Resolved - shipping fee at Piranha Dive Manufacturing

[GirlonFire]

I made my first purchase here and was a bit surprised by the high shipping fees they charge. They were the only place I could find colored cam straps otherwise I would have shopped elsewhere.
My order was $80 and the package weighed about 3 lbs. I was charged almost $29. Even from Florida to California, USPS flat rates are viable. The USPS padded envelope they used cost $11 flat rate (up to 70 lbs). I had requested UPS ground as USPS is not as reliable here. I felt the UPS option could compensate a bit for the cost but they didn’t use UPS as requested.
Their website says shipping fees may be refunded but I have not gotten any message from them regarding a refund.

 

[lexvil]

You’ll get a refund once they ship and lock in the cost, it’s a little disconcerting the first time.

 

[tursiops]

I get so used to Amazon Prime with "free" shipping that it is always a surprise when I actually get charged.

The trick with Piranha is to order enough stuff....and get free shipping. I think the amount is $100, but I also think you have to let them decide on the shipping method. Not sure.

In any case, Randy Barcomb is a high integrity, stand-up guy. He has -- for example -- refunded some of my shipping costs when the actual cost turned out to be less than what the automatic calculation showed and for which I was charged. Talk to Randy...

 

[CycleCat]

They estimate worst case scenario and then charge actual shipping once they know what it is. Best gear supplier in the US!

 

[GirlonFire]

They estimate worst case scenario and then charge actual shipping once they know what it is. Best gear supplier in the US!

Ok. I’ll wait to see if I’m actually charged $29.

 

[GirlonFire]

You’ll get a refund once they ship and lock in the cost, it’s a little disconcerting the first time.

That’s for sure.

 

[rongoodman]

Dive Gear Express has gotten a little over the top too. $11 to mail a T-shirt a couple of weeks ago.

 

[inka]

They estimate worst case scenario and then charge actual shipping once they know what it is. Best gear supplier in the US!

lately, i did not see that happen again ( Intl shipping) all my orders have been with "worst case scenario"

 

[CycleCat]

I may have come to Piranha's defense too quickly. I ordered $80 in goods last Saturday, was charged an estimated $34.80 in shipping, and got my stuff delivered in a $10 flat-rate envelope a few days ago. Still waiting on a charge refund. I've e-mailed Randy.

I really love the variety, quality and prices here but this kind of shipping markup will drive me elsewhere.

My $35 delivery that cost $10 at the post office:

 

[rob.mwpropane]

I believe PDM is ~ $90 for free shipping?

Randy has always been great. I also always add a note to the order to ship the cheapest way possible and that Idc about speed. He has always refunded me.