You HAVE to try this!! EBAY your way to DISNEY!!

[ByJiminy]

Despite the fact that I only listed money order/cashiers checks or PayPal for payment, today I got a check in the mail.

If I should decide to accept it, is there anything I should do? If the check bounces, what do I do about cover the fees? Should I just send it back? Then what happens? If they won't pay through one of the ways I listed, then what?

I'm considering accepting it, but emailing them to tell them that it will be almost a week before I can get it deposited, and then I will wait until the check is cleared before I ship, so it may be several weeks before I ship and see if that motivates them to try a different form of payment.

Am I correct in thinking that a money order/cashiers check I don't need to worry about it being "good" and I could ship before I deposit it?

Thanks for any advice! It's a low ticket item, I really hate the amount of time I'm spending messing around with these things!

 

[DMRick]

Someone had posted about the supplies in the past from UPS on the eBay board at Yahoo, and said you needed an account number. I just called (I was really surprised that they would just send these out..since I couldn't get them and I ship a lot of items UPS) and the first thing they said, was, I need to give them my account number. I ship the larger size UPS, but not enough to have an account. It makes sense to me, that even if they aren't marked, the people who would get them for free, would be the people who use UPS. I went on line, and they are specific there..you must have an account to order boxes.
I think they just assumed you had an account..and someone's butt will prob be on the line when it's found out she was shipping to non accounts : (

Doris

 

[Robinrs]

Wow! I ordered the UPS boxes also! I felt like a thief!!

When they asked for my acct number I didn't know what to say, I just said "uh, I don't have one." He said "no problem." I gave him the numbers and before I knew it, there are boxes coming in 2 days!!

Thanks, Mary Beth!!

Hey, eeyorefanatic, they're probably wondering WHY all of these boxes are coming to the same zip code!!

 

[my2boys]

I, too, called and I am expecting a shipment in two days of the two 50 pack bundles of boxes!! They asked me for an account number also and I said that I didn't have one. He then asked for my business name and I told him I am a private residence. He took all my info and said my shipment will arrive in (2) business days!! PRETTY EASY!!!! I'll tell you, I'll never pay for another box again........yes, me being a newbie to e-bay I did purchase boxes at Office Max a few weeks ago.......no more dipping into my profits for supplies if I can help it!! AWESOME!!!

Somehow this doesn't seem right but hopefully nobody in UPS catches on!! God, that sounds so greedy of me!!

 

[DMRick]

Wow! I ordered the UPS boxes also! I felt like a thief!!

The security boxes (according to the web site) are for accounts only..as you must have realized when they asked for your account number. I realized it as soon as I called and they asked for my account number.

I'm prob about to be flamed, but I don't see the difference between "pretending to have an account", or being sure to not mention free boxes, than I do with illegally (or at least going against the PO contract we all agreed to) turning PO boxes inside out.

Sure I wish I could get free boxes for at least the items I send UPS (actually I do get some free..pay for the rest, but I have to search for them at local stores), but I can only get free, according to the website if I sent next day or two day air, and have an account. Otherwise they sell them on line...and you are letting the people answer the phones, assume you have an account.

Flame suit is now being donned, as those who are calling for the boxes, knowing they are suppose to have an account, get their flame throwers out.

 

[twinklingstars4u]

DMRick:

No flames from this direction!

When I first heard about the boxes and I called, they asked me for an account # and I said I did not have one and they said it did not matter and took my info and I received the boxes a few days later.

I never "pretended" to have an account. I flat out told them I didn't have on. I am not trying to get anyone to cheat the system. You are the first person to say they could not get the boxes, just by calling. I am not talking about the boxes you can buy online. The 2 sizes I mentioned above are not on the UPS online order form.

I was just passing on some friendly advise that had been passed onto me.

Mary Beth

 

[DMRick]

The 2 sizes I mentioned above are not on the UPS online order form.

I know just what those boxes are..they are their security boxes. You are correct..those can't be sold at all..they are for security, and are given to account holders.

I just called UPS again and asked what the deal is after reading what you said. I was told that each person should have been asked for their account number. If they tell them they don't know, they are taking them at face value that they don't know it (but he said they assume, once they call that number and extention, they have account numbers). The man I talked to said they did recently get new hires, and they will be reprimanded. He said he is the person who does the actual ordering, and he feels bad that people are taken advantage of something he feels they should know they aren't entitled to. I don't use USPO boxes, even though I can order them and turn them inside out, except for Priority, and I feel the same about this. I know they aren't meant for me, since each person reports being asked for their accoutn number. It's a crack in the system, and people are taking advantage of it.

 

[DMRick]

You are the first person to say they could not get the boxes, just by calling.

By the way..that's because I asked if I was suppose to have an account. I'm sure if they asked for my account number and I said I didn't know it, that I too would have been able to get "free" boxes.

How many of you can honestly say you actually told them you did not have an account? Not that you didn't know your account number, but that you didn't have an account? I don't really want you to answer on the board, but just think about how you got the boxes.

I think I'm seeing why UPS pricesare higher than they have ever been, if so many are getting "free" boxes, and not using them to ship UPS..which if you just think about it for a minute..that is what they "give" them for..shipping UPS. Just like the USPS boxes..we saw how hight Priority prices have gotten,a nd I know lots and lots fo people think it's ok to use them for other than Priority.

 

[twinklingstars4u]

OK,

I just called UPS to find out what the deal was on the boxes. I went through it like I was going to order boxes and said I didn't have an account # and again was told it didn't matter. At this point I asked how they could just give them out without an account # and the lady said they are like promotional boxes. Cool.

I then called back (got a different lady) and did the same thing. This time I was told I needed an account #, but could sign right up. (she even transferred me to new accounts) I asked how much it would cost me monthly to have an account with UPS and she said nothing. Just that having the account # would mean that I would be billed for shipments instead of paying as I ship (IE: if I where to take it to Office Depot or one of those new UPS Stores). By doing this I could order as many of the boxes as I wanted.

Go figure. Just like at the PO one hand doesn't know what the other is doing!

Mary Beth

 

[DMRick]

This time I was told I needed an account #, but could sign right up. (she even transferred me to new accounts)

It's not that cut and dry to have an account with UPS. If you had had sign you up, you would see that you pay a certain amount monthly (billed), depending on pickup. And the free boxes are only meant for air and next day air accounts. Yes they will bill you, but it's not just a nothing thing. You can "register" for UPS, but having an accoutn means you are telling them they will pick up a certain amount of boxes from you. My breakout point was 25 shipments...before I actually saved money.

I actually talked to the supervisor who was pretty upset about the free boxes being sent out to non accounts. I'll give you his name if you would like it.

 

[twinklingstars4u]

How many of you can honestly say you actually told them you did not have an account? Not that you didn't know your account number, but that you didn't have an account? I don't really want you to answer on the board, but just think about how you got the boxes.

Whether you want an answer on the board or not, here's mine. Yes I told them I did NOT have an account #. I've posted that a couple of times.

I actually talked to the supervisor who was pretty upset about the free boxes being sent out to non accounts. I'll give you his name if you would like it.

Please do. It seams you are getting different information than I am. I asked the same questions you did. So please give me his name. I would love to call and talk to him.

 

[my2boys]

DMRick:

I understand what you are saying but know that when I called and was asked what my account number was I never claimed to "not know it" I flat out said I do NOT have one. I said I was a private residence and the boxes were for private use and the person I spoke to never questioned it at all! I feel bad to get anyone in trouble and now that I know the deal will not order them in the future BUT I do feel UPS should train their staff better to ensure that things like this do not happen in the future!

You can take your fire suit off now.....that wasn't so bad was it??!!LOL!!! Thanks for clearing this up for all us newbies!!

C.Ann: Your class is getting a little unruly!! Where are you to keep us all in check?? LOL!!LOL!!LOL!!!

 

[DMRick]

So please give me his name.

I'm still on hold, as they try to track him down, so I can get permission to give his name. Be back with you as soon as that happens.

 

[DMRick]

I feel like I've been attached to this phone. While I have the name of the supervisor I talked to the first time (Fred Stivens or Stiphens), no one seems to be able to find him. Apparently the phones are answered in several places in the states, and I've been sent all over the place.

A women supervisor is taking care of me now, and she thinks she knows why we are getting two different answers (although I'm not convinced, since you aren't giving out your zips before they say yes, are you?). Aunetra Johnson, a supervisor (but not who I talked to before), said it depends on your zip code. They are giving out the boxes to non accounts to certain zipcodes. The interesting part is, that my zipcode is one of them..but yet, I was told no when I called. However, they are for UPS shipping only. So just like the USPS boxes, you are suppose to be mailing out UPS. She didn't say promotional, like you were told, but just that they are for UPS use only.

So, if you are shipping UPS (yes, I know you said they aren't marked, but neither are the USPS boxes, and we all know they are suppose to be used of the Priority only), and your zip code is in the correct area, they will ship to non account people. Is anyone being asked for their zip code before they say they'll ship?

So, if I have words to eat, I'll eat them....but keep in mind..these boxes are suppose to be for UPS shipping only...she was very clear on that, if you want to call and ask for her and see that that is what you are agreeing to when you order.

So you were right..one hand doesn't seem to know what the other is doing...the first supervisor must live in a zip code that it isn't allowed, and I got him when I first called.
Doris

 

[twinklingstars4u]

Hi again,

I just want to say I am not trying to pick a fight. I just want to clear this up!

It seems there is a bunch of different info being posted about the UPS boxes I had mentioned in an earlier thread. Again I just want to get to the truth for all the newbies out there!

I called UPS again. This time I called the general customer service. I talked to a lovely lady (named SPARKLE!) who answered all my questions. I told her about this board and what I had posted previously and to tell me the yes's and no's of my post.

She said that:

You do not need an account # to get the free boxes. It is not stealing, they give them away. Doesn't matter if you ever use UPS to ship.

Then I asked about having an account. I asked her if I would be charged weekly or monthly to open and maintain a regular UPS account and she said no. You do get charged for the shipping you do. Like having a credit card and buying items, you get one bill a month. If you do not ship anything in that month you do NOT get charged.

So if any of you have questions regarding the boxes or an account call:

1-800-PICK-UPS (742-5877) - Domestic Services

DMRick: Just read your post. If I remember correctly they did ask for my phone #. Maybe that is how they figure out the zip? How unbelievably confusing this is!

I agree with you on the UPS shipping only. Even though Sparkle said they could be used for whatever (and I have in the past used them for media mail), it is only right to ship with who supplied the boxes! (I have heard of people shipping Fed Ex with UPS boxes and vice versa, they say the carriers don't care. I've never done this cause 99% of my items weigh 3 ounces packaged and ship USPS 1st class mail) For most items over 1 lb, it is less expensive to ship UPS ground than to ship USPS anyway. So it would not make since to ship the boxes any other way! Truce?

Now lets get back to talking about e-Bay!!

 

[C.Ann]

Okay class - listen up!!!!! Am I going to have to quit my job and stay home to supervise this thread when I'm not around ???

---------------

Sheesh! I leave for 8 hours or so and all heck breaks loose!!

------------

I'm going to share my thoughts on this "box" issue - and please understand that I am not taking sides - just merely pointing out the way I see the situation..

We all want to save a little more profit for ourselves - but just because the new hires at UPS aren't properly trained, taking advantage of a situation like this will ultimately backfire on all of us in the end.. I often wonder if that's one of the reasons that the USPS went to a zone system with their priority mail - because people were using the boxes for other than what they intended..

There are lots of sites on-line where you can order boxes, bubble envelopes, tape etc., and as others have already mentioned, you can visit local stores and ask for boxes - as well as putting the word out to absolutely EVERYONE you know to save bubble wrap, peanuts, etc..

If "we" (and I mean that collectively - not pointing the finger at anyone here) abuse the things we can currently GET for free legitimately, then eventually they won't BE free anymore and we're going to have to add even MORE to our shipping charges.. Customers grumble enough already about the shipping charges - can you imagine how many bids we would lose if we had to jack the price even higher??

I order boxes, tape, and bubble envelopes on-line.. I have a stepdaughter who saves bubble wrap for me and occasionally gets her hands on some packing peanuts too.. I scrounge boxes everywhere I go.. This is how I "keep" more of my profit..

Just give a some thought to what the END result might be a little later on down the road - and then do whatever you feel comfortable doing..
---------------------------------

Now - who is selling what this week? I still have NO bids at all!!! Grrrrrrrrr...

How am I ever gonna get to Disney World that way????????

 

[DMRick]

Truce was not needed..there was no fight. : )
We were and are still, I think, being told different things. The last person I talked to, said that if you listen when you order, they (if they are reading the script) should be saying to you, your UPS shipping boxes will go out within two days. She was very clear that they are to be used only for UPS. And that makes sense. However, since none of this makes sense (I just don't understand Sparkle saying it doesn't matter if you ship UPS..do you?), why should that?

You are correct about the account, I didn't realize they now offer it to non shippers (or at least people who don't ship very much). The last person I talked with said that started when they took over Mail Box Etc. I didn't know that, since it's been a few months since I last checked...although I can only charge using a credit card, since I didn't join the account that is $6-17 a week, and includes daily pickup, and a discount on shipping. That accoutn asked for your cc immediately.

My only benefit at this time of having an account is for the supplies. It looks like I will be getting a kit tomorrow, which appears to be including a form I can fill out to put my credit card on file..but I think I'll pass, and just continue calling for pickup (which has always been free). Maybe once I fill out that form, the once a month bill would come into play. I'm just assuming they will ask for my cc, since you were told it would be a monthly bill, and I was told I had to go to Create a shipment (on the form they emailed me when I joined), and pay by cc.

For me, it isn't cheaper to ship UPS until I hit about 4 pounds, and then it just depends on where it's going..and since they changed their rates..I use Priority a lot more now for items I used to use UPS. You're finding them cheaper when you go over a pound? I'd be really interested in that...my most expensive under 2 pound Priority is $5.75 from NY to CA (with free box)...what is UPS for that from NY? I don't have a CA zip handy.

 

[waughzee]

Whew! I am glad I never called about the UPS boxes!!

 

[DMRick]

but just because the new hires at UPS aren't properly trained,

CAnn..It actually appears that it's just some new hires..where the first guy I talked to worked (he said he was the person who ordered them). Some of the zip codes are allowing the boxes to non accounts according to the second person I talked to. The biggest difference now, is that I'm told they are just for UPS, and others are told you can use them for anything. So, I guess it's whatever you are comfortable with.

If you notice, I have nothing up on eBay so far this week. I looked at my spreadsheet from this time last year, and sales were dead..so since I was off enjoying vacation, I passed. Now I have ot decide if I should put any up on Thursday...the weather is suppose to be awful!

By the way CAnn, I'll be out your way all weekend if you want to come over and get together. I assume you'll be at the Lake. If not, and you want to meet, email me.

 

[gm]

Hi,

can anyone tell me where is a good site to order cheap bubble and bubble mailers online?

thanks!!