I spoke to a FedEx representative today. She told me that I was overcharged $11 because someone had put my package down as 2.1 lbs instead of 2.0, and corrected that. But it was still going to come to something like $70.
I told her I was quoted a lower price and she said she didn't have the authority to change anything else. So I asked to speak to someone who did.
Got the supervisor. She said that the charges were correct. I told her that if I'd known it was going to be so much, I'd have gone to the Post Office and gotten it done for $16. She said that, for the sake of customer satisfaction, she'll post a $50 credit to my account.
I asked about the 2000 mile detour, and she confirmed my guess: They don't have proper sorting facilities in Newark. Memphis is the nearest major hub. It's just the way the system is set up. Which is rediculous (especially given that Newark is the sorting hub for the state of NJ), but telling her that wasn't going to accomplish anything productive.
It was all very polite and civil and I got my credit and the package arrived and the recipient was very happy with it (and was specifically happy with having gotten a real live FedEx box after having seen that movie with Tom Hanks). So, it all worked out. But I'm still going to use the Post Office from now on.
Moving on...
Had a random flashback today to an old RPG session with some friends. (FS rather than D&D, but same general idea.) Thought I'd share for the heck of it. (Although I suspect that about 3 of you will actually get this, and one, maybe two will actually find it funny. Oh well. Such is life.)
GM: You enter the temple and are confronted by a mass of eunuch guards.
Me: Hmm. Are there any windows here?
GM: No. This is the evil wizard's workroom.
Me: Darn. But I'm assuming there are paper screens scattered about the room?
GM: Yes, several.
Me: That'll have to do. ... Okay, then. I'm going to do a flying double kick, hitting one guard with each foot, knocking them into the paper screens.
GM: Okay, sure.
*roll*
Me: Success! I used a dual boot system to send eunuchs crashing through windows!!
I told her I was quoted a lower price and she said she didn't have the authority to change anything else. So I asked to speak to someone who did.
Got the supervisor. She said that the charges were correct. I told her that if I'd known it was going to be so much, I'd have gone to the Post Office and gotten it done for $16. She said that, for the sake of customer satisfaction, she'll post a $50 credit to my account.
I asked about the 2000 mile detour, and she confirmed my guess: They don't have proper sorting facilities in Newark. Memphis is the nearest major hub. It's just the way the system is set up. Which is rediculous (especially given that Newark is the sorting hub for the state of NJ), but telling her that wasn't going to accomplish anything productive.
It was all very polite and civil and I got my credit and the package arrived and the recipient was very happy with it (and was specifically happy with having gotten a real live FedEx box after having seen that movie with Tom Hanks). So, it all worked out. But I'm still going to use the Post Office from now on.
Moving on...
Had a random flashback today to an old RPG session with some friends. (FS rather than D&D, but same general idea.) Thought I'd share for the heck of it. (Although I suspect that about 3 of you will actually get this, and one, maybe two will actually find it funny. Oh well. Such is life.)
GM: You enter the temple and are confronted by a mass of eunuch guards.
Me: Hmm. Are there any windows here?
GM: No. This is the evil wizard's workroom.
Me: Darn. But I'm assuming there are paper screens scattered about the room?
GM: Yes, several.
Me: That'll have to do. ... Okay, then. I'm going to do a flying double kick, hitting one guard with each foot, knocking them into the paper screens.
GM: Okay, sure.
*roll*
Me: Success! I used a dual boot system to send eunuchs crashing through windows!!
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And good for you for pressing the issue with FedEx! Yes, it took some work on your part (and no small amount of stress) but you stuck to your guns and got a refund.
(And btw, I got a certain box of tea delivered today and have been enjoying the heck out of it. Whee! And thank you again!)
(Oh, and btw again ... my 5 year old son loves your icon. Whenever he sees it, he goes, "Oh, that's Robin! With a really neat hat! Can I get one of those hats?" LOL.)
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FedEx wasn't really stressfull. A bit of work, but not too bad. I'm just annoyed with them and their policies. Thankfully, I know the solution. USPS!
Glad the tea arrived, and very glad to hear you're enjoying it! :)
Good eye on the 5-year-old. That is indeed Robin. Taken from the final pages of "Prodigal," drawn by Bret Blevins and Romeo Tanghal. The hat was my own work with MS Paint. But I do actually own one. The sticker is something my roommate picked up in college. Representatives of the band "Propellerhead" were giving them out. Anyway, glad the icon is appreciated. *g*
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OMG, we're a bunch of geeks. We all got it. *g*
About FedEx, another thing you might want to remember is that it's easier the recipient won't have to pay customs fees if they receive something from USPS rather than express couriers. :)
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Good to know about the customs fees. That is something they warned me about with FedEx (it's the reason I had to put my credit card info on the packing slip). Didn't realize that might be a problem with USPS. Still, I don't expect fees would be too bad for a small personal package.
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Boo for FedEx!!! But yay for getting the credit and sticking to your guns, as Kathy said. :)
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As for not getting it on the first try... Probably spelling/pronounciation of "eunuchs." I'd guess that'd be the hardest part, if you're familliar with the rest.