Tropical Storm Isaac and potential shipping issues...

[returnofsid]

I've got a couple questions, regarding a couple different aspects of a sale and a possibly pending sale.

As most know, Tropical Storm Isaac, soon to be Hurricane Isaac, is bearing down on the coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico. All those in it's path are in my thoughts and prayers!

I'm scheduled to ship a package of live corals to Tulsa, OK, today and a package of live corals to Austin, TX, tomorrow, both from Spokane, WA. I've contacted USPS, to ask about any possible weather related delays. They were completely useless...lol. They were unable to tell me the route that either of these packages would take, nor were they able to tell me of any possible weather delays.

I've PMd both buyers, relaying my concerns and failure to get any usable information from USPS, and am awaiting their responses.

While waiting, I figured I'd post here, asking advice.

1. Should shipping be delayed? Remember, one of these packages would have to go out, by 4:00PM today, to keep to our past agreement.

2. Should shipping be delayed even if I do not get a response from buyers? I understand that not all members are online every day so buyers could miss the PMs.

Another issue...

A third "potential" buyer of live corals, lives in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I'd thought and still think, that an agreement had been made and have been awaiting payment and shipping information. The last contact I had with this person was on 8/24. Originally, this individual had asked me to ship, last Friday, for Saturday delivery. I responded with my concerns about Saturday delivery and reminding this individual of the upcoming storm. They responded that they'd forgot all about the storm and would get back to me with a new shipping timeline. That was our last contact.

1. How long should I await contact, knowing that it's possible that this person is very busy, preparing for the storm? Right now, I have posted that this piece of coral is pending, awaiting payment. I'm more than willing to wait, knowing what this person might be going through right now.

I was able to get some information, from my local USPS. They're telling me that everything that flies out of Spokane flies to Memphis, TN, and then flies to it's destination.

 

[arotbart]

I would wait. I am in Boca Raton, FL and can tell you fedex is delayed...and I get fedex everyday like clockwork in my business.....I would sit on the corals until the storm passes and ship towards the end of the week, assuming all is clear. its not just florida you have to worry about. Remember, with Fedex, everything goes through Memphis and with UPS through Louisville. I believe the storm is heading that direction and will cause interruptions.

It is a windy storm and one that covers a large area. Last night was the worse night here on the east coast of south florida, and its still coming as i type this...high winds, tornadoes, the whole thing man....

I would just wait. Your customers will be upset if you ship and the corals sit in some warehouse for days.

I've got a couple questions, regarding a couple different aspects of a sale and a possibly pending sale.

As most know, Tropical Storm Isaac, soon to be Hurricane Isaac, is bearing down on the coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico. All those in it's path are in my thoughts and prayers!

I'm scheduled to ship a package of live corals to Tulsa, OK, today and a package of live corals to Austin, TX, tomorrow, both from Spokane, WA. I've contacted USPS, to ask about any possible weather related delays. They were completely useless...lol. They were unable to tell me the route that either of these packages would take, nor were they able to tell me of any possible weather delays.

I've PMd both buyers, relaying my concerns and failure to get any usable information from USPS, and am awaiting their responses.

While waiting, I figured I'd post here, asking advice.

1. Should shipping be delayed? Remember, one of these packages would have to go out, by 4:00PM today, to keep to our past agreement.

2. Should shipping be delayed even if I do not get a response from buyers? I understand that not all members are online every day so buyers could miss the PMs.

Another issue...

A third "potential" buyer of live corals, lives in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I'd thought and still think, that an agreement had been made and have been awaiting payment and shipping information. The last contact I had with this person was on 8/24. Originally, this individual had asked me to ship, last Friday, for Saturday delivery. I responded with my concerns about Saturday delivery and reminding this individual of the upcoming storm. They responded that they'd forgot all about the storm and would get back to me with a new shipping timeline. That was our last contact.

1. How long should I await contact, knowing that it's possible that this person is very busy, preparing for the storm? Right now, I have posted that this piece of coral is pending, awaiting payment. I'm more than willing to wait, knowing what this person might be going through right now.

I was able to get some information, from my local USPS. They're telling me that everything that flies out of Spokane flies to Memphis, TN, and then flies to it's destination.

 

[Saltgator]

My. 02 from here in Fla. Delay the shipping. I would prefer it if it was me, even if you didn't hear back after sending emails. The individual in Ft. Lauderdale might not have power as some have lost power down there. As for the individuals in Texas and Oklahoma, I'd still delay their shipments until contact could be made. If I was shipping the corals and possibly had a DOA guarantee as well, I would delay shipment (you could be out twice the amount by the time all is OK after the storm). It might cost my reputation, but I look at loosing coral almost like loosing my beloved fish. Sorry for rambling, but my opinion. GL

Country Boy using tapatalk on his EVO

 

[returnofsid]

Well, I've heard from the buyer in Austin, TX and he wants me to go ahead and ship, tomorrow, for Wednesday delivery. I did inform him that everything will go through Memphis, TN. I'll ship his, tomorrow, unless I hear differently from him. Still awaiting a response from the individual in Tulsa, OK.

 

[returnofsid]

BTW, thank you both for your opinions, especially since you're right in the middle of it all. Stay SAFE!!

 

[Just Clownin Around]

i ship all the time and i would not risk usps in this weather

 

[returnofsid]

i ship all the time and i would not risk usps in this weather

I wouldn't either, if I lived in Florida...

 

[wrasseluver]

I would pm the buyer back and tell you'll only ship if he takes reposablty for any delays. I would really wait before shipping in bad weather.

 

[returnofsid]

I would pm the buyer back and tell you'll only ship if he takes reposablty for any delays. I would really wait before shipping in bad weather.

I've considered this but it seems to sound "aggressive" or maybe "hostile" is the word I'm looking for, which concerns me...lol. I've explained all of my concerns, including the concern about all of the canceled flights in Florida, combined with the evacuation flights from all coastal areas, creating delay issues in Memphis, TN, where the flight hub is located, AND explaining that even though these are being shipped USPS, USPS uses commercial airlines.

 

[bige]

I live in Austin and it rarely rains and bad weather is even less likely. They might not know the true nature of a storm like that since we don't get weather like that. I would delay all of it unless they are willing to accept the dead coral. It is easier to ask for forgiveness than it is permission. I would think all would understand that you just want their investment to be in tip top shape.

 

[returnofsid]

I live in Austin and it rarely rains and bad weather is even less likely. They might not know the true nature of a storm like that since we don't get weather like that. I would delay all of it unless they are willing to accept the dead coral. It is easier to ask for forgiveness than it is permission. I would think all would understand that you just want their investment to be in tip top shape.

Thank you for your feedback, especially living in the same destination! I've detailed my concerns to him and will honor his wishes, as nervous as I am about it... That package is scheduled to ship tomorrow so I'll see how things progress, throughout today and tomorrow morning, and may alter my plans, from there.

I haven't heard back from the person in Tulsa, OK, who's package I'm supposed to ship today. If I've not heard from him in the next couple of hours, I think I'm going to delay that shipment and beg forgiveness. I've PMd him with all of my concerns.

 

[wrasseluver]

I've considered this but it seems to sound "aggressive" or maybe "hostile" is the word I'm looking for, which concerns me...lol. I've explained all of my concerns, including the concern about all of the canceled flights in Florida, combined with the evacuation flights from all coastal areas, creating delay issues in Memphis, TN, where the flight hub is located, AND explaining that even though these are being shipped USPS, USPS uses commercial airlines.

It is aggressive but the buyer needs to know he's taking the chance. Almost all shipments go to Memphis. I just got off the phone with FedEx and its going to be closed until Thursday in my area and FedEx in New Orleans has stop shipments as of tonight.

 

[returnofsid]

It is aggressive but the buyer needs to know he's taking the chance. Almost all shipments go to Memphis. I just got off the phone with FedEx and its going to be closed until Thursday in my area and FedEx in New Orleans has stop shipments as of tonight.

Ugh...lol. I REALLY did not want to read that! One of the USPS reps, locally, told me that in Spokane, USPS contracts through FedEx, another local USPS rep told me that Spokane USPS contracts through UPS. Both told me that their packages all fly commercial airlines, to Memphis, and then are routed to their final destination. Even though Memphis is not going to be effected by the storm, I can easily see how the hub in Memphis could be effected.

 

[returnofsid]

PM Conversation are continuing and we might have agreed to a delay...

 

[wrasseluver]

Good it's better to be safe then sorry.