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Posted by: 914sgofast2 Mar 18 2023, 04:08 PM

I just went on the 914Rubber website to take advantage of their March sale for a few items. The rubber seals I wanted came to a grand total of $40. When I went to check out, they wanted to charge me $25 for shipping, with no cheaper options. Want goes here? I have been very happy with 914Rubber in the past, but this $25 shipping cost for a few small rubber seals was outrageous, at least in my opinion.

Posted by: mepstein Mar 18 2023, 04:19 PM

So why not just call them and ask if they can find you a better price on shipping.
Sometimes the automated shipping function doesn’t get it right.

Posted by: vintagethunder Mar 18 2023, 04:32 PM

Lots of people do that. No matter how carefully you plan, occasionally you get caught up in it.

Several of our vendors sell some stuff on ebay with free shipping. Presumably the prices are a bit higher, but I have often found it more appealing that paying a full shipping charge or waiting to accumulate a significant order. Look to see if they (listed under 914rubberparts) have what you need there.

Posted by: Van B Mar 18 2023, 05:05 PM

Speculation not required. I just had this issue with their calculator. Something is up with ship station. I got quoted $151.99 USPS or &48.99 FedEx for a threshold set including rivets and screws.

I called them up and did the order over the phone.

Posted by: tom.esh Mar 18 2023, 05:44 PM

McMaster Carr charged $8.03 shipping for a $7.72 spring about 1"x1". Everything is getting expensive.

Posted by: Type 47 Mar 18 2023, 06:32 PM

so, I've just spent 24 weeks putting my 914 together. I've spent a lot at Rubber, AA, and other vendors.

While, I'm very grateful that there are vendors supporting the 914. I was disappointed with Rubber's shipping cost. Having spent 40 years with a small parcel company, it seems that they are using S&H as a profit center.

I too have had to take a double take for shipping that was like $100 for a few items. Luckly I caught it before I checked out.

Another issue I had, since I was ordering stuff all the time, was that when I caught myself needing something after I thought I had everything ordered I would call...more often email (they don't, like a lot of companies like to answer the phone) to add an item and asked them to add it to the package.

Even though I caught it before they shipped it, and they put it in one package, they still charged me shipping for two packages.

I asked them why I got charged two shipping charges for one package? They said they don't make refunds under a certain amount.

It's all good, again I appreciate being able to get stuff for the rebuild. I've been a customer for over 10 years, but hey, since someone brought it up I had to give my $0.02 worth.

Shipping from Rubber has cost nearly $400 in 2022.

BTW: Mikey, your challenge to get a picture of a toasted alternative wiring harness for a free one to the winner is over 3 months old. Don't be cheap with the people who support you!

Posted by: rick 918-S Mar 18 2023, 06:51 PM

It's not their hobby it's yours. You all think it's easy to manufacture speciality parts in small quantities need to wise up. If you can't afford your hobby parts save up a little longer and don't pick on Mark for sticking his neck out year after year for your fun.

Posted by: Type 47 Mar 18 2023, 07:12 PM

Hey, not picking on Mark (except maybe for the wiring harness "contest:) As I said, I/we do appreciate having suppliers. Again, I've been a Rubber customer for over 10 years.

I have noticed shipping cost irregularities to. I didn't want to mention them but someone else did and I chimed in to agree.

Maybe it's a system thing or something. I would think Rubber would want to be aware if there's a problem.

it's not their hobby it's their business.

So I've spent about $4,000 at Rubber over the last 24 weeks or so. 10% was shipping. I've had similar question about shipping too. It doesn't mean I can't afford to spend it, or another $4k at AA...etc., etc., the list is long.

Again, I'm not picking on Mark. He should want to know about this.

and BTW, I paid cash for my 2 Corvette Z06's, Silverado LTZ, Caddy XT5, and don't have to save up at all for my 914.

Posted by: 914sgofast2 Mar 18 2023, 07:21 PM

Guess I will have to try that tomorrow.

Posted by: GregAmy Mar 18 2023, 07:34 PM

Yup. Just a compuiter error. I sent 'em an email with the order info and they fixed it right away.

No need to go Internet newkleear as the first response.

Posted by: ConeDodger Mar 18 2023, 09:01 PM

Some vendors use one shipper no matter what it costs. 914 Rubber uses the most economic.

Posted by: 76-914 Mar 18 2023, 09:39 PM

Yep, that's all you need to do. It's their system being wacko. Just call and speak to a human to get the correct amount.

Posted by: Mikey914 Mar 18 2023, 11:51 PM

Hey we don't use shipping as a profit center, if ever your shipping looks off please do call the office. There occasionally are tines where large items don't combine and it thinks that it's shipping in multiple boxes. My shipping department does look for these and will automatically refund overcharges.
Unfortunately, it can be the way something us set up.

I have noticed that USPS seems to have went up significantly. And if it goes over 1lb it will go priority .

Sometimes one item will bump up shipping costs. You can have several small items and add inner door fuzziness and we now have a larger, but still light package, bumping into priority mail.

We do try our best to offer the best value for shipping.

Sincerely
Mark

Posted by: Unobtanium-inc Mar 19 2023, 01:20 PM

The 2023 rates with shippers went way way up. UPS especially.
I shipped a 3 pound box from NY to PA on Thursday, it was $28. It was half that a few years ago.
Ironically, shipping through ebay is still a great deal. You save at least 30% on our discounted UPS rates, so it's probably close to 40% cheaper then regular UPS rates. I guess Ebay really cut good rates with the shippers.

Posted by: 914sgofast2 Mar 19 2023, 03:16 PM

Transaction just completed with a reasonable shipping cost via Fed Ex. Thanks 914Rubber!!!

Posted by: Mikey914 Mar 19 2023, 07:10 PM

Thanks,
It's important to let us know if something seems off. We can then go back and identify what may be set up incorrectly , or what we need to do to get it right.
Thanks again,
Mark

Posted by: sixaddict Mar 19 2023, 07:36 PM

Anyone who is shipping a lot knows things have gotten stupid. It is hard to reconcile and then you have most buyers ask for an estimate which means packing and taking to a site. Then they blow it off without consideration for what you had to do.
Most people will work with you once you explain…..but others give a rat.
Shipping is nuts but always had positive experience with Rubber!

Posted by: mepstein Mar 19 2023, 08:17 PM

Shipping has increased in price but most of the time, it’s still better than driving x-country for a part. It’s pretty easy to use an online shipping calculator and some companies give a pretty strong discount when you sign up for a free account. I rely on FedEx but I have peers who prefer UPS.
I just paid $2,200 to ship an engine from Germany. I felt that in my wallet.