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Contributor
Posts: 52
Registered: ‎05-06-2010

Various Shipping Methods

[ Edited ]

How can you tell which shipping method is being used? When I check the dropdown for shipping, it only gives the Q's description, not what it actually is. 

 

For instance, in the past, when I ordered a handbag for around $100 from QVC, it usually shipped via UPS and I could see that in the listing.  This time around, it shipped "Surepost (Fedex to USPS)" and it was called "Standard" in the dropdown list, which means nothing to me. 

 

I would gladly pay extra to have certain things shipped via UPS if I could only tell what I was paying for!  Until there is an easy way to clarify shipping, I will be ordering a lot less from QVC.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 74,403
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Various Shipping Methods

Click on My Account, Order Status, the Order Detail.  Toward the bottom of the page it will list the shipping method as UPS or US Mail.  You can also tell by the tracking number...the USPS uses all numbers, UPS uses a number plus a "Z".  Sure post is a combination where FedEx or UPS delivers the package to your post office distribution center, then the post office delivers it.  It's a cheaper option for the sender.

 

You cannot specify UPS.  Don't put a lot of faith in tracking info.  It's very inaccurate, especially for the post office.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,892
Registered: ‎02-19-2012

Re: Various Shipping Methods

QVC did away with the multiple shipping options in February of last year when the shipping rates changed in order to reduce shipping to lower pricing on some items.  In order to offer these new rates, QVC negotiated rates with its shipping partners, and it utilizes whiatever is most cost-effective for the item.

 

"Threatening" to reduce shopping because one cnnot choose shipping method is a bit silly and unrealistic, though.  Very few other retailers allow one ot choose, and QVC's main competitors (including HSN and Amazon) also use multiple shipping methodss with shoppers being unable to choose specific carriers.

 

As long as the items arrive to your home, I do not understand the concern.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 74,403
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Various Shipping Methods

I find all the companies with whom I do business, except Amazon, are using the same sort of arrangement.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Contributor
Posts: 52
Registered: ‎05-06-2010

Re: Various Shipping Methods

Thanks for the replies, but I'm trying to find out how to choose a shipping method.  QVC's listing does not seem to have any reasoning to it.  For some items, I'd be willing to pay a bit more to ship via UPS.  I'm also frustrated by the fact that I'm still paying for shipping that other companies offer for free with a certain order amount.

 

There are certain things I need to order from QVC and will continue to do so; other items I will get from other sites and stores without dealing with the question of how it will ship (free or otherwise).

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,449
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Various Shipping Methods


@KYToby wrote:

QVC did away with the multiple shipping options in February of last year when the shipping rates changed in order to reduce shipping to lower pricing on some items.  In order to offer these new rates, QVC negotiated rates with its shipping partners, and it utilizes whiatever is most cost-effective for the item.

 

"Threatening" to reduce shopping because one cnnot choose shipping method is a bit silly and unrealistic, though.  Very few other retailers allow one ot choose, and QVC's main competitors (including HSN and Amazon) also use multiple shipping methodss with shoppers being unable to choose specific carriers.

 As long as the items arrive to your home, I do not understand the concern.


I want to LOL. The Q lowered the shipping fee on clothing, and increased the price. Q is making the same money or more.

Contributor
Posts: 52
Registered: ‎05-06-2010

Re: Various Shipping Methods

[ Edited ]

@KYToby, not true! Nearly every retailer gives you the option to pay more for better shipping and I've done it on occasion with several.  QVC does, too; there just isn't a good enough description available in order to make an informed choice.  Also, the additional choices for QVC are EXTREMELY pricey.

Valued Contributor
Posts: 619
Registered: ‎07-08-2010

Re: Various Shipping Methods

[ Edited ]

I agree with the OP.  It would be advantageous to me to be able to select the shipper regardless of the cost if I'm willing to pay it.  When orders are shipped via FedEx Surepost or UPS Innovations where the packages are delivered to the Post Office, I have problems.  Our local post office was severely damaged in Sandy, and it has not fully recovered three years later.  Our first class mail is relayed to our local station where the sorting equipment was damaged, then it's relayed to the General Post Office where it's sorted, and then it's returned to the local station it came from in the first place.  This can take a couple of days.  Only then does it go out for delivery.  We get our first class mail delivered between 5:00-7:00 PM !!  Some days there's no delivery on my block at all.  I have had problems with packages being lost.  I have also had to wait SEVEN days for delivery between the time the parcel was delivered to the Post Office and then delivered to me.  There is no way that I'm satisfied with this no matter how low the shipping rate is.  It's unacceptable, and QVC should allow customers to select their shipping methods as a courtesy.  If I'm willing to pay, I don't appreciate being unable to make that decision.  I have mentioned this problem several times on older threads, but it looks like QVC has dug in their heels.  All this to save us a few dollars up front, and then make that money back when we return an order.

Contributor
Posts: 52
Registered: ‎05-06-2010

Re: Various Shipping Methods

Brooklynny, any shipping method can be an issue with me; I'd just like to know what I'm paying for!

 

SIDE NOTE: About 2 weeks ago, a package being delivered via UPS Ground was returned to sender because the delivery person couldn't access the building three times.  Ironically, the building in question is an apartment building that has a keypad out front that wll call the unit in question to gain access to the building.  The slip/online tracking stated no one was available; I was home (I'm retired and check tracking religiously to make sure I'm there for delivery attempts).  Today, no problem; the UPS person rang up my unit and I opened the front door for them.

Valued Contributor
Posts: 619
Registered: ‎07-08-2010

Re: Various Shipping Methods

@TiredOfNewNames, yes, it can happen with other carriers.  They're not perfect either, especially with the high volume of online ordering these days.  Fortunately, UPS and FedEx have only slipped up a couple of times for me, and this would happen during the Christmas holiday rush when the carriers hire extra drivers who do not know the neighborhoods and residents.  It's the USPS that is consistently unreliable here, and I prefer to avoid it.