Sorry your browser is not supported!

This is obviously a very random thread, but... when you compare the major shipping companies, which is the best in your opinion? I think Fedex... here's my comparisons:

Fedex
Pros: They always ship fast, and they have the most comprehensive tracking system on the internet... it tells you where precisely your item is during it's transit from one location to another. They're also the safest, imo
Cons: Can be a bit pricey

USPS
Pros: They're the US Postal Service so lost packages are pretty rare, adn they're much cheaper than Fedex
Cons: How many packages have you received from the USPS where the box was crushed and whatnot? For me, it happens far too often. Their online tracking is nothing short of sucky... it tells you that your package has been sent to you, and then it tells you it's been delivered, and that's it.

I've never used DHL and I refuse to use UPS (How can you trust anyone whose ad slogan is "what can brown do for you?") so I don't have an opinion about their services. Has anyone else used them? Are they any good?

The reason I ask is because I'm thinking about selling stuff on ebay and I want to know what sort of shipping people like, and why they like it, so as to help avoid getting negative feedback Also, I'm a bit burned because I bought my mom a DVD for her birthday off of ebay (the only place I could find it, I should mention, including amazon and newegg). I paid for it on the 24th and here it is, Cinco De Mayo, and no movie if I sell stuff on ebay I don't want to put people through crap like that!

FedEx has always made me feel more secure about the package delivery because of their comprehensive tracking system, and the fact that everything I get from them arrives in tip top shape with a hardly damaged box. Most people are willing to pay a little more for security like that. However, you may be able to offer both as an option to eBayers, its a bit more work for you but it makes the customer happy, and that is what you want as an end result. Just treat eBay as if it were your business, how would you go about doing things?

you left out UPS

Don't pull a BatVink, milk

DHL is quite reliable. I have found their service quick and painless, I have had my iPod in the shop too much but DHL makes it better.

I work for a lighting company that sells chandeliers and fragile things like that online. We've been using FedEx and are very happy with them. We still have a lot of damamged packages, but it's far, far less than what we had when we were using UPS. If what you're shipping is rather fragile, then go with FedEx. It's also insured up to $100 (I think, you'd better check for sure) for no extra cost.

One thing to beware of with FedEx though is shipping to Puerto Rico. Never ever ship there with FedEx. For some reason, every time we've tried it, the packages came back about 3 weeks later looking like they went through a box crusher. We call Puerto Rico FedEx's box crushing department. Use USPS for US territories, and FedEx for the continental USA.

I think I'll only ship to the US and the UK if I end up selling stuff. Some people have warned me about shipping to other places, although they never seem to have an excuse (the Puerto Rico thing is the closest to an excuse as I've gotten, and it wasn't really an excuse other than to not use Fedex for it, hehe). Does anyone know why people are so nervous about international selling?

I guess I'll offer Fedex, USPS, and DHL. How is DHL with tracking packages though? Fedex has me spoiled