Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This just happened to me last week: I sent out a pair of snakes to a guy and was told by the shipping company (can't mention company's name or I'll get poofed/deleted) that it would cost me 38 bucks. Ok, no problem. I signed a statement saying they would take 38 bucks out of my bank (via debit card). Checked my account two days later and found out that they took out 46 bucks!!! I guess they figured since it was only 8 dollars more, that I wouldn't mind or even notice. . .Well, I did. Lucky for me I keep all receipts and transactions. I took it to my bank and they gave me back the 8 dollars and said they would pursue this matter and initiate an investigation. And we're talking about a major shipping comapny here. I was told by the bank that this has started happening quite regularly recently (probably because of the holidays, figuring that busy shoppers wouldn't notice or mind losing a few more bucks here and there)
WELL I DO!!! I work hard for my money and DON'T feel like giving it away to someone that already has millions in assets!!!
So, just a heads-up for us all. Keep your receipts, check your bank statements, make people sign slips allowing them to only take out (of your credit/debit card) the amonut that YOU allow. That way your protected against these crooked CRIMINALS!!!
This has been happening (sporadically) with almost ALL major shipping companies, so BEWARE! Thanks . . .

Zee
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"I am an expert on everything, but I know so little and have so much to learn!" -Carsten "Zee" Zoldy-

i have heard of that happening

Careful, though, a lot of times when they give you a price, it is an "estimate of the expected charge" and not the guaranteed price. You might have agreed to pay it regardless of the actual price based on their non-binding estimate of the cost. Everyone needs to read the fine print....ALWAYS.

Good advice in your original post.
KJ

There was no fine print concerning "Estimate" in this case. It was weighed and measured properly . . . ???
Just wondering . . . If they can change the rates (because of a change in weight or size)just like that, does that imply that they didn't weigh & measure the shipment properly the first time?
Wouldn't that be THEIR fault - not mine? Or does it mean they can change their rates simply because their equipment is faulty?
But then again: I didn't know that boxes can suddenly swell up overnight AND gain substantial weight simply because they're sitting in a climate controlled room. Or that tape measures in different offices are different lengths and scales are calibrated by some local "Billy-Bob" with heavy hands . . How silly of me to have overlooked that. . .

Zee
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"I am an expert on everything, but I know so little and have so much to learn!" -Carsten "Zee" Zoldy-