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 hear ya on the shipping scams. There is not much you can do when they charge for a higher weight or a higher rate than what was sent or agreed upon. I am a high volume shipper and my shipper always tries to get me on some angle. The thing is you can't argue to much with them because they have the upper hand and can decline bus and report any unpaid fees to a collection company. I have over $500. of shipping bills sitting on my desk right know that is under investigation.

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. . . 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-