Courier Cost Cutting Feedback/Discussion thread

mrwibble

I've been using Pharos International (a UPS reseller) - http://www.pharos-international.co.uk/cquote.php - for the last couple of years after some frustrating experiences with Parcel2Go. Whilst not the cheapest they do offer fast and efficient customer service as well as the ability to book up to 2pm for collection same day - booking 2.02pm with the UPS man arriving at 2:30 is not unknown). They are part of a larger business so fewer risks that they'll turn turtle.

Used them 100+ times I would guess - very few issues - any delay is tracked quickly. UPS service is very good in comparison to others I've used.

I use them for my Ebay business - mainly UK mainland - they are usually £7.99 plus VAT for 10kg to £9.99 plus VAT for 30kg - insurance is £1.50 per £100 but I don't often use it as I've never had to use it and take the risk on Ebay deliveries under £50. I don't use them for Northern Ireland - thats the only location that is expensive.

International is pretty competitive - last month shipped a 20kg parcel to Portugal for £20+VAT - arrived in 2 working days.

Good customer service (both Pharos and UPS), ability to book a pickup till 2pm (and also specify a ready-by time up till 2pm if I'm out and about) and decent prices are the reason I keep with them.

Whilst I may not ship that many parcels it works for me - I may pay a couple of quid more but given the value of most of my items I know it won't be used for tag wrestling or that I'll have an aggressive idiot at the end of the line.

Recommended.

mrwibble

tbg wrote: »

http://www.a4logistics.com - Ive used them several times. Great service too.

They do 25kg parcels for £6 next day. Thats cheaper than the £7 at the beginning of the thread.

From their site it looks like £10 for UK mainland - cheap rate is for London only I suspect - still pretty good though - who do they use for UK services ?

martindow

mrwibble wrote: »

I've been using Pharos International (a UPS reseller) - http://www.pharos-international.co.uk/cquote.php

I also have been very pleased with Pharos who have been very reliable. They also have an ordinary phone number and are quick to answer (no menus!) and very helpful. Unlike most carriers there is no supplement for the Highlands which makes them very competitive and they are often cheap and fast for international. For international outside the EC you need to supply several copies of your invoice so check what you need so that everything is ready for the collection.

mrwibble

scbk wrote: »

The cheap rates with DHL etc only apply for for part of mainland Britain.
Royal mail prices are for the whole of the United Kingdom

Well worth pointing out - I usually use RM for Northern Ireland especially lighter Special Delivery items.

Highlands and Islands (where ever they are in the UK) are usually much easier via RM so do check closely with your preferred courier. As martindow has pointed out Pharos don't charge a premium for Highlands.

tbg_2

mrwibble wrote: »

From their site it looks like £10 for UK mainland - cheap rate is for London only I suspect - still pretty good though - who do they use for UK services ?

I think they deliver themselves mostly - Im sure they would farm out to DHL etc if they had to. Not that it would make any difference to your own cost.

jaffa30

has anyone used Direct Sales Europe , as i was thinking of using them

baldmosher

I've used Parcel2go.com for a while now, on the back of an eBay user recommendation. I've sent various large eBay parcels, both UK and overseas, and have not had a single problem so far (using DHL as courier, but they also offer UPS and FedEx services). Their customer services dept is very responsive and although clearly a fairly small organisation they appear to be very well run. Basically you pay about £8 per shipment in the UK, which makes them cheaper than Royal Mail in the 2-20kg price range. Overseas large parcel rates are even more competitive.

The website and services are also very easy to use, you can get instant quotes, etc. which is a bonus if you're sending a big item and need to make sure you squeeze it into a small enough box to avoid any volume surcharges.

alienthing

Hi
I have ordered courier service via ebay parcel-choice
They were supposed to provide a 24hour service.
I have waited 3 days for the courier to turn up. They have stopped replying to my emails. So it looks like a scam or very badly organised business.
I have to find another courier.
Looks like £6.99 flushed down the drain and 3 days stress and waiting.
Stay clear of them.

Debtbuster1_2

Not Sure How Many Of You Realise These Are Not Approved Sellers And Are Therefore Not Endorsed To Be Selling These Services Most Of These Companies. YOU ARE NOT AFFORDED Protection Whatsoever, In the main these are rogue traders who Build Up Huge Debts With The Carriers They Claim To Be Representing And Disappear.

custardy

amazing how many 1st time posters post on this thread