UPDATE on VIVA charging $100 to accept a box

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:30 pm

Well kids, just got an answer from VIVA regarding shipping a box to them a day or so in advance of arrival.

They want to charge me $100 to either ship to them or for their greeter to bring it along when they meet us at the dock (or drop off at the Villa).

Seriously??

I would have gladly tipped them $20 for the assistance but $100 is pretty outrageous IMHO.

Thanks but no thanks VIVA. I'll ship to Cid at Connections or somewhere else on island but I am sure as hell not paying VIVA $100.

I'd pay less to the airlines.

$100 -- Seriously??

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:42 pm

Maybe I should start a "ship to me" company - $100......wow

Pia

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:44 pm

Flip Flop just told me that Christy's will accept packages for $25. I just verified that on their web site.

Pia-- am I being a PITA by thinking that $100 is pretty outrageous?

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:51 pm

OK, I know "stuff" is expensive here, but $100

so imho, no, you are not being a PITA - just a "normal" thinking person

mbw1024 · Post by **mbw1024** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:59 pm

it sounds to me like they are setting a price to strongly discourage people instead of just saying no we don't do that. I don't blame them in some ways, it's not the business they are in.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 1:09 pm

I get that. But they could take it on a case by case basis. They don't have to advertise that they accept boxes and if they are getting too many requests then they can charge.

I would argue that they are in the business of serving customers and it's a nice way to provide an extra bit of service in a highly competitive rental environment. To me this is a time when they should be enhancing amenities for customers.

Especially with all the excess baggage charges this is a way that rental co's could add a little something extra to their potential customers and add value without extra cost to them.

So instead of a greeter getting an extra $20 from me. They'll get zip. Seriously, how hard can it be?

Just my .02 (or if it were up to VIVA my $100)

Lulu76 · Post by **Lulu76** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 1:37 pm

I don't know if I should mention this because maybe they are just doing me a favor, but when I asked our villa agent where she recommended for shipping a box down ahead of time, she told me that she could take it and it was a $10 charge. And then, she gave me the contact info for Connections and The Mail Center (is that the one at the Marketplace) in case I wanted to use them instead.

I wouldn't even be shipping a box after Rick's "It's vacation, not migration" pep talk, however, one we've got some folks traveling this time with odd food allergies so there are some things we want to ship down. I did the math -- it's still cheaper than checking luggage.

I know it isn't the villa companies responsibility to deliver your boxes, but I do think $100 is excessive. And I think if companies can do it, it's a nice add-on because of the luggage charges and regulations.

I will tell you, our management company has been so great so far that I am ready to do business with them again next year and we haven't even gotten to the villa yet.

Nic in KC · Post by **Nic in KC** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 1:58 pm

That does seem excessive to me too! Another plus for Sail View. I asked if I could ship them a box before our trip and Eileen was fine with that, but also informed me that they provide shampoo, soap and bug spray for guests. So, since I'm not picky about those things as long as I get clean in St. John, we'll use those and buy sunscreen and not ship anything.

JC · Post by JC » Tue Sep 23, 2008 4:40 pm

My boxes for October are going in the mail tomorrow! The girls at Connections are the best...and no $100 fee!!!

YIPES! Depending on how many times they trip over my boxes...I've never been charged more than $10 a box! (...which is about a 45 beer difference from $100!) (At least the way I count...

)

Not long now...
16 & Out

Chickadee · Post by **Chickadee** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 9:04 am

I wonder what that kid who was running a courier service on his scooter would charge you to receive and deliver your box?! Fit the scooter with a platform and some bungees and it could be another whole branch of his business...

villafish · Post by **villafish** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 9:39 am

You can always check with the Mail Center in the Marketplace too... I think they accept packages and charge a $3 pick up fee or similar to Connections.

Lulu76 · Post by **Lulu76** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 9:43 am

Chickadee wrote:I wonder what that kid who was running a courier service on his scooter would charge you to receive and deliver your box?! Fit the scooter with a platform and some bungees and it could be another whole branch of his business...

I thought about him, but I don't think he could go all the way to Coral Bay on a scooter with a package.

But...maybe he'd meet you somewhere.

stjohnjulie · Post by **stjohnjulie** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 11:09 am

That charge is completely ludicrous! Granted, the PO here is no picnic, but that is just totally obscene. Stick with the Mail Center (good parking) or Connections. I don't even know why they bother saying they will accept boxes for you. Once someone hears the fee for doing so, I would think they would never do it. Or are they just trying to "sneak" that fee by you? Has anyone ever found an "extra" charge on their credit card statement?

Lulu76 · Post by **Lulu76** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 3:12 pm

Maybe they're hoping people will just see they do it and won't ask how much it is. Weren't we talking about people doing all kinds of crazy things to make up for the bad economy recently?

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 4:45 pm

I've cut and pasted the exact e-mail response I received from them (see below).

I even indicated that I'd be willing to tip generously in my original e-mail. So it wasn't like I was asking something for nothing.

I loved how they slipped the last little bit in about the $100 and didn't mention it up front. Sort of like "sure no problem" then WHAM!

I had to send a follow up e-mail to confirm the charge. As in "So, you're going to charge me $100 for this?"

Honestly I've been very impressed with them so far. We're renting this year AND next year. But not so impressed by this...

So, here's the response I received EXACTLY as written and spaced (names have been changed to protect the innocent):

Sure you can have the package delivered to our office. The address is:
VIVA Villas Inc.
P.O Box 1747
St. John, VI 00831

If you want to send it by Fed Ex or UPS the address is:
VIVA Villas Inc.
#7 & 8, Third Fl.
Boulon Center
Cruz Bay Quarter
St. John, VI 00830
Please note that If any packages are mailed directly to the VIVA! Villas Inc. office or if we must pick up your box delivered elsewhere on-island, a $100 charge will be required. Hope this helps.

Regards,

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
VIVA Villas, Inc.
1-888-856-4601
www.vivacations.com

usvi-on-line

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UPDATE on VIVA charging $100 to accept a box

UPDATE on VIVA charging $100 to accept a box