Just sent in some camera bodies to CPS for clean and check. Was floored by the cost of shipping/insurance!! Who do you usually use for that and which type of shipping do you use (ground, air, etc.)?
UAPS is/was the least expensive, but requires "special" packaging to acquire insurance.
FED-X -next.
UPS Most expensive. (The last time I sent anything)
As to CPS Platinum, if you only join it for the purpose of one-time free shipping, at a cost of $300 a year, I'd hardly consider that a cost saving strategy.
Sy Sez wrote:
UAPS is/was the least expensive, but requires "special" packaging to acquire insurance.
FED-X -next.
UPS Most expensive. (The last time I sent anything)
As to CPS Platinum, if you only join it for the purpose of one-time free shipping, at a cost of $300 a year, I'd hardly consider that a cost saving strategy.
Very true. Apologies for the OP for not clarifying. CPS Platinum @ $300/yr is worth it (or not) depending on your use case. Specifically, how many items you plan on repairing/maintaining. The next level down is CPS Gold @ $100/yr.
Personally, the biggest differentiating factors was that Platinum allows me to return ten items for CMS (vs five items for Gold), and the free shipping both ways (vs free return shipping only for Gold). The extra $200 was worth it for me because, as you mentioned, shipping camera gear gets pricey lol
Also, to answer OP, for cost savings on shipping.....use something like PayPal ShipStation. They get you a discounted rate (vs buying direct from USPS, UPS, Fedex, etc.). I ship things based on cost and usually find USPS to be the cheapest option, and have never had issues with em. Same with UPS on the rare occasion that shipping costs are similar. YMMV of course.
My gear is insured via State Farm insurance and with them I don't have to insure the equipment as long as the equipment is shipped via a carrier like FedEX, UPS, USPS with tracking. That saves me a good amount of the shipping costs. Also, create an account with these shippers and you can get a slight discount on shipping. I did not see a benefit to a CPS upgrade because I didn't/don't use them much. For me, it's like paying a lot of money for a buffet where I don't get my monies worth because I can't eat a lot and will push back from the table.
gold and platinum make sense if you use your equipment in fast past or risky enviroment where damge is likely. quick turn arround and repair discount is paying off on a new lens(24-105) damaged at a rodeo event.
I set up an account with them last year and compared prices with PayPal ShipStation, and found both similar. Anything is better than direct with the shipper.
fgphoto wrote:
I do most of my shipping through Pirate Ship now. I’ve been using them for the last 5 or so years and have never had an issue.
For peace of mind, I only use Canon CarePak on covered items (I’ll even renew contracts) or CPS Platinum because I had a gut wrenching experience when I shipped a box to CPS via FedX and they misrouted/lost 2 Pro bodies for over a month. Also, FedX use to have a maximum insurance limit printed on the back of each form which was/is an exposure issue for big white lenses (for those who didn’t/don’t want to get insurance companies involved for fear of raising rates, etc). FedX is constantly updating their T&Cs and I can’t find the current maximum insurance limit but the website clearly states: your declared value is not the same as insurance coverage; and, that shippers must prove that FedX is at fault and if so, FedX will only reimburse the depreciated value and/or provide a replacement (aka a red flag IMHO). Since Canon is a large FedX customer and would be the item’s shipper on CarePak or Platinum items, they would be the one responsible for bird dogging any shipping issues and handling any claims aka much less stressful/time saving IMHO. I also had several lost/mysteriously rerouted issues with UPS involving electronic items, so they’re a no/go for me.
Why worry about the shippers insurance if your gear is insured via an insurance company. You'lls gear is insured, right? If not, it should be. That is your biggest risk; not insuring your gear.
Methodical wrote:
Why worry about the shippers insurance if your gear is insured via an insurance company. You'lls gear is insured, right? If not, it should be. That is your biggest risk; not insuring your gear.
It will be insured once and then if you make a large claim it will be dropped or ridiculously increased.
EB-1 wrote:
It will be insured once and then if you make a large claim it will be dropped or ridiculously increased.
EBH
EBH,
Not my experience with USAA. Full replacement on damaged item. i.e. R5 damaged in shipping (Fedex), item was replaced at current retail. Rates haven't changed (a year so far) yet.
I ship UPS and only UPS. I don't pinch pennies when it comes to getting my camera equipment to Canon for repair. This is my one guilty pleasure. I don't do this as a pro but as a weekend warrior. I don't recall which carrier Canon uses to return your equipment. In my experience FedEx cannot follow simple instructions so that my package won't be seen from the street. UPS follows my instructions to the letter as does Amazon delivery.
I am semi-retired so I can schedule time to be home when a package is due to be delivered. Both FedEx and USPS have lost and delivered to the incorrect address more than I care to remember.
