Shipping a BK2

[slapper]

My BK2 is getting some new pants and I need to know a good economical way to ship it. I will be responsible for shipping to and from the sheath-maker. He suggested to make sure I get a tracking #.

I created a ups account so that I could get the free tracking on priority packages, but I'm not sure if priority is the way to go as It will take the medium flat-rate box each way.

Also, How do I handle the return shipping. When Printing labels online it requires a date and I have no way to tell when He will be ready to ship.

If you suggest not using priority, will the box size matter? Would the P.O care if I shipped a non-priority package in one of their priority box?

Thanks for the help,
slapper

 

[Moosez45]

My BK2 is getting some new pants and I need to know a good economical way to ship it. I will be responsible for shipping to and from the sheath-maker. He suggested to make sure I get a tracking #.

I created a ups account so that I could get the free tracking on priority packages, but I'm not sure if priority is the way to go as It will take the medium flat-rate box each way.

Also, How do I handle the return shipping. When Printing labels online it requires a date and I have no way to tell when He will be ready to ship.

If you suggest not using priority, will the box size matter? Would the P.O care if I shipped a non-priority package in one of their priority box?

Thanks for the help,
slapper

UPS is good with a tracking number, so you can follow the events. You can also use your UPS shipping info, to order a label and just email it to the guy. He can put it on the box and off it goes.

I like USPS. Priority with delivery confirmation. I know when it gets thats about all.

Be sure and package it up in a sheath, and with some bubble wrap or peanuts.

Moose

 

[Guyon]

I like USPS Priority with insurance and delivery confirmation.
I package well and tape corners. I typically run some clear plastic wrap around knife/sheath or knife/sleeve so the knife is less likely to escape.
Pad well. If you have access to plastic peanuts and/or bubble wrap and you're not doing Flat Rate, they'll save you weight and shipping cost.

I'd think the sheath maker would simply include return shipping in your cost. Make sure he's insuring as well.

 

[MikeyJ]

I also like USPS Priority with insurance, but I prefer to use signature confirmation. It's like $2 or so, but I really like having a signature to confirm receipt. One time (and only once), I had a package stolen from my porch after it was delivered. Just my 2 pennies...YMMV!

I'd think the sheath maker would simply include return shipping in your cost. Make sure he's insuring as well.

^ this seems reasonable! Have you asked the maker to do this?

 

[slapper]

Have you asked the maker to do this?

I won the sheath and the maker does not own a BK2.(But I bet he will after he handles mine) So I will be responsible for shipping both ways.

Does box size matter on Priority? Can I use a flat rate box on a non-flat rate priority shipment.

 

[Guyon]

Does box size matter on Priority? Can I use a flat rate box on a non-flat rate priority shipment.

Box size doesn't matter. They can slap a Priority sticker on anything, and it becomes "Priority."
However, the answer to the second question is no. If it says Flat Rate, they're going to charge you Flat Rate, even if the regular Priority box would have been cheaper.

It's hard to tell sometimes which will be cheaper, normal Priority or Flat Rate Priority. On really heavy knives (big choppers like Busse Battle Mistresses), Flat Rate is almost always better.
Just the other day, I took in a knife (a Battle Mistress) to mail, and the lady told me that Flat Rate would have been better, and she let me swap boxes. Saved me a few bucks.
I asked her what the tipping point was in terms of weight, but she didn't have an answer. Said it depended on where the box was going.

You could get a good box, and let the sheath maker use the same box for return.
Before you seal, just put him a check in the box that equals the shipping/insurance cost on your end.
The postal clerk can weigh and tell you shipping and insurance cost before you tape up the box.
A word to the wise though. These days, they'll only let you use Priority Tape with the Priority logo (which makes a package Priority).
No clear packaging tape anymore unless you want to buy it.

 

[MikeyJ]

I won the sheath and the maker does not own a BK2.(But I bet he will after he handles mine) So I will be responsible for shipping both ways.

Does box size matter on Priority? Can I use a flat rate box on a non-flat rate priority shipment.

I don't think so. I believe you're charged based on the weight of the package...which is what makes flat rate so appealing to some.

 

[Guyon]

Honestly, I think for a BK-2 in that Medium sized box, regular Priority would be a little cheaper.
Flat rat is $10.95, I believe, for a similar sized box.
However, it's really not going to be that much different.

 

[slapper]

I appreciate all the help.

It looks like I will go regular priority. If I can keep it under 3lbs. it will cost about 8 bucks.

Thanks for the help,
slapper

 

[maethor]

Just, whatever you do, don't, and i will repeat that, DO NOT ship it to Germany. It will take more than 7 weeks and probably get lost or stolen.

 

[BluesStringer]

Sounds like you already decided what you're going to do slapper, but for future reference, I do quite a bit of shipping and have found that, since the last couple of rate increases by USPS, FedEx is consistently cheaper. Now, we opened a FedEx account through GW's work. The account is ours, but it's somehow tied to her job, like a benefit program or something. I don't know what the program is called, and also don't know what it costs to open a FedEx account on your own, but if you do much shipping, it might be worth looking into. I sent my BK2 for sheath fitting through FedEx and it cost $6.02 including insurance (insurance is included in every shipment).

Blues