[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

I rode 90 miles last week, and 120 the week before, so I have been getting out and pedaling during the course of this discussion. As far as merit, I think all the discussion may have more merit than the original gripe. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

That's because I was on vacay. As expected, a bit of both sides of the argument. Only ones I think have any merit is in regards to tracking. On Friday, June 24, 2016 at 10:55:18 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote: > > The OP was mostly about shipping time for gloves, and he hasn't said > anything in

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

The OP was mostly about shipping time for gloves, and he hasn't said anything in quite a while. I think it's time to bail on this thing and go ride our bikes this weekend. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

At this point it's bandwagon-jumping-on, but I feel that Riv provides excellent value, if not the lowest overall price point (although sometimes they do). Grant/Riv has informed my cycling in innumerable excellent ways, and I regard Riv as my not-really-local LBS in terms of sourcing weirdo

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Hello everyone, Thanks for some of the more positive suggestions. I wanted to stay out of this and let it fizzle but it's not going away. Defending our shipping prices and carrier choices in the age of Amazon is a losing game, and I won't win again this time, but... deep breath... here we

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

sure, but who doesn't use total prices in comparisons? On Friday, June 24, 2016 at 7:31:04 AM UTC-7, Jon Craig wrote: > > > "Free shipping" is an illusion. It's not free; it's just bundled into > prices. > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW

Re: [RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

The Rivendell CR720 price is for a bike's worth, Niagra's is for one brake. In any case, I think it's clear from some of the comments on this thread, and from common sense basic understanding of small business, why Rivendell doesn't offer the lowest price available on the internet for many of

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

People keep mentioning the cost as though that's the main issue. It's not, it's really the choice of shipper. I like what Grant said and generally agree with where he is coming from, but it's unfortunate to only side with UPS as they tend to be against the sort of employee treatment that he

Re: [RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Buying bike parts from amazon is a whole different story. Those are mostly from 3rd party sellers, and generally have longer ship times and you pay for shipping. My point was that big online retailers sell at both very thin margins and free (or close to free) shipping, because they deal in volumes

Re: [RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

They won't be commonplace forever. You might look at Brexit as the beginning of the end of globalization. Why? In a nutshell, because there are limits to growth, and we are hitting them, big time. Sorry to burst anybody's bubble, but our kids will not be getting packages delivered via Amazon

Re: [RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

some things are exclusive to Rivendell, like quality cork grips and brass ferrules. Don't tell anyone right away, but their cable packages are a steal, best price on bike bells, the only one who sells an improved (spare) bell spring, chainring options, Mark's rack with a coupon - if you hunt

Re: [RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

What parts are cheaper? I don't see that at all. Its the parts that you can't get elsewhere that are the deal at Riv and yes they look pretty when you open the box. Quick example Deore Rear Derailleur $56 or $33 at Jenson Tektro CR720 $54 or $18 at Niagra Grip Kings $56 or $38 at

Re: [RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

I've never found Amazin to be expedious, especially not the bike parts vendors there - they're basically ebay without paypal. Somebody like Modern Bike, Jenson, Universal really hump to get parts out the door. And agree Rivendell gets them packed and shipped very timely - always the same day

Re: [RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

I agree with Patrick Moore. Unless somebody is made of money, I see absolutely no point in making a tiny online order with Rivendell Bicycle Works. You are wasting your money and wasting Rivendell's money. Rivendell tells me that $150 is a good break-even dollar amount. The communication

Re: [RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

This allows Rivendell to keep their costs lower too. Most parts are cheaper at Rivendell then elsewhere if you were to competitve shop or go to the LBS. You can't have low margins on what you sell and take a hit on shipping. Unless you're doing a bazillion dollars of revenue like some big

Re: [RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

I think this justifies the cost: "In some companies, I imagine that the shippers are entry-level and often the lowest compensated. It's not that way here. We have two shippers and we treat, and they treat, their jobs as career jobs. Their pay is 45 to 50 percent of mine, and even so, there's no

Re: [RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

But they aren't ridiculous expectations when they are commonplace. On Fri, Jun 24, 2016 at 1:05 PM, Keith Muller wrote: > You can thank Amazon for the ridiculous expectations that some buyers have > now days! > > Keith "who patiently waits for his package to arrive

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Ely at Ruthworks, and Randi Jo (bag Fab) also both pack aesthetic and cordial packages. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

You can thank Amazon for the ridiculous expectations that some buyers have now days! Keith "who patiently waits for his package to arrive someday" Muller -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Everyone open your windows . . . . . . ahahahahaahaha.. wink wink wink . . . . same as it ever was . . . gotta just let go and smile :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwMVMbmQBug -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch"

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Everyone open your windows . . . . . . ahahahahaahaha.. wink wink wink . . . . same as it ever was . . . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGIY5Vyj4YM -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

We always try to listen! As many with shipping experiences in small businesses have noted, it's a continuing source of angst...but we try to do our best. The time spent picking and packing a $10 order can be the same or more than for a $200 order, and although we appreciate any order, when we

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

I made them a customer, though - I purchase a couple of times/year from them, too On Friday, June 24, 2016 at 9:58:31 AM UTC-5, Jon Craig wrote: > > That's their mistake, and that cost them dearly. :( > > > On Friday, June 24, 2016 at 10:54:01 AM UTC-4, Ron Mc wrote: >> >> yes and no - I bought

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

ahh, yep I live in DC. I've only had this problem living in DC and Arlington (suburb of DC). On Friday, June 24, 2016 at 10:22:25 AM UTC-4, Ron Mc wrote: > > Phillip, I probably have an advantage that my semi-rural borough has a > contract carrier, and she calls me when I have a

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

That's their mistake, and that cost them dearly. :( On Friday, June 24, 2016 at 10:54:01 AM UTC-4, Ron Mc wrote: > > yes and no - I bought a repair stand from Chain Reaction in UK - it was at > their free shipping price level. They sent it Parcel Force, I had it in 4 > days and it had to cost

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

yes and no - I bought a repair stand from Chain Reaction in UK - it was at their free shipping price level. They sent it Parcel Force, I had it in 4 days and it had to cost them $45 to ship it, so they lost money (they turned around and lowered the price so no one else could do that) On

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

"What he said" + more.: As the co-owner of a small business (a ton smaller than Rivendell!) I read this thread with a little horror. I know a lot of non-business owners think owning a business is some magic that makes shipping cheap; some "consumers" even believe shipping is FREE if you own a

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Phillip, I probably have an advantage that my semi-rural borough has a contract carrier, and she calls me when I have a high-dollar-insured package. On Friday, June 24, 2016 at 9:04:42 AM UTC-5, Philip Kim wrote: > > Out of around 40 items delivered to me in the last three years via USPS >

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Rivendell is a small company who often loses money on shipping, and whose retail prices for Made In USA (or Japan or..) would not stand the test of a number-crunching, pencil sharpening accountant. Their mark-ups are very low. UPS's tracking service - and refund policy for lost packages - is

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Out of around 40 items delivered to me in the last three years via USPS about 2 went missing. The seller refunded me both time, but not after I went on a nice goose chase going from Post Office to Post Office and attempting to figure what happened, and then filing a claim. Super frustrating

Re: [RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

I almost posted this same thread last week with after my small order. Their shipping prices (and prices in general) and times are kinda high. They get the money, certainly for things that I can't buy elsewhere but its kinda hard to justify spending more for the item and then spending more again

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Ian, if you had bought the Paul components from Modern Bike, Andy would have discounted 20% and mailed for free. On Friday, June 24, 2016 at 7:55:58 AM UTC-5, ian m wrote: > > To offer a comparison, I ordered some service parts from Paul Components, > shipping from the same region as Riv, and

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

no offense, but that's an unbelievable delivery failure rate. In a 15 years of buying/selling/trading/repairing valuable antique fishing reels, only one item was lost, and it came from Canada. On Friday, June 24, 2016 at 8:09:37 AM UTC-5, Philip Kim wrote: > > I would say 90% of USPS items

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

I would say 90% of USPS items were delivered to me no problems. Another 5% I probably had to go to the post office because they didn't deliver due to snow or flash flooding. The other 5% they just straight up lost. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

To offer a comparison, I ordered some service parts from Paul Components, shipping from the same region as Riv, and it's a 3 day transit time to PA via USPS first class, less than $5. The Nitto struts and hardware I ordered from Riv will take 8 days via UPS, $9. I probably could have done more

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

USPS has the advantage of working weekends, and I'm suspecting you're ordering across the country, which is a long way to truck a package on work days only. I don't begrudge Rivendell anything. They run very lean and do the best for their employees they can. Their agreement with UPS works

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

To me the $9 is a basic flat rate, and the trick is to wait until you have a decent order together to make the shipping worth it, or bump it past $150 for free shipping. Rivendell may look like a big operation online, but it's really just some folks in a building selling eclectic bike stuff

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

No no that quote would be what I would say if I were them. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Never had a problem with shipping USPS ever. I can't say the same of Fedex. Maybe it's different for a business. USPS has decent tracking the last time I used there services. They've never delayed or lost anything so I don't know what they're like to run a claim through. The 9$ does seem high

Re: [RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Did RBW say that? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to

Re: [RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

I've never had an issue with usps. I always thought this was a "we are a small business and it isn't financially viable to encourage small purchases that we then have to ship out." -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To

Re: [RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Of course, as the original poster noted, his package was being shipped via "Surepost" -- which literally does split the shipment between UPS (first) and USPS (second) and does not manage the differences between the two. (I know, Minh, you meant something else by "managing the differences.")

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Agreed. I won't ship anything via USPS anymore. A few months back, they managed to loose three out of four of my packages within the space of three weeks. The first two were from Amazon and they refunded my money. But the third was from a small mail order shop who wouldn't (and likely couldn't

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Did you contact Rivendell? They're very responsive and will listen to feedback. Won't do anything for your oder in transit but that's the best place to get your voice heard for customer feedback. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch"

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

Good points thus far, but I still believe USPS is a good additional service for Riv to use. I've always had great experience. I just hope my gloves come sooner than estimated, as I leave for a trip July 1st..,a little too close for comfort but unfortunately no one else seems to have the crochet

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

I too worked shipping/receiving for an e-commerce company for a number of years in addition to frequent purchasing of goods online (mostly records) like most of us in the past decade. UPS/FedEx and the like are necessary for our post-Amazon web buyer. Most online shoppers now MUST now when

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

While i agree with your basic premise, if i were running a company and shipped a lot, it would be more efficient just to send everything by one shipper (in this case UPS) instead of splitting between USPS and UPS and managing the differences between the two. By the estimate i assume you are

[RBW] Re: A bit offtopic discussion of RivBike's shipping times

I work for a company that does internet and mail-order. We don't use USPS for much of anything unless the customer signs off on it because even when you have a tracking and guarantee they're not worth much if the package gets lost or delayed, and delayed packages are much more the norm than not