Robot Kingdom - Overcharged Shipping

[Zippo]

Don't know if I should place this here or in some other part of the forum, but since you guys here do a lot of RK ordering, I was wondering if any of you had encountered overcharged shipping before, and if so, was there a resolution?

I ask because I received my 2 parcels on Monday containing 2x MP Grimlock, and 1x MP Grimlock, 4x Hot Rod, 3x Dinobot and 3x Encore #15. I was charged just over $143US for postage. The tags on the boxes from the postage shop in HK indicated that the 2x MP Grimlock case cost $308HKD to ship, while the other cost $378HKD - or a total of $89US

Now, after 8 years of importing I don't get too concerned over $5/10US overcharges, as it happens and I have done the same when selling as well. However, over $50 was a massive amount to spend and not get anything extra for.

For giggles, I proceeded to do a mock order of 1x MP Grimlock, 4x Hot Rod, 3x Dinobot and 3x Encore #15 to find out if my two extra Grimlocks were the reason I was charged so much. RK wanted $99US to ship, while ACTUAL shipping was $45US.

So I wrote to RK asking for an explanation ... I have yet to receive a reply (and I don't expect one)

Anyone else encountered the same issue?

[Gutsman Heavy]

hmm, I never checked before. Worrying!

[jaydisc]

As a software developer, it's pretty damn tough to perfectly calculate the shipping costs before packing something up and weighing/measuring it. Shipping estimates will ALWAYS err on the side of the supplier. In Australia, once your package weighs over 1KG, you basically pay the cubic weight (a formula based on the DIMENSIONS of the package). This would be virtually impossible to calculate at the time of purchase.

Also, I think many people take package and handling costs for granted. Materials cost me and packing takes time. Also, businesses aren't required to ship, pack and handle at cost, and I don't think customers aren't entitled to know businesses profit margins and complain if they think it's excessive. How would that be different to paying $250 for Grimlock, and then finding out they only paid $150 for it. RK told you up front what you would to be charged and you agreed.

The one piece of advice I can give specifically to RK is to NEVER order EMS. Robot Kingdom virtually ALWAYS upgrades large orders from Air Mail to EMS because they know what they've calculated and charged you for Air Mail for large orders will still cover their EMS costs (in hindsight). What type of shipping did you request?

[kurdt_the_goat]

I think Jaydisc covered it very well. You have to assume that any online store that shows you a 'final' shipping cost prior to purchase, has always covered their asses to some degree as well, even if their calculation methods are more accurate (unlikely, especially for bulk orders).

I think if you have a problem with this, you should order from somewhere that gives you an accurate, manual shipping quote after receiving a preliminary order from you. Doesn't HLJ do that? (i have never ordered from them)

I can also backup Jaydisc's statement about never choosing EMS from RK!

[canofwhoopass_87]

Hmm > $50US is a damn fair amount, especially in hong kong to say the least. Packing materials or not, this is excessively high. All of my RK orders just come in an old cardboard box with no bubblewrap or foam peanuts anyway - so I don't see their reason for stating otherwise.

Don't be hasty and go filing any paypal disputes against them - they've got pretty good customer service and are quick to rectify any problems. I'd definitely contact them first with the exact info below. I'm sure RK support staff will be happy to refund the difference or provide store credit.

Good luck Zip!

[STL]

I can confirm too that I'm always upgraded to EMS whenever I place an order at registered Air.

And I concur with the assessment that the online companies must build in protection for themselves. I would too as its not always accurate. I particularly like RK's method as opposed to HLJ b/c I know exactly what I will be paying upfront instead of waiting a day or two to figure out what my basket from HLJ cost - which is an utter pain.

[Oilspill]

I've had pretty good experiences with RK. Sent me a Animated Blitzwing once instead of a Skywarp, and they promptly sent me out a Skywarp and I got to keep Blitzie.

Plus I generally find their price+shipping comes in at less than pretty much everywhere else.

Never checked the calculations myself, but when every other store is costing more I haven't felt the need. Your particular situation sounds a little different than the norm though.

[Vector Sigma 13]

Just on the note of postage:

I did a little experimient with a couple of orders to see how quick my items got here. I found that EMS was about a day or two quicker tops (in my case anyway) and quite a bit more cost was involved that if i shipped with the other method (Air mail if i recall, its been awhile since i last ordered through them). So i dont do EMS anymore.

[canofwhoopass_87]

I've always felt this was the case with me as well. RK shipments only arrived a day or two faster via ems as opposed to registered and you still get the tracking capabilities either way. I'm a big fan of hong kong post.

[G1Optimal]

............
they've got pretty good customer service and are quick to rectify any problems. I'd definitely contact them first with the exact info below. I'm sure RK support staff will be happy to refund the difference or provide store credit.

agree ...
even if it had nothing to do with shipping and/or wrong amount being charged.