Mailbox Ect
All Mailbox ect. Stores are rippoffs

I Used Mailbox ect. To ship a large package by UPS ground last Friday 3/1/02 from the Merrick NY store.
I thought the price charged for UPS ground, $48.00, seemed high but I did not question it. Later that day I called and got the tracking number. I went online to UPS tracking and got the package information. I then checked what UPSs shipping rate would be.
What I found surprised me. The rate for shipping a 30lb oversize package to Texas with $1000 insurance from a daily pickup location (Merrick 11566 to Austin 78731) was only $20.00!!!

On Tues. 3/5/02 went back to the Merrick store and questioned the clerk about the price I was charged. He showed me that $48.00 is the the standard rate that Mailbox ect. Charges.

I can understand a moderate handling fee but more than double the standard UPS ground rate is extreme, especially since no mention is made of a handling fee or surcharge anywhere at the store or on the bill!

I spoke with the owner who was of no help. He said that he was only charging the standard Mailbox ect... Rate. He did say he would consider listing that the rate included a surcharge or handling fee.
I also sent a complaint to Mailbox ect. Headquarters but received, what appeared to be, standard response.
"
Thank you for taking the time to write us. We value your comments and appreciate the opportunity to respond to them.
With regard to the pricing structures at MBE Centers, MBE Franchise Owners are encouraged to focus their efforts on the highest level of quality, service and convenience. This focus has a direct effect on the prices charged in order to cover associated expenses. MBE has found that these benefits are demanded by members of the public who choose to take advantage of MBEs offerings over other providers offering lower prices.

MBE Centers are franchise businesses and are individually owned and operated.

Due to Federal Anti-Trust laws, MBE as a franchisor cannot set prices for services rendered to the public by the individual MBE franchise location. MBE does, however, offer information and guidance to its Franchise Owners with regard to rate structures in an effort to provide both quality service to the public and a reasonable return on investment.

As with any retail establishment, MBE Centers mark up these services to cover fixed and variable costs associated with operating a customer service based convenience business.

MBE hopes this information is helpful in addressing your concerns. Thank you again for taking the time to write us with your comments.
Cordially,
Ann M. Weinstein
Supervisor, Customer Relations
Mail Boxes Etc., Home Office"

This is my response:

"Dear Ms. Weinstein,

Thanks for your quick response to my e-mail. I discussed the UPS ground shipping fee with Mr. Dellaporte, the owner of your Merrick New York franchise. He informed me that he was charging the standard MBE rate and is using your guidelines in setting the UPS rates.

If that is true than MBE charges more than double the standard UPS rate. Is this true?

I would also like to know why nowhere in the store or on the bill is there any mention of a handling fee or surcharge.

I dont know about the rest of your customers but I thought I was being charged the same rate that UPS charges.

As a policy Mailbox Ect. Charges 200% to 300% over the standard UPS rates and does not even hint that there is surcharge or handling."

Company: Mailbox Ect
Country: USA
State: Nationwide

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