I was attempting to ship a package of cookies using FedEx or UPS via overnight delivery to my son, who is serving in the US Air Force at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX, and took my small package to All Write Mail Center Plus in San Jacinto, CA. The clerk weighed the package and then quoted me the rate of $63.81!!! I was obviously taken aback at the cost, and when asked why the rate was so high, I was told "that's the rate FedEx charges". I took my package and left taking it to the Post Office instead. My package weighed 1 lb. 13 oz and only cost me $18.80 to send it overnight via USPS.
I became concerned that perhaps the equipment at the mailing center was broken, so I contacted FedEx to let them know that they might want to check into it. After communicating with FedEx all of the same shipping information including package weight, shipping type, and start/end postal codes I was told that the FedEx rate was $23.50 to ship, which is totally reasonable and a rate I would have paid for shipping.
Because I was still concerned that the equipment may be malfunctioning at All Write Mail Center Plus, I called and spoke with the manager/owner of the establishment. When I explained the difference in shipping cost between USPS and the rate quoted by FedEx she input the same information again using her equipment and came up with a shipping price of $55.00! Still outrageous! When I again inquired about the rate difference and how she was arriving at that amount I was finally told that, as a retailer, they are able to add on a surplus charge in addition to the base rate provided by FedEx. So this company is basically robbing their customers that come in for shipping by hiking up the rates by approximately 150%!!
I notified FedEx that if I had not taken the time to contact them that I would have just written them off and never attempted to use them again, but I can't imagine how many other unsuspecting people have either just paid that outrageous rate or quit FedEx altogether. Especially seeing how they were not initially forthcoming in telling me about their "surcharge".
I recommend that if you live in the Hemet/San Jacinto area that you stay FAR, FAR AWAY from All Write Mail Center Plus located on San Jacinto Avenue.
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