Shipping suggestions?

[Spyder138]

Does anyone have feedback on who you use as a domestic shipper of modern pachinko machines in the US? I recently purchased a machine from Los Angeles to be shipped to San Jose. UPS wants $168 for ground shipping. I am sure there must be a cheaper alternative. Thanks for your help.

[JACKSJE4]

The few modern machines I have bought were delivered to me via UPS. The size of the box will impact shipping cost, so make sure the shipping carton is not too big.

You might also look into FedEx Home Delivery. Sometimes it is cheaper than UPS.

[luckydog]

you could take a road trip, that way you will get it home in one piece

[Spyder138]

Thanks for the feedback, Jeff. The seller sent me the estimate UPS provided him and although actual with was only 68 pounds, they want to charge for 138 pounds of dimensional weight plus a large package fee. I popped the same dimensions they quoted into FedEx and it was 57 dollars versus the 168 UPS wanted. That seems a lot more reasonable as I was budgeting for 70 when I made my offer on the machine.

Luckydog, normally I wouldn't mind a road trip except holiday traffic would be murder and I'd spend the same amount or more in gas and have to travel 17 hours round trip with normal traffic.

[JACKSJE4]

That's a pretty significant difference in shipping price. I wonder if the seller got a quote from a UPS Store vs. the UPS website? I have seen inflated shipping charges at UPS Stores in the past. Also, did that quote include the packaging? Based on my personal experience, that would explain the the higher "shipping" quote (packing & shipping).

[Mrtoad]

That could also be to have the UPS store pack it for them as Jeff said. The seller may not want to pack it themselves. I've only had a couple vintages shipped and the sellers always did the packing and always did a terrible job. They still survived but terrible packaging all the same...

[Moparformances]

having the store pack them will drive the cost way up..

[Spyder138]

Actually it didn't include the store packing the shipment. I think maybe it was the UPS store marking things up and adding things on thinking that the guy had to get it shipped in time for Christmas and wouldn't question the cost. They were adding on $56 for a large package fee and using box dimensions that were way too big so that the dimension weight was over $100 and tacking on the standard fuel surcharges of $10. The guy just needs to put it in a smaller box and it should be under $70.

[CarlW]

Sent an early modern machine from Illinois to Colorado, this month, UPS Ground.

Packed myself in my box. 52# 36" x 24" x 16"

UPS charged me $48.63