[Hallicrafters] Shipping charges and other stuff..

[Barry Hauser]

Mark Bell wrote:

> As of last summer,  their shipping rates were higher than UPS.   
> They told me that it will take some for their rates to come into line
> with UPS, which should've happened by now.   

I wouldn't hold my breath on that one, Mark.  MBE's are basically
storefront franchises.  They mark up shipping rates, anywhere from 10 to
110%.  Aside from renting out private mailboxes, forwarding mail, and
packing, that's how they make their money.  Although they get at least
the daily pickup discount -- and maybe then some -- the shipping is over
what it would be direct with UPS.  Packing is almost always in flimsy
singlewall cartons with bubblewrap and, typically -- used peanuts.  They
charge for the materials and labor, or mark up the materials and/or
shipping high enough to more than cover the labor.  The economics of
small-store retailing make it highly unlikely that the rates will ever
come into line.  UPS is involved most likely to (1) control brand share
at the counter and (2) take part in dividends gleaned from franchise fee
and forced purchase (cartons, forms, etc.) merchandise.  

Bottom line for boatanchorites:  Ship from the UPS, Fedex main centers or
post office, or have UPS do next day pickup.  If you must use an MBE,
Parcels Plus, Pony Express, or similar, do your own packing and shop
around for the shipping rates.

Don't ask me how I know all this.

Barry

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