I just received a parts order from FF yesterday, and I just can't help but go on a bit of a rant. Maybe one of those eggheads will read this and finally do something about this sort of crap. But judging from other customers who continue to experience the same thing, it's doubtful they'll listen.

I needed three new Creator nozzles and corresponding teflon tubes. Those cost whatever they're going to cost. I don't even look at those prices. What I do look at is when they want to charge me $13.88 for UPS ground for such tiny parts. But I sucked it up and decided, "I need them, so I guess I better just buy it." But my annoyed resignation turned to seething anger when the package finally arrived yesterday. Take a look at the attached photos.

IMG_5137.jpgIMG_5138.jpgIMG_5139.jpg

Yes, this is a box about 6" x 6" x 3", with three nozzles and teflon tubes taped in the middle. This is a 4.5 ounce package, shipped by UPS Ground. Unfortuantely UPS doesn't calculate weights under 1 lbs, so the minimum charged shipping weight is for 1 lbs. Fine. When I go to the UPS webpage, I find that shipping a 1 lbs box of this size, from California to Washington, is $9.51. But I recognize they have to pay for the box and employee time to package it. Nevermind that a box like this costs about 25 cents when you buy them in bulk. But here is where they're really making the conscious choice to gouge faithful customers. USPS *does* calculate shipping weights under 1 lbs. Those nozzles and teflon tubes weigh under an ounce. The USPS First Class Shipping cost to send a 1 ounce envelope? 98 cents. Even if they want to use those super duty tear proof envelopes, it's not going to add more than about another 30 cents.

Flashforge, please stop ripping us off. Stop destroying the environment by using using massive cardboard boxes to ship parts that are no bigger than 5 mm. Every time I place an order, I feel like I just got mugged. I know you tell your mother you work at a cutting edge 3D manufacturing company. But it's going to be a very awkward conversation when she finds out you're really in to petty theft.

Rant. Over.