Forget the Troops!

[bluenadas]

The Treonauts store does not ship to an APO/AFO address which in effect ignores the entire US military force over seas.

Just thought you'd like to know that.

And for honesty I'll add that they have an "exclusive" deal with UPS and because they signed this they can not use the USPS which is required for an APO shipment....

Thanks for ignoring us....it's been duly noted....

[LotusLord]

Wow, that's not cool. I have close friends who are over there now and have been in the past. I'll contact Skoenig and see what he can do to remedy this. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

[skoenig]

I'll happily look into it and thanks for bringing to my attention, Lotuslord.

However, bluenadas, I don't think it's fair framing it as if the people who power at the store sat there and said...

"hmm.. how can we best ignore all the people who choose the enter the armed forces and end up overseas?

"I know, lets make sure we pick a carrier who the US military does not allow to deliver to their troops

"Yeah thats a great idea..."

I think the truth is closer to

"How we can we ensure we get the cheapest flat rate shipping nationwide with tracking and confirmation with the least overhead in getting things delivered."

Frankly if the military was smart they would handle it themselves and all you'd have to do is put your enlisted person's serial number c/o APO/AFO so they wouldn't be making public every single base they have and where people are. You could send that via any carrier you liked since they've all deliver to set of military sorting offices in the US. But hey what do I know...I don't build bureaucracies.

If you feel ignored and once you've finished writing it down in your notepad perhaps you could fix that chip on your shoulder and wait whilst I get an explanation.

Regards,

~ Steph

[comiken205]

I also believe that Credit Card fraud is another reason most, if not all, businesses don't ship overseas. I too served overseas and couldn't order via Credit Card.

Sorry to hear about you being upset, but understand that businesses have a moral obligation concerning Credit Card fraud.

[bluenadas]

First off I'd like to mention here that I don't have a chip on my shoulder. I just thought it was a raw deal that they don't ship to an APO since they have a deal signed with UPS that most likely prohibits them from using anyone else.

It's not a deal with over seas orders due to credit card use, and it's not an issue on how APO's operate.

And for the record, APOs operate exactly how you've stated they should....even in today's bureaucracy, no less. It's not the US gov saying UPS and FedEx can't ship to APOs, the carriers choose not to since they lose control of the package when it hits the APO sorting facility.

I understand that businesses need to look out for their bottom line as well as what is in the best interest of their customers (low shipping costs). But in doing so, they also must diligently look at what kind of ramifications their choices will make on their ENTIRE customer base. Alienating one sector of potential customers for the better of another seems a bit bullish. And by doing so you must realize there stands a chance of losing the ignored as customers.

[skoenig]

I understand completely...maybe it was just your tone that was kind of accusing.

In any case, I think they should be able to ship to anyone with an address with some exclusions in the flat rate shipping offer. I've emailed the store and spoken to Andrew about it and I'm waiting for their reply (the main guy is away).

So far I've heard reasons running from UPS lock downs to maintain preferential rates, credit card address and fraud issues, extra costs associated needing to be borne by the recipient (something I don't think should be a problem and I don't even know if it's true), implementation not just the web but fulfillment, parcel tracking, returns etc across all sites not warranting the additional international sales.

None of which I can confirm is true some of which sound plausible.

I take and accept your point about sectors of customers and ramifications thereof.

I'll get back to you with what the store says.

~ Steph

[skoenig]

Just letting you know I'm still on top of it. They're back next week so I'll post here with what they say.

~ Steph

[eclair]

Thanks Skoenig. It is refreshing when someone shows this much personal integrity.

[skoenig]

Well this isn't the answer you were waiting for I think.

Bluenadas already had it in his original post.

A deal was signed with UPS to enable packages to be sent cross country (larger packages cost the store money since they offer flat rate shipping) at low rates and still benefit from delivery confirmation and tracking.

This deal prohibits the use of USPS domestically which unfortunately means APO/AFO is out.

I'm sorry about that. It was made known the potential effects of this and the disappointment that would undoubtedly be felt.

It did not fall on deaf or unsympathetic ears.

If the situation changes or is likely to change I'll post here with any news.

~ Steph

[jfa02]

bummer! Anwqay to figure out a workaround?