K31Swiss
posted this
20 September 2013
I too compare multiple vendors to find the best price for the order. I now know I will scratch Natchez off my list.
A month ago I ordered a Lee pistol factory crimp die and another turret for a Lee press. It easily fits in a USPS small flat rate Priority box.
Natchez gave me two shipping options, UPS and DHL Global. UPS was fast but expensive, DHL Global was cheaper but still overpriced and slow (nearly 2 weeks estimate.)
Well, DHL has crappy tracking and lost the shipment. I live in Ohio so most anything from Chattanooga should be here in 2-3 days. DHL sent it SOUTH to Georgia and gave to USPS. That transfer was where it was lost but they entered the data into USPS tracking, but USPS never received.
Called Natchez. They would trace and call me back. While speaking with rep, you get an attitude about an Internet order (instead of phone) and using DHL. I asked why they don;t offer USPS Priority shipping. They do! Only you have to place a phone order.
Natchez finally called back 2 days later on a Sat. morning saying DHL lost it and they would reship it. Asking what method, she said USPS.
Finally got it yesterday. Weighed package. 1 lb. 8 oz... a 2 lb shipping rate. Also took an extra day to get out of their plant, shipped Tuesday instead of a possible Sat.
Looking back at original order they charged $10.66 for DHL and said package was 3.1 lbs (4 lb rate.) Quoted me more than $16 for UPS.
For a 4lb box:
UPS ground $14.61
USPS Priority $8.47
For a realistic 2 lb box, 12 x 7 x 5
UPS ground $13.51
USPS Priority $5.84
USPS Small Flat Rate box $5.15
What do I deduce from this?
Natchez pads their shipping. They estimate high and charge you at the higher weight. They must tack on extra to their shipping rates.
They are too stupid or too lazy to at least put a note on their web site shopping cart to place the order by phone if you want USPS shipping.
They take about 2 days to get stuff out the door. Should be next day or same day as I've experience a few times with Midway. Why aren't they caught up after 5 years?
DHL sucks the big one. They are a foreign company. They have this shipping model that doesn't work well. They accept the package at a slightly lower price. They move it to their depots and transfer to USPS. They do not get it into USPS anywhere near your location. They blame slowness on USPS. USPS points finger at DHL.
Bob
