Shipping

UniqueBruce takes shipping very seriously. I believe shipping is one of the most important parts of the internet auction process.

In a retail store there is no difficulty in delivery. It is instantaneous. You pay your money, you take the item home with you. (thank you Mr. Obvious) Forgetting about buyer's remorse, you have had your opportunity to use all your senses to help you buy and you can now enjoy your purchase. You could touch, look, smell, hear, and sometimes taste the item of your desire.

Internet auctions, much like catalog and mail order, requires a certain leap of faith or trust in the seller by the bidder. You can see the item and sometimes hear it but usually the pictures are not the best and the desciptions are not what can be thought of as real clear. Even if they are really clear and descriptive, it still entails a problem. You have to wait for it.

Although I have been doing this for a little over a year at this writing, I have never been burned by seller or buyer. That's nice but doesn't account for the periods of stress encountered when shipping is delayed or a problem arises. Most winning bidders, if asked, would tell you that the leap of faith they take is a fragile thing. "OK, I paid my money, now where is my item." When the third day after paying comes and goes, depending on the amount of your winning bid, you will now see the effects of doubt and stress rear it's ugly head. A week goes by and many are contacting Ebay and their state Attorney General.

Most bidders believe that they paid for shipping so the responsibility to get it to them pronto is the auctioneer's. They are absolutely right. How you ship and how fast are very important decisions in this delicate shipping issue. Your shipping reflects on your business, so the Post Office or FedEX or UPS are part of your business.

UniqueBruce wants you to get your item as soon as possible. We use USPS Priority Mail for most small item purchases. (Under 2 Pounds) The parcels actually do receive more attention than first class mail and for the few cents difference is well worth it. It also allows me to utilize delivery confirmation for a small charge so I know that your package has arrived and when. The USPS encourages me to use priority mail by giving me boxes, labels and tape without charge. This saves a bit also. If you haven't priced boxes lately, WOW!!

I use micro-bubble foam to wrap most articles and styrofoam peanuts to pack the boxes, which adds to the cost but I don't get any complaints about the condition of the item upon arrival. The packaging protects your purchase.

Our shipping cost includes the packaging, the postage, and packing and delivery to the post office. If you would like post office insurance the cost is $1.30 for the minimum of $50 insurance.

We use UPS and FedEX for larger, more expensive items, including insurance in the rate. Packaging here is more one-off and each item is different. Each shipment is dependent upon location, size, and weight. We have also used air frieght for heavy items that need crated. Each is a unique challenge.