>
> PBridge130@aol.com wrote:
> snipped:
> "Recently a guy on the bicycles marketplace
> newsgroup wanted $65 bucks to ship a frame..."
>
>
> it costs $62 to send a frame box from ct to
> cal, ins included. that's ups' fee. the box,
> tape, labor is "extra".
> maybe the rbm guy was losing money at $65!
> e-RICHIE
> chester, ct
=============
That seller on RBM may have been me. Where I live, the UPS Customer Counter is the cheapest place I have to ship frames. There is an "authorized shipping agent" place here, but they are significantly higher.
I used to be able to ship cheaper before UPS went to a computerized shipping system and, with that, started measuring the boxes. I now pay dimensional weight, not actual weight, that includes an oversize charge. A frame I shipped recently was to California was, with insurance, $55.25 through UPS. That didn't include the packing materials, transportation to UPS, or my time.
Pipe insulation is $5 per pack and takes almost two packs to cover a frame and fork with every tube wrapped in closed cell pipe insulation, plus the cost of electrical tape, zip ties, dropout protectors, bike box, driving to the UPS counter which is out by the airport, etc. This doesn't include the time it takes to pack the frame.
I am very methodical and thorough with my packing. I first put a plastic dropout protector in the rear drop out and the front fork. I then wrap each tube of the frame, including the fork legs, in closed-cell pipe insulation and fasten them with zipties. I then wrap bubble wrap or pipe insulation around the seat tube and headtube opening, as well as around the bottom of the bottom bracket shell and front and rear dropouts.
I usually take the fork off and wrap it in some additional bubble wrap or packing to keep it from damaging either the fork or frame during transit. If the box is larger, I leave it on but put styrofoam boards at the ends of the box to buffer it during transit.
It may seem like overkill, but I have yet to have a frame damaged and have received many comments on "best packing job ever". I also make sure I list the shipping charges in the auction or posting so a buyer knows what they will be paying rather than listing the item and after the auction coming up with a figure higher than what they expected.
I wish shipping was less, but it is what it is. I am up-front about the shipping cost and do a professional job packing the bike.
Frank Phillips
McAlester, OK