Tell me what you guys think about lost or stolen shipments?

[bogie]

If I've got something coming that's worth more than just a few bucks, I leave either the car or the van unlocked, and leave a note on the door asking the guy to place it inside, and lock it. No problem.

 

[El Rojo]

Thank you so much for all of your input. I have figured out a way to give my customers two shipping options on check out. Here they are.

USPS Delivery Confirmation/Standard UPS
This shipping method includes USPS delivery confirmation with no insurance and no signature confirmation for orders under $500 or UPS with tracking and full retail value insurance for orders over $500. If you choose this method the customer assumes all risk if the package is lost or damaged in transit and/or after delivery.

USPS Signature Confirmation & Insured/UPS Signature Required
This shipping method includes USPS signature confirmation with full retail value insurance for orders under $500 or UPS signature confirmation with full retail value insurance for orders over $500. Requests for waiver of signature confirmation can be made in the "Special Instructions or Comments About Your Order" section below, however, the customer assumes all risk if the package is lost after being declared “delivered” by the carrier.

I set the table rates and for the new second catagory set them based on USPS's insurance and signature confirmation rates and they are a bit higher. The two rates are displayed the customer can see the price and choose the one they want. The nice thing is anything over $500 easily gets shipped UPS and the insurance is much more affordable that way.

Let me know if that makes sense and any and all suggestions or recommendations if you think it can be made clearer. Again, I really do appreciate all of your input and this seems the best way to do things. Let those who want to pay more, pay more for the insurance. Let those who don't, don't, but they will be fully aware of the risks involved.

Again, I couldn't have done this without you.

 

[rbernie]

It's comprehensive, but confusing. The difference between waiving the delivery signature in Option #2 and choosing Option #1 for a $300 order seems to be insurance alone.

Why not simply have a default shipping that's calculated with delivery confirmation and insurance, and have the web form allow the user to deselect one/both as desired. Simple and direct.

 

[El Rojo]

I don't think it is that simple with my software. I have no "click down menu" for adding and subtracting insurances and such. The price difference on a $300 order would be option 1 $8.00 and option 2 $14.80. If a customer chooses to waive signature, I will take that $1.35 off on the final invoice. So yes the difference is just insurance, but that USPS insurance costs money. $5.45 to be exact!

So knowing that I simply have two options. Shipping method one at such a rate and shipping method two at such a rate, how can I make the descriptions easier to understand?

If you want to see a sample, you can go create an account at www.tenpercentfirearms.com and add whatever you want to the shopping cart and click check out. The first checkout screen will show you what we are talking about and you won't have to go any further. Or better yet here is your fake account if you want to go have a looksie.

e-mail: [email protected]
password: thr123

 

[akodo]

This shipping method includes USPS signature confirmation with full retail value insurance for orders under $500 or UPS signature confirmation with full retail value insurance for orders over $500. Requests for waiver of signature confirmation can be made in the "Special Instructions or Comments About Your Order" section below, however, the customer assumes all risk if the package is lost after being declared “delivered” by the carrier.

that part is not terribly clear

I'd go with

This shipping method includes USPS signature confirmation with full retail value insurance for orders under $500 or UPS signature confirmation with full retail value insurance for orders over $500. Note: Requests for waiver of signature confirmation can be made in the "Special Instructions or Comments About Your Order" section below, however, the customer assumes all risk if the package is lost after being declared “delivered” by the carrier.

because I believe if you require ups signature confirmation, they are supposed to check ids, if they forget and have your neighbor sign and he keeps uit, they will still list it as 'delivered' even thoguh they are still liable. The only time the customer assumes a risk under option 2 is if they purposely choose to not require their signature.

 

[Car Knocker]

I believe if you require ups signature confirmation, they are supposed to check ids

I've never had a UPS driver ask for my ID on a signature item, including firearms.

 

[El Rojo]

I sign for guns all the time with no check of the ID. I will take that recommendation into consideration. Thanks and keep the good suggestion coming. You guys are helping a lot.