Disappointed and done with Brownells

K

kandress

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
72   0   0
Location
Gananoque, ON
I've ordered several times from brownells with great results. However my last two orders I got hammered with huge shipping costs (about 50%) of the cost of the order itself. I phoned and asked why and they said it was the only way they could ship such large items....

I ordered a safety button and forestock for a mossberg 590. Both times could easily fit in a box 1/4 that of a shoe box. But instead they packed it in an enormous box 12" x 24" x 36". Then charged me over $40 for shipping.

This time I ordered the matching stock. I ordered it from there as $90 was cheaper then anywhere local. I specified "cheapest shipping possible" and even sent an email to customer service asking to ensure they packed it properly. Then I got my bill $40 in shipping again, sent priority air mail. I called customer service and they couldn't refund me part of the order nor were they willing to do anything to help. Needless to say this is my last order from brownells.
 
Just tell them to calculate shipping and to let you know before they ship.

Most companies use just a few size boxes and package your item in whatever box fits the best. Companies like this do not just through hoops trying to package your stuff for savings. Shipping large things through the post is a tough call because that's where they get you. Also I have noticed that customs is flagging a lot of Brownells stuff, so if you end up having to pay extra duty and taxes on top it sucks.
 
I specified it in both the comments section and sent the order desk an email with the order number requesting standard shipping and confirmation prior to shipping. They then sent it Priority Air without confirming with me. And as I said it's not a large item. It's maybe an inch bigger then a VHS tape and weighs less then a pound.
 
You're much better off Phoning them they are always helpful.. when sending only comments in e-mail or order things sometimes go off the rails.
 
Similar issue with Grouse River. Ordered 3 Redding neck sizing bushings. Came in a box big enough to fit several complete die sets. Bubble mailer would have been sufficent.
 
Never had an issue, and I've probably had over 10 orders with them in the last 12 months.

There is a comment box upon checkout for special shipping instructions, I always add this text:

Please ship by INTFC (International First Class)

That's it, every package has been shipped INTFC (the cheapest way). Regarding customs though, I've had 2 or 4 packages opened by customs, they were all released though with GST and "handling charge" added I had to pay when picking up the package at the Post Office. 1 package was opened, but no charges added (4 packs of 15x AR15 gas rings). Why so many? Well, each pack of 15 rings was $8.99, didn't make sense to pay for shipping for 1 pack, so I got 4. I now have 60 gas rings, more than I'll ever need. In fact, I've already given away 15 of them. :)

One other note, all 4 packs were tiny clear zip locks, they all would have easily fit into a small envelope/bubble pack. But brownells seems to have a minimum size box they will use, so the 4 tiny zip-lock packages were in a box with the rest filled with those largish air packs to take up the rest of the room.

OverKill
 
Also the package has to be large enough for them to fit all the customs information on the outside as well.

Either way, people will either complained that it's over packed or underpacked.
 
Brownell's does not want to ship anything uninsured... really small packages can not be insured from the US into Canada.

Sometimes it is cheaper to have it mailed cheapest to a friend in the US who will then ship it cheapest without insurance to you. This can only be done with non controlled items.

Postage rates have also increased in both countries.
 
I've been a customer for a number of years now, placed 3 orders in the last 6 months or so ... first was a trio of Pro Mag Beretta 92 9mm mags ... $17.99 each, shipping was like $12.00. Customs did not open, I was impressed. Second was for a "drop-in" 1911 5" .45 barrel ... did the export/import permit thing, they charged $10 for the permit, $10 to ship. Customs did inspect, another $30 in customs/tax - I was impressed. Most recent was a collection of smaller part, under $50 US. Box was a little big (yes with air bags), shipping was $12.00, customs did not look. I was impressed. I guess shop around - for me I was more than pleased with each order.
 
Brownell's is a little goofy on there shipping/packing, yet still cheaper in the long run.


My latest purchase.......and yes it arrived in a nicely packed bowling ball sized box. :HR:







100-006-000RUGER 10/22 EXTRACTOR $7.14 1 $7.14
Product Total:$7.14
Tax (IA and IN only):$0.00
Shipping Restriction Charges:$0.00
INT'L FIRST CLASS :$10.95
COD Charge:$0.00
NRA Add-A-Buck:$0.00
Order Total:$18.09
$18.09HAS BEEN APPLIED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD
 
Basic prices have gone up. I think $10 something is the minimum, and it is based on what you can get in that particular sized box (that's why no bubble mailer). The next sized box is substantially more money. This is not set by Brownells, but by the US postal service
 
I am done with them as well
last order, they canceled the item that ses the reason of the order( borescope)
even if i have stated ship complete, they. Shipped the rest at very high cost whitout aproval even after 2 email ordering to cancel.
I will never ever do business with them again
 
I'm not.......


Where else in Canada can you find Ruger 22/45 MKIII for this price ..........how about no where.


On the EE here people are trying to get $40 for one of them.


The following merchandise was shipped 05/15/2014
SKU NumberProduct NameUnit PriceQtyTotal
780-001-24790229 MAGZ, 10-SHOT, BLUE STEEL,22/45 $21.40 3 $64.20
Product Total:$64.20
Tax (IA and IN only):$0.00
Shipping Restriction Charges:$0.00
INT'L FIRST CLASS :$10.95
COD Charge:$0.00
NRA Add-A-Buck:$0.00
Order Total:$75.15


Can't beat this. :dancingbanana:
 
I have done a lot of business with Brownells and have had few problems.
US customs/HS inspectors will occasionally snafu firearms related stuff even though it is legal to export.
Even with the odd item "disappearing into the system" it is better than the sickeningly constant "on backorder" excuses from Cabelas Canada when I am in a jam and really need something.
 
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