warrenrowephotography Loc: Kempner, TX

I purchased an 85 f/1.8 lens from KEH late last week; it was set to be delivered by FedEx on Saturday but never was due to the dreaded "customer wasn't home or business was closed" message. Mind you, I WAS home and I never saw any FedEx vehicle drive by on my street. I called FedEx up and talked to a CSR explaining my issue. I filed a complaint and was expected to receive my delivery on Tuesday (today).

Fast forward to today. Following my package via FedEx's tracking page, I see that it was on its way. As it became later and later in the day, I wondered what was happening because once again, I saw no FedEx vehicles on my street at any time. Well, I checked the tracking page...and lo and behold, it wasn't being delivered to Address A where I was, but to Address B where I have a PO box 10 miles west of there. Let's just say that I wasn't happy.

I called FedEx again to complain and to ask why was my package not delivered to Address A like I requested; the CSR took my phone number and would have someone call me back to explain what happened (yeah, right) and I said that it had better be a driver supervisor. Furthermore, I sent an email to KEH's sales department telling them about the situation and to see what they say or what they can do to mitigate the problem. It's not the fault of KEH, but I wanted to let them know what was happening with my order.

I have noticed that it seems like most camera vendors seem to be using FedEx for shipping instead of USPS like I would like to use preferrably because I have a PO Box for a reason. Any thoughts from anyone concerning FedEx, or want to share their own experiences?

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Many vendors will not deliver to PO Boxes because for expensive items, your signature is not available. Nikon, for instance, insists on shipping to your home address, period.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

So they won’t deliver to a physical address different from your billing address? That seems odd.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

To me, it doesn't seem like FedEx is at fault for failing to deliver to your door. Rather, it appears either KEH is to blame (not shipping to correct address), or it is your fault for not properly entering the shipping information on the KEH website. As KEH most likely uses an automated shipping label print out cued directly from website input, it is very possible the shipping mishap is the result of a mistake by you.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I can only speak of my experience, which is limited because I usually buy directly from a brick and mortar. I have, however, purchased online several times. In every case, they sent a confirmation. Since I ship to an address different from my billing (residence) I always double check because I live in an urban area where porch shopping is not uncommon. On a few occasions the shipping address has changed to my billing address even though that’s not how I placed the order. I suspect there is a radial button that defaults to the billing address. At any rate, in each case, I’ve used the customer service link to correct and ask for confirmation. In all cases, it has worked and the item has been shipped as intended.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Sounds like you totally screwed up royally. Not FedEx fault at all in any way. They deliver to the address they are given. Give the correct address and that is where it gets delivered to. I have shipped plans all over the nation for decades not and not one problem ever in all that time. But I use the right address every time.

Archiefamous Loc: Manhattan

I have had terrible problems with USPS in Harlem Nyc but none in Wv. For whatever reason FedEx has never been a problem in Harlem. While living in Kentucky FedEx was unreliable but I attribute this to my mile long driveway and free roaming Doberman

Archiefamous Loc: Manhattan

I have had terrible problems with USPS in Harlem Nyc but none in Wv. For whatever reason FedEx has never been a problem in Harlem. While living in Kentucky FedEx was unreliable but I attribute this to my mile long driveway and free roaming Doberman

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Quoting Warren Rowe: “I have noticed that it seems like most camera vendors seem to be using FedEx for shipping instead of USPS like I would like to use preferrably because I have a PO Box for a reason. Any thoughts from anyone concerning FedEx, or want to share their own experiences?”

Most camera vendors use UPS (the “brown truck”) and, on occasion use FedEx. KEH uses FedEx. Some will use USPS, but inexplicably charge customers more for that service. They explain that they have contractural agreements and prefer to use an “expedited” (if not very expedient) shipping service when they can. In my area, FedEx likes to estimate a 12-hour delivery DAY anytime between 8am and 8pm during which they can arrive at any time (and God help you if you happen to be on the john when they do). I hate ‘em both, but permit vendors to use them if that is the only way to get the stuff I want. /Ralph

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

No delivery service is entirely free of occasional problems, but I've had a LOT more Fedex problems than with UPS and USPS combined.
Changing delivery dates without notice, deliveries to the wrong address, ignoring online waiver of signature...
Unfortunately, choice of delivery service is generally left to the shipper - customer often has no say in the matter.

SueScott Loc: Hammondsville, Ohio

To put it bluntly, FedEx sucks - big time! We have had items left at the abandoned property up the road from us, sent to a wrong address in PA, expensive computer gear left at the bottom of our very long lane, and things that simply have never shown up, plus, things that are actually delivered take way longer to arrive than if delivered by UPS. I honestly don't know how that company stays in business.

spraguead Loc: Boston, MA

Have also found more problems with package delivery with FedEx compared to UPS or even USPS. Seems that FedEx is still more interested in their basic delivery of items int heir envelopes or boxes. I prefer UPS because I always get the same delivery person, and he knows if I'm not home to put the items inside the garage. Got to love that.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

FEDEX overnight is still top shelf as it always has been. But their ground delivery, which used to be RPS before it was acquired by FEDEX was always awful, and it seems the acquisition hasn't changed much. UPS is uneven. I used to have a single driver who knocked on my door at the same time every time he had a package for me. My time was 4 PM. If he knew I needed something, he would return before the end of his shift. I tipped him nicely.

But the UPS today is barely better than FEDEX ground. Different drivers, random times, and even though I have UPS My Choice which is to pinpoint delivery times within a smaller window, the drivers rarely get it right - either delivering before or after the window. And they will leave packages out in the rain, uncovered. The worst thing they do is leave heavy packages at my front door - blocking entry/exit. I have to go out through the back of the house to get to the front door. I rarely hear a doorbell these days when UPS makes a delivery. In 50 yrs of using FEDEX, they have yet to lose a package or fail to give me the service I have paid for. And an added benefit - if we have a missed delivery on a next day delivery, I can call then and have them re-attempt delivery the same day. This is not possible with UPS or any other delivery company.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Doesn't FedEx transport most of the USPS Priority Mail...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

I hate that in my area FedEx does not deliver on Mondays and if you have a problem trying to speak to someone that can help is not easy. I always use UPS if given a choice!