy. Please measure carefully and round up to the nearest inch.
 
I have been shipping for years and used just about everyone. Robyn's whole crew is a pleasure to talk to. Never had to "deal" with them because it's been easy. They have explained this very situation to me before. They are extremely professional and honest. Highly recommend them.
 
Last time I had an issue with shipping i emailed Robyn at 1130 pm, she had responded and fixed the issue by 1145pm.

Not saying to email them in the middle of the night and expect an immediate response but that right there made me a customer for life.

Thank you Robyn
 
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