Posted by SharonMN on 3/5/07 9:55am
Msg #178285

UPS store doesn't provide UPS forms to ship on account?

I went to a UPS Store on Saturday to drop a package. I didn't have any UPS forms in my briefcase as I usually do. I was informed by the clerk that people shipping on account have to provide their own forms. There is apparently no way to ship on account from a UPS Store if you don't bring your own form. (They have special UPS Store forms, but apparently you can only use those if you pay the clerk at the time of shipment.) I had to go home and get a form. How stupid is that? I would expect a UPS Store to offer at least the same level of service as a UPS drop box. When I go to FedEx/Kinko's, THEY have forms.

Reply by DogmongerCA on 3/5/07 10:03am
Msg #178286

If it's BROWN

FLUSH IT:-)

Reply by MistarellaFL on 3/5/07 10:21am
Msg #178289

I agree 100%.
I would also expect a drop box or drop slot to make after hours drops, too (like Fed Ex) but UPS doesn't see that way of thinking either. One of the big reasons I prefer Fed Ex
is their ability to accommodate the client.

Reply by Tracy_ME on 3/5/07 10:34am
Msg #178291

When I schedule a UPS pick up, the driver comes to my office and picks up the package. Then he brings it to a convenience store in the next town and leaves it on the floor for another drive to pick up. This is a true story. Unfortunately I found out the hard way last summer when I got a call Saturday afternoon from an employee of the store letting me know that I had 2 packages there. Imagine my horror when I went there to find the 2 sets of loan documents that my driver had picked up the day before!

This is what they do in rural Maine. UPS Corporate does not care. It is perfectly ok with them to have the packages picked up at my business and then to leave them on the floor at a store in the next town! I cannot and will not ship UPS unless I drop it in the box. Unfortunately the nearest box is a 40 mile round trip.

I agree with Dogmonger...If it's brown - Flush It!!!

Reply by cassiewi on 3/5/07 10:51am
Msg #178295

Don't get me started

I can't stand UPS. They have the rudest drivers, save for one in my area, and I can't stand the local UPS store. I either drop them at a box or schedule a pickup. I posted a long rant on UPS around Christmas. Ugh! is all I have to say about them.

Reply by Tracy_ME on 3/5/07 11:09am
Msg #178297

Re: Don't get me started

I love my UPS driver. I think he's great. He can only do that he is instructed to do. Fortunately for me the Fedex guy is just as great!

I contacted UPS to see if they would put a drop box at my office since it is 45 miles between drop boxes and I am in the middle. They didn't want to hear it. If they put a drop box - then they are obligated to check it every day. I didn't want any $$$. I thought it would be good for them, good for me and good for the community. I also looked into becoming an authorized UPS store - they didn't want to hear that either.

It's ok with me. Fedex has much better service anyway!

Reply by cyndi_ca on 3/5/07 10:52am
Msg #178296

I have had this happen to me as well. The explanation I was given was that UPS had people shipping stuff with bad acct. #'s. New policy for them not to ship w/o your own weigh bill.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 3/5/07 11:20am
Msg #178300

It's the 21st century. ..... Use online shipping

You can bill receiver or third party if you have an online account. Yes, I know some are afraid that their account will be charged, but the system checks the number to be sure it is valid before you can complete the transaction. I have never been charged back.
I use the online for Fedex also, and I have never been charged back either as it also checks the number. I tried to call a friend of mine who works for Fedex to see what is being discussed there, but can you imagine he went on vacation without telling me?

Reply by Terri/Fl on 3/5/07 11:55am
Msg #178305

UPS stores independently owned and operated..... Speak Up!

This is not a UPS policy.......this is the policy of the UPS store owner who does not want to share their supplies!!! I also think they (the individual stores) receive LESS Money for a corporate account shippment. I have a friend who ownes and runs a UPS store and will do anything for his customers......great guy and great service. He has told me the above information that they receive more money for a shippment sent by regular UPS as compared to a corporate account. I believe the UPS stores receive $1.00 for the type of loan document packages we send. You need to CALL UPS and complain about this paticular store or any other UPS store that does not want to give you an overnight shpping label or an overnight envelope. I understand why they do not want to give out massive amounts however one or two is just good business. When I get a RUDE UPS store.....I tell them I will call the 800 number to complaint about their attitude and service....since they are a franchise. The closer that had to drive home to get a shipping label......well that is just crazy........I would have called UPS's 800 number right there in the store....in front of them. I'm sure UPS would find it very interesting that a UPS store does not want to accept or ship a package because the store would not give the shipper an overnight label. Speak up......I don't believe the main UPS headquarters knows what some of some of their independent owners are doing. Boy would I love to hear that phone conversation!!! Talk about the _ _ _ _ hitting the fan!

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 3/5/07 12:03pm
Msg #178309

Maybe not policy, but

I have heard this same story time and time again and it may not be UPS policy, but it is happening all over. Getting supplies from my local UPS store in Victorville is like pulling teeth from a bear. I avoid that one and use the main terminal. It's not worth the hassle. They did clean house at the local UPS main terminal after several people complained, but it is just easier to go across the street to Fedex and not get hassled. That's probably why they have the lions share of the overnight letter business.

I order all my supplies online for all the shipping companies and they are delivered to my door. That way I don't wait in line or hassle with not having supplies available instore.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 3/5/07 12:08pm
Msg #178311

And another thought.

Why should customers have to beg for good service? It should be the company's goal to provide good service. Corporate should be checking on their individual stores. That does not seem to be happening in this case. For every customer that complains, 20 go somewhere else. That is just retail ......

Reply by Terri/Fl on 3/5/07 12:28pm
Msg #178315

Lenders and title companies make the choice....UPS or Fed Ex

The companies I close for make the decision whether to use UPS or Fed Ex.....I don't have any say. So, I can't just go across the street to use Fed Ex cause I'm not going to pay for shipping. I do believe that if enough people complain something will get done. Here in my area of Florida......UPS is great except for 1 or 2 UPS stores and I just stay away. The drivers, headquarters, and the rest of the UPS stores in this area are great. A-1 in my book for helgfulness, attitude and great service. Maybe it's a regional thing. However I have to use the shipper that the lender/title company selects and if we are not getting good service then we should complain. One time I had the title company call and complain....cause I knew the complaint would not fall on deaf ears.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 3/5/07 3:45pm
Msg #178354

Re: Lenders and title companies make the choice....UPS or Fe

Yes they do, but most of the time, it is out of habit. Sometimes they ask me who is better in the area. When they do request UPS, I always ask "are you sure?" because of the local area issues here. If you are having trouble in your area, you can ask if they have a Fedex number and can you use that? They have no problem most of the time. Complain to UPS? It just gets old after a while. ...

But think back. Not too long ago, I was sending the docs back using UPS about 30% of the time. Now it is , perhaps 1 in 50.

Reply by JanelWI on 3/5/07 12:32pm
Msg #178318

The same thing happened to me in Superior WI. The guy told me it was because of bad account numbers and his store being charged back for it. I told him I use the same address for shipping and billing and I don't get charged back??? He said it doesn't matter they automatically charge if it comes from a UPS Store. Tall tail? I THINK SO! I was furious as I was inbetween appointments and my office is 58 miles away! Luckily I had an airbill in my car. Now I carry their supplies in my car just in case.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/5/07 12:54pm
Msg #178323

UPS Stores are franchises. If you don't use their service and pay them, I suspect the store owner doesn't get a cut to handle it. It may be a decision they can make individually at their own store.

I have *heard* that making a go of it in these stores is more dependent on the offerings of mailboxes (Hey, rent 100 at $25 a month and that's $2500 a month) and other types of services...retail sales of supplies, packing services, ebay sales, etc.c

Reply by Blueink_CA on 3/5/07 2:58pm
Msg #178339

When a store orders the waybills from UPS, they have their account number hidden in the tracking numbers. So when the 'bill to' account number is wrong, illegible or no longer valid, the store gets billed. Brenda is right, the store is a franchise, individually owned, and it's not easy to get the billing corrected.

The stores have the option of ordering 'generic waybills', however the new or busy employee could easily hand out the wrong one. This is probably why some store owners decided not to have waybills available for drop-off customers.

BTW, the owner DOES get credit for drop-offs, I believe it's a buck or so per pkg.

When you find a store that does have the generic forms, ask them for a stack at a time. They shouldn't have a problem giving them to you, especially if you have developed somewhat of a business relationship. The guy that owns the store in my area takes care of all my supplies, in return I'll bring him sodas, cookies, conversation, etc. Sometimes they're stuck in the store alone for hours, they really appreciate being appreciated. I hope this helps!

Reply by cara on 3/5/07 3:43pm
Msg #178353

Brillant! n/m

Reply by cara on 3/5/07 3:47pm
Msg #178355

Not so brilliant spelling...sorry. n/m

Reply by PAW on 3/5/07 4:37pm
Msg #178360

>>> UPS, they have their account number hidden in the tracking numbers <<<

Not really hidden. Just look at any UPS tracking number: 1Z XXX XXX 99 8888 8888

1Z = Shipment type
XXX XXX = Account number of sender
99 = service code
8888 8888 = computer generated packing/tracking ID number

Reply by Elizabeth Soliday on 3/5/07 3:25pm
Msg #178344

UPS stinks but unfortunately, we don't have a choice. I suggest getting a UPS and FedEx account, then you can just order supplies and forget about trying to find them for awhile. The UPS website for ordering supplies is very hard to navigate, but order up as many legal size envelopes, shipping documents, and pouches as they let you. Then you get on FedEx and order supplies, AHH what a breeze.

Reply by Linda_in_MI on 3/5/07 8:12pm
Msg #178395

When this happened to me, I was told that by store personnel that they don't make any money on this type of package. They then told me that airbills were available in the drop box across the parking lot. Oh, and I could drop my package in the box at the same time !

Luckily, in my area there are about 3 UPS stores fairly close. One of the three is more than happy to accommodate me walking in to drop off my package. They told me it wasn't the first time they had heard this location doesn't want to provide supplies.

Oh I you can bet I called the 800 number. I was told that if it was a independently owned UPS and not franchised, they have the right to make their own policies and in turn, to refuse the package. I told the rep that policy of not providing supplies made no sense at all. He didn't have a response.