So how big is your Freestyle order?

Jan Pietrzak · Apr 18, 2012

Leigh,

I was thinking about your concern about charges on your Freestyle order, before I place one of my own. A year or more is a long time to stew about being over charged. In the past my dealings with Freestyle have been fare about what they charge. I have had questions about some charges and have received answers from that resolved the issues. I find that shopping on line is not easy, and at times selected the wrong path in getting products delivered to me.

For example, I do know that shipping to PO Boxes can have a USPS sur-charge added to a bill. Special handling of items can cost you more money also. But I feel that the people at Freestyle can help explain why, and what the charges are for you. They can also refund charges if they are made in error.

Freestyle has always helped in resolving any problem I have ever had, when it comes to billing and shipping. Give them a call or e-mail them. If you need help 'pm' me and I will tell you who I talked to.

Jan Pietrzak

Leigh B · Apr 18, 2012

Jan Pietrzak said:
For example, I do know that shipping to PO Boxes can have a USPS sur-charge added to a bill.

Hi Jan,

USPS does not add any surcharges whatsoever for delivery to a PO Box... none. Companies that claim postal surcharges are liars.
Reputable companies make no such claims, and routinely ship to PO Box addresses.

In fact, the only surcharge applied by the Postal Service is the so-called "balloon" charge, which is for any large box that is significantly lighter than the average weight for its size.
This would occur for example if you shipped a pillow in a big box.

I've had a PO Box for over 40 years, so I'm reasonably familiar with their charges and policies.

- Leigh

Dennis S · Apr 18, 2012

tdubs said:
Hi all,

I've been lurking here off and on and enjoy a lot of the discussions and knowledge to found throughout the forum. On the topic of this thread, my original order was well over $500, but I have pared it down to a little less than $300. I tend to do bulk orders maybe twice a year to save on shipping (I'm up in Canadada-land). Shipping on this order is still about $40, but at least the C$ is doing well.... Cheers!

I usually do it +- $200 about 4X a year and even with shipping I save a large % than buying locally. I mostly order my chems. through Henry's to keep things even and shipping is quite reasonable through Canada Post

cmacd123 · Apr 18, 2012

Leigh B said:
Hi Jan,

USPS does not add any surcharges whatsoever for delivery to a PO Box... none. Companies that claim postal surcharges are liars.
I've had a PO Box for over 40 years, so I'm reasonably familiar with their charges and policies.

I believe the issue with PO boxes is that some firms ship domesticaly with the Nice Brown truck driving UPS guys, and of course USP cannot ship to a PO box. So the merchant will have to ship by USPS which of course does not have the discounts that UPS gives to big shippers, - So they end up charging a "postal Surcharge" because it costs more to ship by post.

Here is Canada, Getting something from the US via UPS creates UPS "Brokerage" surcharges as UPS likes to tack on a large fee to fill out a one page form to clear customs. so the USPS is ALWAYS cheaper, even though UPS shows lower rates.

mjs · Apr 18, 2012

I ordered twice back in March: about $225 for large format film (4x5 and 8x10) and then another order for about $100 for some of the little stuff -- 120 and 35mm. My orders tended to get larger after we got the big freezer out in the garage last year...

Mike

Michael Alpert · Apr 26, 2012

Leigh B said:
Hi Jan,

USPS does not add any surcharges whatsoever for delivery to a PO Box... none. Companies that claim postal surcharges are liars.
Reputable companies make no such claims, and routinely ship to PO Box addresses.

In fact, the only surcharge applied by the Postal Service is the so-called "balloon" charge, which is for any large box that is significantly lighter than the average weight for its size.
This would occur for example if you shipped a pillow in a big box.

I've had a PO Box for over 40 years, so I'm reasonably familiar with their charges and policies.

- Leigh

Leigh, Freestyle charges more for shipping to a PO Box because they are charged more by USPS than FedEx or UPS. You apparently did not understand the difference in shipping charges even though the difference is clearly stated when you order from Freestyle. Your mistake is your mistake. You were given the option to have your film-holders sent to a street address. (I have a PO Box, so I know the routine.) You can say whatever you want; but, in this case, your anger might be more appropriately directed toward yourself. I really find it odd that you would feel inclined to blast Freestyle on this forum without understanding what the so-called surcharge was for. I feel that Freestyle is a fine company. I can buy Ilford film for less money elsewhere, but otherwise I think Freestyle has great products that they sell at a fair price. I buy about $400 worth of supplies from them each year.

Leigh B · Apr 26, 2012

Michael Alpert said:
Leigh, Freestyle charges more for shipping to a PO Box because they are charged more by USPS than FedEx or UPS. You apparently did not understand the difference in shipping charges even though the difference is clearly stated when you order from Freestyle. Your mistake is your mistake.

Michael,

I'm quite able to identify shipping charges thank you.

The $18 charge I mentioned on one invoice was in addition to the shipping charges.

Their mistake is their mistake.

Thank you (not) for your insight.

- Leigh

Ken Nadvornick · Apr 26, 2012

Michael Alpert said:
I really find it odd that you would feel inclined to blast Freestyle on this forum without understanding what the so-called surcharge was for. I feel that Freestyle is a fine company.

Hi Michael,

As I'm sure you've read, we've all tried to help. He seems determined to use this forum to publicly bash Freestyle by saying they cheated him. But he either can't or won't research or give meaningful details of his allegations. And he seems determined not to contact Freestyle directly to allow them a chance to resolve the situation to his satisfaction. Or if he has, he won't admit to it. The vast majority here have experienced, as you say yourself, an excellent business relationship with Freestyle. And as a donating sponsor of APUG we feel a bit of a need to defend them here, since they can't directly.

Personally I think it's an unethical use of these forums by one individual with an axe to grind. But that's just my opinion. Everyone else can decide for themselves.

Ken

Leigh B · Apr 26, 2012

The OP asked a question, which I answered, and included my reasons.

I wasn't aware that this thread was reserved for Freestyle cheerleaders.

In looking over the threads about other vendors, I see both positive and negative opinions.
Is there some reason negatives are not allowed in this thread?

The __only__ reason anyone has presented for this insane charge is that "they charge more for PO Boxes". NO. That is simply not true.
I get numerous deliveries every week at that box, and I'm well aware of the charges for same.

- Leigh

wblynch · Apr 26, 2012

Some people just want to be angry. It's best to just let them.

Ken Nadvornick · Apr 26, 2012

It IS our business, Leigh...

When you try to use an incomplete set of facts (call Freestyle!) and unsubstantiated inuendo to trash a company many of us rely on, you make it our business. If your efforts here should result in a drop in sales to Freestyle, it could conceivably result a pullback by them in products I regularly purchase. Freestyle is bending over backward to keep very, very niche-level products available to us all at pretty reasonable prices.

Does this make any sense to you at all?

Go pick up the phone and call Freestyle! Find out the FULL set of facts. Then get back to us with the full story if you're still unsatisfied. This is how it's done.

Geez man, if teenage girls can spend 18 hours a day on the phone, I guarantee you it's not a difficult thing to do...

Ken

mlb · Apr 26, 2012

I've never bought from Freestyle before, but after reading this thread, I registered on their web site and ordered a catalog. I can't wait! It sounds like it might be good entertainment when I'm relaxing in the evening with a nice cigar.

--mike

Leigh B · Apr 26, 2012

Ken Nadvornick said:
When you try to use an incomplete set of facts (call Freestyle!) and unsubstantiated inuendo to trash a company many of us rely on, you make it our business.

Ken,

I presented a simple statement of facts. If Fs wants to come on here, in a public forum (not in a phone call) and tell me how I erred, they're welcome to do so.
If I am in fact wrong I would certainly admit it, with apologies.

As a customer I am NOT obliged to question every item on an invoice.
A company that places unexplained charges, and then retracts them if challenged, is not conducting business in an ethical manner.

- Leigh

Ken Nadvornick · Apr 26, 2012

Leigh B said:
Ken,

I presented a simple statement of facts. If Fs wants to come on here, in a public forum (not in a phone call) and tell me how I erred, they're welcome to do so.
If I am in fact wrong I would certainly admit it, with apologies.

As a customer I am NOT obliged to question every item on an invoice.
A company that places unexplained charges, and then retracts them if challenged, is not conducting business in an ethical manner.

- Leigh

No, you are not legally obliged, but you are ethically obliged, if you intend to come on a public forum, state your case that you've been cheated, and expect any credibility from the readership. That's just how it is.

One last offer of help... do you want me to call them for you?

I work from home, and I'm "at work" right now. But I will gladly set aside an hour, to be made up later this evening, to straighten this out for you. I will simply pick up the phone, call Freestyle, and have them call you back. Give them your permission, and I will call them back and take care of it. Probably won't take more than 15 minutes.

Ken

Leigh B · Apr 26, 2012

Ken,

I made a simple statement. One post in a thread.

You and others have apparently decided your divine quest is to get involved and blow this way out of proportion, turning it into the sole focus of the thread.

As I said previously, phone calls are meaningless. I already invited Fs to respond in public, in this thread. End of story.

- Leigh

Ken Nadvornick · Apr 26, 2012

Leigh B said:
Ken,

I made a simple statement. One post in a thread.

You and others have apparently decided your divine quest is to get involved and blow this way out of proportion, turning it into the sole focus of the thread.

As I said previously, phone calls are meaningless. I already invited Fs to respond in public, in this thread. End of story.

- Leigh

So you really didn't get cheated by Freestyle, did you? There really were no unlabeled and unexplained charges on your invoice, were there? And you really have no credibility in this matter, do you?

I thought so...

End of story.

Ken

Leigh B · Apr 26, 2012

Ken Nadvornick said:
So you really didn't get cheated by Freestyle, did you?

I weighed the two filmholders (with the box) and three 20-sheet boxes of 4x5 Acros... 2 pounds exactly.
Allowing 1 pound for the packaging makes 3 pounds.

Per www.usps.com, shipping charges from 90027 to 20709 for 3 pounds Priority Mail is $13.85, not $33.17. That leaves an unexplained charge of about $20.

Please note that the $13.85 is at the current postal rates. Rates were lower when that order was shipped.

Also please note that zip code 20709 is ONLY for PO Boxes. No street addresses have that code, so there's no question about the destination being a PO Box.

End of story.

Can you pull your foot out of your mouth long enough to apologize?

- Leigh

Ken Nadvornick · Apr 26, 2012

And that is proof of intent by Freestyle to cheat you exactly how? How do you know it wasn't a software mistake? How do you know it wasn't a human mistake? How do you know it wasn't correct in the first place and you are simply missing something?

How do you know anything at all until you call - or allow me to call for you - and ask the obvious questions? And if you won't, what does that say about you?

As I said, it's a matter of credibility.

Ken

brucemuir · Apr 26, 2012

I bet it was an honest mistake.
It does happen.

Leigh B · Apr 26, 2012

Wow. You really are a piece of work.

$45.76 to ship ten 4x5 filmholders.

The orders were placed two weeks apart. This is the first one; the earlier pic is of the second one.

- Leigh

Ken Nadvornick · Apr 26, 2012

While they are obviously making you feel uneasy, my questions still stand...

Ken

zsas · Apr 26, 2012

brucemuir said:
I bet it was an honest mistake.
It does happen.

I agree, when I put those items in a cart and estimate shipping it is $18.99 for std ground. Think the one who claims such an issue, should call FS, maybe there was a sys error, things do happen, or maybe it was shipped express? Lots of variables the person with a customer service issue should address with the company not an Internet formum (this digital sure makes life complicated at times).....

Ken Nadvornick · Apr 26, 2012

brucemuir said:
I bet it was an honest mistake.
It does happen.

Yeah, I think so too, Bruce. I've experienced incorrect charges on numerous occassions with various online retailers. So far, they've always been graciously handled and corrected over the phone. And often with a thank you for bringing the mistake to their attention.

Go figure...

Ken

Ken Nadvornick · Apr 26, 2012

zsas said:
I agree, when I put those items in a cart and estimate shipping it is $18.99 for std ground. Think the one who claims such an issue, should call FS...

Nice! I didn't even think to try that.

There you go, Leigh...

Ken

megalime · Apr 26, 2012

The shipping prices seem like you hit something other than standard ground.

I just ordered a bunch of chemicals and it was 5.99 to ship standard ground.

I like freestyle. I price shop between FS, Adorama and B&H (and Amazon when they have what I want, Amazon Prime FTW). Whoever has the lowest price on a complete order gets my business. Sometimes its one, sometimes its another.

So how big is your Freestyle order?

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