U-Line Canada's "Dirty Little Secret

[snoopwiz]

I personally was very happy when U Line opened up distribution for Canada, just west of Toronto. Excellent selection, competitive pricing, order by 5 p.m. delivered next business day, etc. My only issue was having to pay "a lot" for shipping. Because I usually get a few skids of boxes, etc, they have to send it on a transport truck.

MYy last 3 orders have all been over $600, before ship costs. Because I am residential (no loading dock) they ding me for lift gate/residential. I am usually quoted approx $100 for shipping. I always "push" for any discount on shipping they will give. Best I had ever achieved was 20% off. Sure, not bad but....

I noticed in the US Discussion board, someone had mentioned they get free delivery for orders over $300. I emailed U-Line today (Sunday) about this, and, kudos to them, their C/S dept emailed me back in a bout 2 hours. Below is their response.

Thank you for contacting Uline Customer Service.

We do offer free shipping to our Canadian customers with merchandise orders over $500.00 upon request.

I have updated your account with the free freight for orders over $500.00.
If you are signed in and placing an order online, you will see the free freight reflected on your account.

Free Freight Conditions
Must use Uline preferred carrier
Not available for drop ship or custom items
Does not cover freight accessorial services such as residential or inside delivery, lift gate service, etc.
You may be responsible for original shipping charges if the order falls under $500.00 due to a return on the order

Please feel free to contact us if we can assist with anything else.

Sincerely,

Knowing how each time I phoned in an order, asked for a better rate, not once was it disclosed to me that in fact, I was eligible for "free shipping" (except as mentioned above) I just emailed them again about this, hopefully will see some sort of offer of a credit coming my way.

If you are dealing with them, and weren't aware of this "hidden" offer, be sure to mention it when ordering.

[pjcdn2005]

Does not cover freight accessorial services such as residential or inside delivery, lift gate service, etc.

Perhaps I'm reading it wrong but doesn't that mean that the free freight isn't available if it is a residential delivery?

[axe_n_gear_music]

Yes, that's the way I read it too...?:|

AXE

[snoopwiz]

I read it as "residential" being an extra, above and beyond basic delivery. My best guess is one would qualify for "free delivery" but pay the add-on charges of residential & lift gate which would probably drop my ship charge in half. Maybe. Possibly. Will post again when I find out for sure.

[zarzuella]

I read it as "residential" being an extra, above and beyond basic delivery. My best guess is one would qualify for "free delivery" but pay the add-on charges of residential & lift gate which would probably drop my ship charge in half. Maybe. Possibly. Will post again when I find out for sure.

I got a similar offer from Staples Industrial; If I order through the salesperson who called me she adjusts my invoice for free shipping over $300.

[dipmicro]

What exactly is the definition of "residential delivery" ?

For example my home zoning is residential/commercial. However, my UPS driver tells me they consider it residential.

[femmefan1946]

What does the driver's boss think it is?

[snoopwiz]

Just heard back from U-Line. They agreed that perhaps I should have been told of this while placing my previous 3 orders and are going to process a retroactive refund. When I see it come through, I will post re just how much the residential and lift gate options I have to pay for are, one their own.

[recped]

It's U-Line's version of "don't ask, don't tell"!

Actually this sort of thing is very common which is why I always get a laugh when eBay sellers get outraged when buyers try to "haggle".

Other places where simply asking for a discount/freebie/extra often works......

Hotels
Cable/Internet Access
Banks (GIC Interest)

And plenty more.

As for U-Line, they don't always have the best prices but the service is OUTSTANDING, place an online order at 6:00am, order ready for pick-up at 8:00am. I just wish they could be convinced to cut back on the number of catalogues they hand out.

[snoopwiz]

recped....congrats on the 14k+ fb....... I always negotiate hotel rates when travelling. Of course they will quite you their "rack" rate and my guess is a high percentage of "guests" will grudgingly nod their heads and pull out their credit card.

Took a drive to Cleveland not long ago. Checked out an upscale hotel there (one of about...well....one) They quoted me $145 for the night. I asked for their corporate rate. That got it down to $120. As it was already early in the evening, I kept at it, got it down to $105. A bit more schmmozing with the desk clerk got us free underground parking (usually $17 a day/night) as well as a free breakfast AND a pair of free passes to the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame (purpose of our visit anyways)

And if that wasn't enough, they upgraded our room to a "mini-suite" Took in a baseball game at their new stadium (Skydome/Rogers Centre could learn a lesson or two on how to build a proper ball-park) and of course, was totally wowed, spending just about a full day at the Hall of Fame. A MUST visit!

This post is long enough already. Will tell you about me and my negotiations with Ma Bell a few weeks back, another time.

[terminalcity]

I just wish they could be convinced to cut back on the number of catalogues they hand out.

Call them and they will put a note on your file that says "do not include catalogue". I did that and now I don't receive a catalogue with every shipment!

[recyclemikey]

I've never had to worry about delivery charges as I'm 8 minutes away and just pick up locally 🙂 but that's good to know. Thanks for the information.

[momoftwingles2]

Great deals are to be had with Priceline.ca as well. We travel quite a bit with Emi competing and her training. I love it when we're sitting in the rinks and the moms are complaining about the prices of their hotel rooms. For example....the Radisson in Saskatoon most of the mom's for a standard queen sized room (2 beds) paid $198 plus tax the last time we were there. I used Priceline and our was $66.00 plus tax! And, we didn't have a standard room! We ended up with a king sized suite...1 king size bed and then in the living room a queen-sized sleep sofa, couch, desk, tv, end tables, fridge. Oh...and another tv was in the bedroom along with another sitting area! The mom's couldn't believe it so we invited them to our room and showed them our hotel bill upon leaving. Now....they use Priceline!

[snoopwiz]

What? No TV in the bathroom?......... 🙂

[zarzuella]

Only the cameras ... you don't think they give those rates fur nuthin do ya? ]:)

[snoopwiz]

Only the cameras ... you don't think they give those rates fur nuthin do ya?

🙂