Mailing a box to STJ -- Connections or Mail Center?

[Gromit]

OK, so I contacted Caribbean Villas and they will not accept a package prior to arrival (they used to in year's past)and are recommending that I send it to the Mail Center which of course will cost me more money. I have never shipped anything to teh Mail Center before.

Why am I paying CV the 5% service charge again???

Anyway, I have the directions and costs for mailing to the Mail Center. But I think Connections would be more convenient. I've looked on their web site but I couldn't find the costs or procedures.

Can anyone offer some guidance here?

[Lulu76]

I'm not sure, Gromit. Has anyone ever come right and asked CV what the 5% goes toward, because I'd love to know.

Also, Connections seems more convenient to me. I'm not sure as far as cost break-down, but I know people do use them a lot and they do come recommended.

[Ksea]

I have checked the connections web site as well and it sounds like they prefer a phone call! Please let us know what you find out if you call them. Im not going til June so I was planning to make the call a month ahead. Im also going to check with my villa owner about sending it to her. She rents it herself.
Thanks!

[mark & susan]

We have used the Mail Center twice and found it very convenient as it it in the same center as Starfish.

We also were touring a potential Coral Bay villa last year with the owners )who are from Northern VA.)

Turns out she owned the Mail Center. They were great people, plus we have had good results doing the USPS/Mail Center for the box of fins etc, neat sheet....

[Puddlejumper]

If it was me, I would use the Mail Center for parking convenience only. I like the folks in both places for different reasons. I recently moved here and have had mail boxes at both places. The Mail Center has parking!

[Gromit]

If I mail this puppy 10 days out USPS priority mail with return receipt it should get there in plenty of time, right?

[Lulu76]

When I went, I was 10 days out and Pia and Ruth told me it would most likely not make it, even priority mail. I know we've had some people get stuff down there in 4,5 days and some get stuff down there in three weeks -- all sent priority.

I see you are 16 days out from your trip. Honestly, I would mail it before the end of the week so it doesn't arrive halfway through your trip.

[Xislandgirl]

10 days is cutting it way too close. Mine took exactly 14 working days.

[JC]

Gromit~

Every March we ship a package to Connections in Cruz Bay. We LCVE the service and it allows us to travel carry-on only. The process is very easy. Simply email the girls at Connections asking to set up an account. Provide your name, address, phone number, local contact, arrival date, number of packages you are sending and the date you are sending it. If you are sending more than one package...label 1of2 2of2 (for expample). Print your last name very clearly on each side of your box for easy identification. They will charge a nominal fee for holding the package depending on how large it is and how long they have to trip over it! HA! We have found over the years that the best results come from using Connections physical address AND PO Box number...for whatever reason. The girls are great and will gladly help you with any questions!

http://www.connectionsstjohn.com/

We always ship priority with confirmation. You will receive a tracking number that you can use online to confirm receipt of your package. We ship two weeks before we plan on arriving on island! Good Luck! You'll love it!

Jen
110 & Counting...

[mia]

Gromit,

We used Connections in September; they charged a $10 flat rate to hold our package. I set up an account over the phone. The lady I spoke to was very helpful; she stressed that I should print their address in block letters and use NO punctuation. She said that a period or a comma would cause the computer system in PR to reject it and consequently would take longer to arrive on St. John. I believe our box got their in about three days. Good luck!....mia