The UPS Store

Did not care for the staff. Seemed as if I was inconveniencing them by asking them to fax my paperwork and make copies of it. No smiles. Think his name was Andy.

The UPS Store service of custom packing and shipping over sized items is a sadistic joke!
My wife and I have been using internet auctions to sell off most of our antiques before moving. We’ve started with large antiques, big enough that the buyer needs to arrange his or her own shipping. In our auctions, we list several companies they can hire for custom packing and shipping, including The UPS Store.
In the past month, 3 buyers have asked us to drop off items (like giant light-​up advertising signs, console stereos, and antique TVs) at this particular UPS Store. Two of the three items that were custom packed by these «professionals» arrived smashed and completely destroyed. You’d think they’d be better at it because they have a custom packed antique TV on their sales floor, advertising this service. Well, they aren’t that good at it. Or else there are a bunch of gorillas working at the warehouses (like the old Samsonite commercials). Or both.
I always try to get the buyer to spend 100 bucks more to hire a professional crating and shipping company instead of UPS. But a few have gone the cheaper route and used The UPS Store. It’s still expensive, around 300 dollars for something really big. But what does it matter if it arrives destroyed?
If you’re dead set on using The UPS Store for custom packing of an over-​sized item, I have a better idea for you. Save your 300 bucks and just run it over with your car. You’ll have the same results but at least you’ll save the money for shipping.
As a side note, I’d like to mention that their claims process is particularly difficult and seems designed to be deliberately obstructionist to discourage claims. Unfortunately, I’m now in the unpleasant position to help these buyers win their claims by providing photos and writing statements.
In addition, I’d like to say that there’s a really weird vibe every time I’ve gone there to drop something off. The employees are all smiling and quiet, like they’re in on some private joke and I’m NOT in on it. And they’re waiting for me to leave. I know what the private joke IS now. They’re waiting for me to leave so they can get back to jumping up and down on the boxes!!!
Sorry this is so long but I want to be completely accurate. Maybe they’re okay for making copies, renting a mail box, or shipping a pet rock. Other than that, forget it!
THUMBS DOWN!
–Daddy Maxx Retro