CLEVELAND - Our holiday shopping list didn't break the bank, but all the items we bought are breakable.
We bought piggy banks, lollipops, candles and picture frames. Once we filled our basket, it was time to fill our boxes to see which shipping carrier would deliver the items the cheapest, fastest and safest.
We bubble-wrapped every item, and then placed them in a box, cushioned with newspaper.
Once our boxes were packed tight, we made sure they all weighed the same. Then, it was time to click and ship.
"I shop around," Kenneth Lewis said. "I compare UPS with the post office."
Shipping comparison sites tested
We tested two shipping comparison websites to see if they make it easier to find the best rate. We entered the address, dimensions and weight. Seconds later, we had a chart with shipping fees and services.
In our test, Shipping Sidekick's price was too low, and ShipGooder's price was too high.
ShipGooder listed UPS Ground at $19.57. When the site linked us to UPS to print off the label, the real price was more than $6 cheaper than ShipGooder's estimate.
ShipGooder's President Franc Vodopivec said in a written statement, "You correctly identified that our system was overcharging for: (specifically) UPS Ground packages up to 3 cubic feet whose actual weight was less than the dimensional weight. UPS only charges dimensional weight on Ground packages if they are over 3 cubic feet in volume. Our system was charging dimensional weight on packages over 1 cubic foot in volume."
The system automatically defaulted our package to 15 lbs. even though we entered 8 lbs. That's because our package was 14x14x14 and the dimensional weight for a package that size is 15 lbs.
ShipGooder fixed the problem immediately.
Shipping Sidekick doesn't print the labels either. It gives you the estimate. We chose FedEx ground for $8.91.
Then, you're offered up to 60 percent in savings, if you print the label with a third party company. We tried the offer, but, we never found those advertised savings.
Instead, the price increased. Once again, the weight for our package defaulted to 15 lbs.
Plus, you're not told "who" is shipping the package. It just says "ground." It wasn't until our label printed that we realized it was UPS Ground and not FedEx Ground. Shipping Sidekick did not return our call for comment.
We canceled our order and went directly to FedEx's website and shipped the package for $11.69.
FedEx, USPS and UPS put to the test
The post office claims its online rates are cheaper and more convenient than standing in line.
"Online transactions actually make business sense for us and make sense for the consumer," Spokesman Victor Dubina said.
Consumers will see a few dollars in savings, but consumers don't have the option to choose the cheapest service -- parcel post.
The U.S. Postal Service only offers its expedited and priority mail services online.
"Our online, like all our competitors in the shipping industry, are really targeted to our expedited higher volume people," Dubina said.
We chose priority mail, and the cost was $7 more than the next lowest carrier. The post office charged us $20.61, but the package arrived two days faster than any other.
The piggy bank we sent Phoenix didn't make it one piece. So, buy insurance if you use the post office.
UPS ground cost us $13. Their box arrived dented and damaged in both locations, but nothing broke inside.
In a written statement, UPS said, "I'm sorry to hear that the appearance of your shipment was not pristine. We value all of our customers and our goal always is to deliver on time and in good condition."
The statement went on to talk about the UPS Store and the convenience and service customers get at the 4,300 locations.
FedEx ground was the cheapest option at $11.69.
Everything arrived in one piece, but it took a week for us to get the package from Phoenix. FedEx said Cleveland to Phoenix is a three-day delivery point, and the reverse takes four days. FedEx said the time difference accounts for the different delivery times, because going west they gain a few hours in a day.
Printing your labels online can save you time depending on the service you use, and it definitely beats standing in line.
Let the retailer do the shipping for free
If you're shipping a lot of packages, you may want to buy the items online and let the retailer do the shipping. There are dozens of sites offering "free shipping."
Consumer Reports Money Adviser says Zappos.Com, offers free shipping both ways, even if you decide to return an item.
You can search all the free shipping offers on Freeshipping.org . You just type in the name of the store, and you can see if there is a coupon code to get free shipping.
If there's a must-have infomercial product on your holiday wish list, beware of shipping costs. A $19.99 infomercial product can easily jump to $56 with shipping and handling charges.
If you're a procrastinator, you can cash in on a free shipping offer December 17th .
Shipping deadlines
The U.S.
PRINT
