A Review of the UPS Authorized Shipping Outlet in Appomattox, VA

When I sold a word processor on eBay a few years ago, I didn't feel comfortable packaging it myself. It was a very delicate piece of equipment to put through the mail. Having met the owner of Appomattox Self Storage when I had a storage unit at his place, I knew that he also ran a UPS Authorized Shipping Location. I discussed his packaging costs and the prices for UPS shipping. A couple days later, I had my mom take the word processor to him to be packaged.

He charged twice the quoted price for packing the word processor, which made it $20. That wouldn't have been so bad if it hadn't also been about $20 to mail the word processor. Since I had already informed the buyer of the shipping cost, I was lucky that he was willing to pay the additional amount. Of course quotes aren't going to exact, but to be double the price seemed extreme.

Experience #2

Having received a damaged package from UPS, I contacted them about returning it to the shipper. UPS policy specifically states that damaged packages have to be returned in the original box for inspection. To expedite the return, I took the box the UPS Authorized Shipping Location at Appomattox Self Storage.

The owner was there, as usual, and he commented that the box looked deplorable. I pointed out that the box was still intact and reminded him of UPS policy regarding claims and returns about it having to be the original box. I told him how I had spoken to the local UPS office located in Lynchburg, and that they had said the same thing.

He said, "I doubt they said that." Then he went on to say that he would help the lady behind me in line then we could discuss it further.

I told him how I was on a thirty minute lunch break from work and that I had to get back. He seemed completely unimpressed. From past experience with this man, I know that he likes to have people hanging around to chat with him. I doubt he remembered me, but every time he saw me in the past, he delayed me for long periods of time. And now, I felt like he was showing off for his small audience of buddies that were around.

Not wanting to have problems due to returning from lunch late, I took my almost 70 lb box and left.

My mom took the box to the real UPS location in Lynchburg, VA. They happily accepted the box without any problems or delays.

It is completely unreasonable how much money I lost due to the authorized UPS shipping location at Appomattox Self Storage. We probably spent about $12 in gas driving to his location and back, and then to the location in Lynchburg. UPS needs to take a hard look at how his attitude and business practices may be costing them money. I know that in the future, I will never return to his location again, even if that means using a higher-priced service.