Misled by APC courier and now stuck with 2.4m freight!

[LittleWoodWorkshop]

Evening all,

I've been using APC Overnight to ship my furniture around. We've had an arduous relationship after a few moderate but correctable errors.
Anyway, the contract I have is very misleading. It gives the impression that a parcel (freight) weighing 90kgs, 2.4m long will cost approx £30 - no problem.
I have built, marketed and a customer will tomorrow expect delivery of an item that is now in my workshop because the courier wouldn't take it away.
Having had a long and tense discussion with the MD they stated they want £120 for it. At £120 I'll still be taking a huge profit hit, but less than reimbursing the customer. I don't have time to start a legal wrangle for fear of credibility/customer satisfaction.
I've had a ring round a few couriers but there's a reason I don't use UPS/DHL/Fedex etc, they're extortionate and the private couriers don't have any runs to the other end of the country.

Anyone any ideas? Obviously the clocks ticking.

 

[bmu1991]

How about UK Mail? I'm just about to open an account with them! If you drop me a PM I can send you their prices!

B

 

[Psl]

Where are and where is the delivery going?

Can you deliver it yourself?

 

[Faevilangel]

try shiply, people can bid to take your cargo, it's normally used by couriers who are in your area heading back to their own drop and do the job for a few extra pennies.

 

[LittleWoodWorkshop]

Where are and where is the delivery going?

Can you deliver it yourself?

That was my first thought, when I double checked the address (and I'm in the North East) they are spitting distance from France

Thanks for the other suggestions I'm going the go and look at them now!

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Hello

Have you given Tuffnells a try they are more used to moving larger freight at lower prices

 

[LittleWoodWorkshop]

Hello

Have you given Tuffnells a try they are more used to moving larger freight at lower prices

They said everything possible to AVOID giving me a quote! Disgruntled employee?

- signed up and registered consignment on Shiply - thanks for that tip!

- will ring UKMail in the morning - thanks for that tip!

 

[graeme1976]

I have used APC for years and can't understand why they are asking for the 120.

Is it a weight or size issue?

Have you checked the dimentions on http://www.apc-overnight.com/delivery.php

 

[LittleWoodWorkshop]

I have used APC for years and can't understand why they are asking for the 120.

Is it a weight or size issue?

Have you checked the dimentions on http://www.apc-overnight.com/delivery.php

The contract I have infront of me is via a subsidiary service. In the small print of the terms and conditions it stipulates maximum weight 50kg, however in the large colour chart is states 100kg (item being 90kg). Yes, technically the T&C's state that but I was working off the large, colourful text stating 100kg.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

They said everything possible to AVOID giving me a quote! Disgruntled employee?

- signed up and registered consignment on Shiply - thanks for that tip!

- will ring UKMail in the morning - thanks for that tip!

You are taking a risk with Shipley as you don't know who the carrier is until you have paid your deposit . I also think (sorry to say this ) you may get a reality check as you will find just how much the going rate is . I think the Shipley boys will be quoting more than you expect .

I actually feel you have too high expectations . I maybe self harming by saying this but a lot of customers want to produce bespoke quality and desirable products but expect delivery companies with more over heads than them to offer prices that they expect and not the going rate. How can you expect / demand such low prices when you yourself know what it costs to run a business !!!

 

[Anonymouse72]

we used a courier a couple of years ago, can't remember if it was off shiply though. East Midlands to Liverpool area cost us about £160 back then for some doors to be delivered, so i think you'll struggle to get delivery for less than £120 now.

good luck