Never Shipped a Coral.. Need some info.

Duffam3434 · Aug 11, 2013

Hey Guys and Gals, I am looking into Selling some Corals soon and have a few Questions.. I'd hate to lose a Coral because I did something wrong.

1. For Heat/Cooling Packs do you just check the Temp of where their going and decide what to use? And in what type of situation would you not need either?

2. In Your Opinion whats the Best Shipping Service.. UPS, USPS, FedEx?

3. Do you guys Insure the Package when sent and If so do you tell the Shipping Company what is in the Package? Since when insure something they usually ask what it is.

If i'm missing any Good questions Please just LMK. Ive been sent A Lot of Corals but this would be my First time Sending one. So I'm Clueless on the whole process. Any Help would be Appreciated Greatly.

PaulKreider · Aug 11, 2013

For the heating/cooling packs your correct, I didn't use one last time since weather was good right around 80deg. I used USPS, a lot cheaper and gets it there same way. I didn't insure the package, and my buddy who works at UPS said just tell them its clothes. Make sure to have arrows facing up though to make sure package doesn't get thrown around.

Coral Dreams · Aug 11, 2013

following along

Duffam3434 · Aug 11, 2013

PaulKreider said:
For the heating/cooling packs your correct, I didn't use one last time since weather was good right around 80deg. I used USPS, a lot cheaper and gets it there same way. I didn't insure the package, and my buddy who works at UPS said just tell them its clothes. Make sure to have arrows facing up though to make sure package doesn't get thrown around.

Perfect! Does USPS have a Guarantee on Delivery Time? or how does that work through them? Thanks for the Info!!

PaulKreider · Aug 11, 2013

The overnight non express is guarantees by 2pm next day I believe, Also its quite a lot cheaper to buy your shipping label online rather than having them print it, saves about $10.

Duffam3434 · Aug 11, 2013

Wow, Thats Good to know! Thats something I will have to look into. Ive sold a ton of random stuff on eBay and Ive never printed my own labels! Would you happen to know the difference in price between there Express and Non?

PaulKreider · Aug 11, 2013

Just go to the USPS website and there is a section for printing labels, itl give you a price quote, depends on how far your shipping.

mgdth · Aug 11, 2013

Be warned...research fines involved with shipping live animals. If you say it's one thing, and they find out it's live animals...

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Duffam3434 · Aug 12, 2013

Huh, Ive never heard of these fines. I will try to find something about it online somewhere. This is all Good to Know! Thanks for all the Info Guys!!

kes · Aug 15, 2013

ULINE is a great source for packaging materials for corals

Gundo · Aug 22, 2013

When I drop off at UPS (Label already on box) they never ask whats inside.

Eienna · Aug 22, 2013

FedEx has the best record for not losing packages, but they won't accept liability for live animals.

bucksfan1976 · Aug 22, 2013

I have never lost a coral I shipped from USPS. I had a issue once with UPS though , never had a issue with fed ex either when it came to livestock.

reefpeeper · Aug 22, 2013

I have used usps 5 out of the last 6 times I shipped. I hoped something would change, but they messed up 4 times. Package did not get there in time. They will refund shipping, but an insurance claim for lost/dead corals is a pain. I will use fedex for now on.

lps1212 · Aug 22, 2013

Duffam3434 said:
Hey Guys and Gals, I am looking into Selling some Corals soon and have a few Questions.. I'd hate to lose a Coral because I did something wrong.

1. For Heat/Cooling Packs do you just check the Temp of where their going and decide what to use? And in what type of situation would you not need either?

2. In Your Opinion whats the Best Shipping Service.. UPS, USPS, FedEx?

3. Do you guys Insure the Package when sent and If so do you tell the Shipping Company what is in the Package? Since when insure something they usually ask what it is.

If i'm missing any Good questions Please just LMK. Ive been sent A Lot of Corals but this would be my First time Sending one. So I'm Clueless on the whole process. Any Help would be Appreciated Greatly.

best way to know if you got the shipping technique down pact is to ship me your scoly in that avatar of yours :tongue: if it makes it you know your good to go

Duffam3434 · Aug 22, 2013

lps1212 said:
best way to know if you got the shipping technique down pact is to ship me your scoly in that avatar of yours :tongue: if it makes it you know your good to go

Hahaha!! Smooth!!

Duffam3434 · Aug 22, 2013

kes said:
ULINE is a great source for packaging materials for corals

Thanks!! I will check it out, That was one question I forgot to ask was where do you get good shipping materials!!

Gundo said:
When I drop off at UPS (Label already on box) they never ask whats inside.

Good to know! I would like to avoid being asked if possible!

Eienna said:
FedEx has the best record for not losing packages, but they won't accept liability for live animals.

FedEx is how I've gotten every coral I've ordered and they have all come Alive and Healthy!

bucksfan1976 said:
I have never lost a coral I shipped from USPS. I had a issue once with UPS though , never had a issue with fed ex either when it came to livestock.

UPS would scare me just because I've Sold A whole lot of stuff on eBay and through the years UPS has messed up and or Broke items during shipping the most.. USPS has been perfect for the most part.

reefpeeper said:
I have used usps 5 out of the last 6 times I shipped. I hoped something would change, but they messed up 4 times. Package did not get there in time. They will refund shipping, but an insurance claim for lost/dead corals is a pain. I will use fedex for now on.

This is why its good to ask fellow Reefers instead of just searching the internet for answers. You hear first hand what services have a lot of problems. Once in a Great while is no big deal, But 4-6 Deliveries they had problems with... That's not good at all.

LOVETHISHOBBY · Aug 24, 2013

1. I check the weather at the destination city. My rule of thumb is if it's over 80 degrees include an ice pack. If it's below 60 degrees include a heat pack. My FedEx office closes at 9:00 pm. I try to drop packages off just before they close.

2. FedEx. If you link your eBay and FedEx accounts together, I believe you can save 37% on priority overnight shipping.

3. I don't believe FedEx guarantees shipping of live coral.

Duffam3434 · Aug 24, 2013

LOVETHISHOBBY said:
1. I check the weather at the destination city. My rule of thumb is if it's over 80 degrees include an ice pack. If it's below 60 degrees include a heat pack. My FedEx office closes at 9:00 pm. I try to drop packages off just before they close.

2. FedEx. If you link your eBay and FedEx accounts together, I believe you can save 37% on priority overnight shipping.

3. I don't believe FedEx guarantees shipping of live coral.

I never knew that about the eBay discounts!! That's Great to know! Thanks for the info! I'll check the hours of the FedEx around here. I'm sure its about the same.