Archive for March, 2006
As an online shopper myself, one of my peeves is visiting a site that requires I create an account or enter my full name, address, etc. before I am able to access the cost of shipping. For that reason, I invested in an extra software module that works with the petcratesdirect shopping cart to provide easy access to shipping cost based on your state and zip. I have included a brief explanation as well as a link to the shipping calculator in the left sidebar of each product page under the “shipping calculation is easy” subheading. I have attempted to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible but must have fallen short of my goals as periodically I will be asked by customers about shipping costs as they explain that the website wants them to enter all of their info before calculating. Sometimes the person designing the site doesn’t see the obvious so if you have found the process confusing and would like to share feedback on your experience, I welcome your input.
Another point of confusion seems to be in my use of Fedex ground for shipping. Customers on occasion indicate to me that they “paid extra” for Fedex shipping and/or expect faster delivery because the item was shipped Fedex. I suppose the confusion is created simply from the Fedex name which originally only offered express shipping at a premium cost. Fedex now offers ground service which is comparable to UPS. My references to shipping on the website are in the form of “Fedex Ground”. I also explain on the shipping page that expedited shipping is not available as all items ship via ground only. I have found Fedex Ground to be the most cost effective shipping service. The website’s shipping calculator is linked directly to Fedex Ground so rates are calculated accurately based on the weight of the item as well as state and zip.
Please feel free to post your feedback on the above or any other aspect of petcratesdirect.com on which you might have had issues or been confused. There is always room for improvement and I look to shoppers feedback for indications of areas in need.
March 28th, 2006
When it comes to 54″ giant breed dog crates, Midwest presently makes available three different models - 99, 1154, 1154U. Basically the most cost efficient model intended for direct shipping to customers is the model 1154U. This is a slightly narrower version of the 1154 that has been designed with the specific purpose of shipping at ground oversize two rates. The pan for this crate is boxed separately to allow both crate and pan to ship at oversize two rates. Aside from the difference in width and the packaging configuration there is no difference between the 1154 and the 1154U. It should be noted that since the pan is not included in the box with the crate you must order crate (1154U) and pan (1154UPAN) separately. An optional divider panel is also available for this model.
Many customers are familiar with the Midwest Concepts model 99 Colossal crate which, until fairly recently, was the only 54″ crate available from Midwest. So what are the differences between the newer 1154 Starter Series and the Concepts model 99? The finish on the 1154 is black e-coat while the 99 is silver zinc. The 99 also includes a free divider panel. Both crates are heavy duty. The 1154 crates, which are made in China are more economically priced than the American made 99 models. You might note that the 1154 is part of the Starter Series of crates which is a medium duty series. The 1154 is an exception as this crate is heavy duty with same wire gauge and construction as the heavy duty model 99.
So the bottom line is that unless you need the additional width (2″) or divider panel then the 1154U and 1154UPAN will likely be your best buy. See the giant breed dog crates page for full product descriptions and prices.
If there is something I haven’t covered here or you have questions please feel free to post a comment so I can reply for all to see.
March 2nd, 2006
I was born and raised in southern Louisiana just north of New Orleans. Having friends and relatives in areas devastated by hurricane Katrina, I found this story particularly uplifting. Bravo to the Best Friends Animal Society and other volunteer animal rescue groups who are still actively working to reconnect pets and their owners.
Read about the reunion
March 1st, 2006
Items currently on backorder include Bay Isle 30″ model 1830 due in on 03/06/06 and Canine Camper 48″ model 1748 due in on 03/20/06. I’ve indicated these shortages on the individual web pages as well. I’ll keep you posted should expected dates change.
March 1st, 2006