The UPS Store — Local services in Newark

I really wanted to give these guys a good review. I've been trying to ship the remainder of my daughter's belongings to NY as she moved there for school and stayed. Moving companies would not touch the job as it was too small and they would charge a ridiculous fee to pick up the boxes and mattress. We finally decided that I would keep the mattress and to ship just the boxes. Enter UPS.

The owner or manager (not sure which) was very helpful and suggested I repack my small boxes into larger boxes to save $$. I groaned as it would be my 3rd time packing the boxes but it made sense. He said, not to worry, it would take no time at all and he would help me. He did NOT mention there was a charge for this but until I went to pay but...it wasn't crazy expensive so that was ok.

What was NOT ok was the way he took my daughter's books, keepsakes, and fragile things that we had carefully packed (and repacked) and threw them into the largest boxes without balance or reason. Several times, I tried to stop him and take over but he just kept going. I even said (a couple of times) things would fit better and be safer if I organized and adjusted everything. He very cheerfully said no, no, it's not a problem, it will be fine. In the end, one box ended up on the counter upside down smashing whatever was in the box.

Well, it wasn't fine. Nearly everything was smashed. Books were torn. Even the boxes were pretty destroyed. Now, I can't blame these guys for everything and this review will be going to the UPS corporate site as well. When the boxes were delivered (ON TIME, yes, that was great!), my daughter said the guy literally rolled the boxes off of the dolly and into her door...rolled!! Not pushed, placed, or anything else you might expect. ROLLED!!! As if adding injury to insult was a requirement.

Below are just a few pictures she sent me. I am furious and so sad since she carefully selected which of her childhood memories to keep. Had I not tried so many times to slow the process down to better organize things so the boxes would not have been so heavy nor would they have been packed so sloppily, I might take some responsibility. However, I did try and was ignored. Before I knew it, the boxes were sealed and I was being charged. Interestingly enough, the boxes we packed seem to have survived--probably because we packed things tighter so they fit rather than throwing them in a heap in the middle of the box. She hasn't had time to open them yet but she is hopeful that they are ok.

Oh, and the guy at UPS ASKED me to post a review as I was leaving...so,...

IN SHORT: Absolutely, positively stay as far away from this business as possible. Go to your local USPS, Postal Annex across the street, anywhere but here.

If I could give this spot any fewer stars I would. I have never been one to become upset with customer service, so this is a first. I went in to purchase boxes and to take a passport photo. Upon first walking in I was not greeted by the lone employee, and I assume the owner, as he was busy on the phone. He gave me a sidewise glance with a less than welcoming expression and I asked if they offered passport photos. He said yes then pointed me in a vague direction towards a chair in the corner. I waited as he completed his phone call, left a message for a different caller, helped at least 2 other people with stamp purchases and drop offs, and attended to what seemed to be his children before coming over to help me. He snapped the photo in about 30 seconds (only taking this long because I blinked the first time).

He did not offer to show me the photo before he brusquely walked back behind his counter to print, answer more phone calls, and attend to other customers. After receiving the photos, I was dismayed. Although, yes, as he asserted, they fit all passport guidelines and dimensions, they were not in the least bit flattering. These photos, for me, were to be used on an intern license and I was hoping to get a picture I wasn't wholly embarrassed to submit. I, at first, politely asked if I could retake the photo and was refused. I was becoming noticeably upset with the poor photos and in a rush to exit the premises, paid for the poor photos and the overpriced boxes. (This may be all UPS everywhere but my 8x8x8 boxes were more than $4 each, which I find grossly overpriced but was willing to pay at the time.)

After attempting to collect my composure, I tried to return the photos. No dice. I find it absurd that a business can sell you product that you are unhappy with and unwilling to use without first allowing you to properly see and approve it. Instead, he suggested that I could retake and pay for another round of photos. (No way at almost $15). I returned the boxes out of refusal to pump any money into this business. Never have I ever received such poor service. If you can, stay away...

Before giving any review, I generally read the reviews of the place to get a general feeling. This is the first time I have seen so many negative reviews, even though I never personally faced them. I have used them for following services (occasional printing, Amazon shipping return, USP Courier to India).

For the printing one it is straight forward, but I have seen other people, first printing stuff and then refusing to pay because it came incorrectly. The service has been provided and it is up to the customer to use it / figure out / print it.

Amazon shipping return seems to be the most hated aspect of this place. I think because we shop so much @ amazon, we understand the return policy better and hence UPS has always been breeze through. Yesterday also, we had 3 package returned - two required boxes (so we packaged them well at home) and one was no-box-no-label (so brought it as is) - it took matter of 3 minutes to do it. Note: If you want to return packages easily, don't come around 4-6pm - that is the rush hour. I generally go at lunch time which is easiest.

UPS Courier to India was the the toughest thing I had to do. Especially it was expensive ( $200) but even though with all the custom duty form, I got all the help to send some urgent parts to India in time. Even when some additional form was missing, the USP Store owner called me to check the email from US Outbound Port UPS Warehouse and collectively we sent the right information so it reached India within a week.

I have given 4/5 mainly because there is a young clerk at the store, who makes jokes and I generally avoid working with him. The owner is great, but I am not sure why he has...