OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Perhaps they unplug the counters in NEW cameras prior to testing, then after it's been tested and released for sale, the counters are then plugged into the circuit boards to be at zero (however it is controlled) similar to automobile Odometers...once set to run, can't be altered (legally)
I would also think once sold as New it can't be altered by anyone other than Nikon, and only under certain circumstances, like completely rebuilding the camera... as a used or repaired camera, it's probably not allowed,(illegal) there for the test shots showing up... again similar to an odometer

Terry Scott Reed Loc: Reading, PA

Jerry,
Here is some information you might find interesting. Or maybe like me, you'll just be shaking your head...
At USPS, they have a thing about "the last mile." USPS feels that is the most expensive part of the delivery process--getting it to your doorstep.
You wonder why the PO is in trouble? Consider that the sweetheart deals to FedEx and UPS relieve them (UPS and FedEx)of the burden of the most expensive part of the delivery--their union driver! So, as a competitor, USPS says "I can do that for cheap and save you operating money." Why would they want to do that, strengthening a competitor? But to me, the real kicker is, FedEx and UPS can take their sweet time getting "SmartPost" stuff on the plane. If the plane approaches capacity, guess which packages remain sitting on the tarmac? BUT, if asked about slow delivery, they can blame it all on the USPS! As if there were not enough things to complain about with USPS, their deal has handed their competitors an operating advantage, and gets themselves a black eye in the process, so FedEx and UPS gain even more disgruntled customers! No private business would tolerate or enter in to an agreement like this! It is a fact that SmartPost and whatever UPS's version is will add 1 to 2 days to the delivery time, just associated with the handoff of the package.
Bottom line: "SmartPost should be thought of as "StupidPost" by us, and you should, like I learned to do, ask how your package will ship, and refuse SmartPost if you're in a hurry.
Lucky me, I'm UPS zone 2 from B&H and Adorama. If I need it in a hurry, I order from Adorama, who will ship same day 99% of the time. Not always the case with B&H, in my personal experience. Regular old (cheap or free) UPS "brown label" gets to me overnight from those two sources.
I never knowingly use StupidPost--straight USPS is faster.

In summation, FedEx and UPS love seeing posts like yours--it drives business their way, full price business, and they are relieved of any performance obligation by blaming it all on USPS.
BTW, I'm no big fan of many of the things USPS does, but in this instance, there is more to it than meets the eye, and I'm glad someone explained it to me.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Here is another one, this time DHL Global from California. USPS to me from California is typically 3 days tops. Now, after 5 days with DHL, it made it half way to Salt Lake City, and was turned over to USPS there! Unbelievable!

Notice the service detail at the bottom, it says:
"Small Parcels, EXPEDITED" :lol:

digiman Loc: Brooklyn, NY/Greenville, SC

This is why they are losing billions every year.

digiman Loc: Brooklyn, NY/Greenville, SC

This is why they are losing billions every year.

peterg Loc: Santa Rosa, CA

While UPS SurePost usually delays normal UPS delivery, I've also had a package delivered sooner via Postal Saturday delivery. Fortunately, it did not vegetate in the UPS sorting facility for two days as I've often seen. Otherwise, I would have gotten my package on Friday via UPS-only delivery. Timing is everything.
If you need something quickly, buy locally or pay for overnight delivery.

Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

It's still $3.99 for me, Jerry. Are you sure it was a Prime-eligible item?

Regarding UPS delivering via USPS, I agree that it sucks. We have no home delivery in this small town so we have to put our street address and "bx" number on everything. Often, if we put "PO Box" on line 2 of an order, it'll be kicked out with a message that they don't ship to PO Boxes. Sheesh.

I've also heard that it is "last mile delivery" only.

lovesphotos Loc: Colorado and Arizona

Stories, such as your's, makes me realize how much we are at the mercy of service providers.

T20

It's really a mess. They screw up my delivery.

Photo One Loc: Clearwater Florida

FedEx does the same thing Jerry. There have been times when I ordered from B&H, and the final delivery was by P.O.

Kenny

steve40 Loc: Asheville/Canton, NC, USA

Ok, at last check. I was told my package would be here Monday the 5th.

But try this on for size, and see if we should complain.

When I was young (in a land far far away, and a long time ago), we used to have to order everything by snail mail, with a money order.

There was no such thing as tracking, or knowing where your order was or when it was filled. There was no FedX, Up's, or speedy service. Most things were delivered by Railway Express, which means most things were handled by rail freight.

Now there was a minium time, of TWO WEEKS wait. Before you would receive your stuff. Wouldn't people go nuts, if that were the case today. We are so spoiled, we cry if the tracking does not show up for a few hours. (I plead guilty) :)

snapshot4619 Loc: AZ USA

I just had a very poor experience with UPS. My package sat at a location for 4 days waiting a correction of their scanning process. They of course never admit anything was wrong. I just got a message from them saying "conditions" have created a delay in delivery of your package. The tracking was useless because it showed the package was not in the system, only that a label had been created. I will avoid using UPS whenever possible.

steve40 Loc: Asheville/Canton, NC, USA

UPS calls that UPMI. Actually Fedx is faster with their last mile service here than UPS.

Ups UPMI orders have to go to the UPS central sorting for NC, which is in Religh/Greensborough 300 miles. Fedx same facility is in Charlotte 100 miles away, that means a full day advantage for Fedx to me. All of course are delivered by the USPS mail mangling service, the last mile as they call it. Isn't that what they say about executions. ?

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Yes. Our addiction to our electronics and its (relatively) instant informational feedback has increased our addiction to instant gratification. We subject ourselves to these stresses and then complain about them.

When I first started tracking my packages, I was in awe of how efficient the system was and how quickly my packages arrived. Today, I say things like, "Its been sitting in Montgomery for six hours! If they'd just kept it moving it would have been here by now!"

FedEx is best. For me, SmartPost has only created a one day delay. I hate it.

steve40 Loc: Asheville/Canton, NC, USA

Well this last order was for a Guitar Amp cover. The company has never gotten out of the dark ages, they stated it would be at least 5 days + two shipping to fill the order. Even if they had the item already made, and in stock. More time, if it had to be made.

So actually if it does get here Monday, that will have been 5 business days + two. At least they were accurate, but who takes 5 days anymore to fill your order. Answer: Custom Amp Covers, that's who. :shock: