Chicago Knife Works Shipping Charges - Possible Fr&$#?

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jayjaygee

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I want to be clear that this is not an accusation yet, just a query for the community, but I've noticed that the weight listed for many items on CKW is much higher than the vendors' stated weight.

And CKW charges shipping based on weight.

But the actual postage is always (in my experience) lower than the fee they charge.

When I mentioned this to CKW, they "fixed" every example I gave them, but there could be hundreds more. Also, the owner of CKW got very angry and defensive when I brought up the subject, pointing out how much lower their prices are, but not addressing the actual issue. Weirdly angry.

I'm feeling like they've been charging me shipping in a manner that is intentionally designed to make them a little money on each order. I'm considering opening a fraud case at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

But I wanted to talk to the "community" first, because I don't like the idea of opening a case if there is something I am missing.

Has anyone else had this experience? What is the stated shipping weight of the items you ordered, vs. the real or vendors' listed weight? What was the shipping charge vs real postage?
 
While not an awesome practice I don't think it constitutes fraud. Lots of companies and sellers turn a profit on shipping and sometimes for good reason. Unfortunately weight doesn't factor into it as a be all end all, they can charge whatever they want.

Shipping takes time, resources, labor and money for materials.
 
I had a $35 knife in checkout at a kitchen supply outlet. Shipping was $38! Closed that site never to open again.
 
SwissHeritageCo said:
While not an awesome practice I don't think it constitutes fraud. Lots of companies and sellers turn a profit on shipping and sometimes for good reason. Unfortunately weight doesn't factor into it as a be all end all, they can charge whatever they want.

Shipping takes time, resources, labor and money for materials.
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We're not talking a dollar here or there profit on shipping. If they are intentionally raising the weight (I'm talking 2lbs for things that are .04lbs), knowingly so, then I feel like it's more than just not a good practice. But I appreciate your perspective.
 
Boattale said:
I had a $35 knife in checkout at a kitchen supply outlet. Shipping was $38! Closed that site never to open again.
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But were they honest about the weight? The issue here isn't that shipping is high (it isn't actually) but whether it's appropriate to inflate the weight to inflate the shipping charges.
 
jayjaygee said:
But were they honest about the weight? The issue here isn't that shipping is high (it isn't actually) but whether it's appropriate to inflate the weight to inflate the shipping charges.
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Do you imagine they are paying for the erroneously inflated weight? I'm not sure the excuse matters, for some companies there is profit built into the shipping regardless and I don't believe it can be classified as fraud (even if they lir about weights).
 
I’d be interested to see the weight change as well as the conversation.

If you think you have a case, Save whatever you can and post it here, including the owners “weirdly angry” response.

If you get the package you could also weigh it yourself and see how it compares to how they weighed it.

It’s hard to come to any sort of conclusion given the lack of so much info.
 
Some shippers carriers go by Volume/Cube instead of weight. Some check both and use whichever costs more. Some stores add in box and packing to the freight cost.

It's like a retail outlet is just about the money. What about me and them? No love?
 
yes, but it seems they are just a drop shipper using blue ridge knives inventory system and possibly their shipping setup on weights and costs.

everything ships from blue ridge in Virginia
 
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jbmonkey said:
yes, but it seems they are just a drop shipper using blue ridge knives inventory system and possibly their shipping setup on weights and costs.

everything ships from blue ridge in Virginia
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Does it cost less if you order direct from Blue Ridge? Because if that's the case I may have a suggestion.
 
jayjaygee said:
30x in some cases.


Off-topic.

I'm seeing a lot of other replies but no one who has also had this experience, and that's really all I'm asking about.
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guess ya missed my post. I said yes....as in I noticed it too and have seen it in my own orders from them.....but I also added what I know on them being a drop shipper....maybe they're using brk shipping weight and system?
 
If their price with shipping is lower than others, who cares if they pad it? If not, shop elsewhere. Seems pretty simple🤷‍♂️
 
To answer your question, yes the gravity is 20% higher in Chicago, especially Cook County.
 
jayjaygee said:
30x in some cases.


Off-topic.

I'm seeing a lot of other replies but no one who has also had this experience, and that's really all I'm asking about.
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30x seems a bit extreme. So you ar e saying if you order something that weight 3 pounds, they inflate the shipping weight to 90 pounds?
 
greatscoot said:
30x seems a bit extreme. So you ar e saying if you order something that weight 3 pounds, they inflate the shipping weight to 90 pounds?
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That's the ratio that I mean but what I've actually noticed is items that the manufacturer lists as .04lbs, they rate at 3lbs and charge shipping based on that 3lb number. And when I pointed it out, they corrected it but looking around, it's not a fluke.
 
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