The UPS Store

Probably the most unfriendly people I have ever experienced. Every time I go in there (because I keep thinking it will be different). I am guaranteed one word answers and no personality I am not looking for friends, just a pleasant experience.

This review is for UPS’s long-​distance shipping services. Hopefully it’ll help you make a decision on whether or not to go with UPS, or let you know what to watch out for if you are planning to use them.
I had some clothes and books to ship home, and decided to go with UPS. I first went to the store and purchased 2 of their largest boxes (26×20×20) for $ 12 each. They were said to be «shipping grade» but the ones I bought from Home Depot were much cheaper and felt just as, if not more, sturdy. I also bought a roll of shipping tape there for $ 5. In other words, buying shipping supplies at UPS is pretty pricey.
Then, I filled up the boxes with my stuff and called the store to book a pickup time. I gave them my shipping and credit card info and reserved a slot 2 days later. I was also told that if the UPS rep were to come up to my apartment to pick up the items, it would incur an extra $ 20 charge, even though my building has an elevator, so I said I would meet him in the lobby.
On the pickup day, a rep called me at the scheduled time, and waited downstairs with a dolly and forms. He was really nice and took the time to answer all the questions I had. After I gave him my boxes, he told me that perfume was generally not permitted, so we reopened the boxes to find my bottle of perfume. This was fine since I only had 2 boxes but you will want to ask exactly what items are not allowed especially if you have many boxes. He also told me that I didn’t have to tape the top of the boxes because UPS can do that for me. Then, he told me about the insurance policy. Basically, you can insure your items for $ 100/​box or $ 300/​box (I’m sure there are more options but these were the ones given to me). I think the $ 100/​box insurance incurs no additional charge (i.e., it’s built in to the shipping price). I was told that the latter option, which is the one I chose, would cost about $ 10 for both boxes.
An hour or so later after I turned over my boxes, I received a call letting me know how much the grand total was going to be. Strangely, they also told me that they had to put extra tape around my boxes, which added ~$ 10 to my total. I bought their shipping grade boxes, and I had mainly clothes in there, so I wasn’t expecting additional tape to be necessary or having to be charged for them at the last minute. The boxes turned out to be about ~55 lbs each, and the final amount charged to my credit card was a little less than $ 140. The charge varies with how far it’s going, and just for reference, mine was being shipped ~600 miles away.
Overall, 3 stars because the shipping materials were pricey, one of the reps was kind of unfriendly, and they weren’t very upfront or clear about the charges. However, it is a reliable and convenient option. I would consider using them again, but only after I have done my research on other shipping businesses in the area!

Was just over there for the first time today and had a great experience. Really stressed out because I had an important shipment today and my printer went on the fritz. Couldn’t print anything (label, invoice, etc). I called and asked if I emailed them the documents if they could print it out. They did it super fast and the UPS rep Rondo was very helpful. Thanks again Rondo! I’ll be back.

Been here three or four times and never had a problem. Nice, helpful staff.

Good enough to get service done fast. But it stops there. They were not too friendly but did the job well. I had to get a return label printed to return something and they charged me a $ 1 for that. On a different note, avoid buying stamps here as there is a $ 2 premium. They explained that it’s additional charge so that I don’t have to stand in line in USPS. I decided to skip and walk over to USPS for my book of stamps: O

I agree with a previous review that this place has terrible customer service. I try to avoid this store whenever I can, but since there is not another one nearby I end up coming here and almost always regret it. Employees are very rude and act as if they are doing you a favor. UPS should definitely check who they hire for «customer service»

After being treated very poorly at this location, experiencing zero customer service and a general «don’t care» response from the staff, (woman at the counter on afternoon of Monday Dec. 30). We will never use this carrier again.
My wife ordered a Christmas gift for me that was to arrive on the 19^th of December and it never showed up. We received no ‘attempt of delivery’ notices. After repeatedly tracking the package on-​line, the indication was that it was sitting at their Northbrook, IL. facility on the 19^th and would be delivered next day. Next day never came. We got this message repeatedly, day after day, never receiving delivery.
So we decide to make a trip from our home in Rogers Park to Northbrook and ask a few questions as to the whereabouts of the package. After hearing what we knew about the package, the woman at the counter simply said, «I’m sorry honey, that was never scanned here» and then took a call. After the call, she talked with other customers, ignoring my wife. She had no clue and wasn’t willing to help.
I called UPS 1 800# and after being on hold for 30 minutes was told that the package must have been «lost in the system», and that we should contact the sender, Amazon and file a claim.
UPS really messed up this holiday season and should take a serious look at their customer relations personnel.
Hello FedEx…

They were friendly and got the job done. Mailing gifts 2 peeps they couldn’t carry in their luggage.

This place is really hit or miss, and it 100% depends on which employee you deal with. I’ve been here more than a handful of times, more recently it’s been to drop off packages. The first time I dropped off, as always, I asked for a delivery receipt. I know that I can track a package online via the tracking #, but it’s always safe to get confirmation that a package was actually dropped off (especially if it’s valuable). The guy at the counter said just use the tracking #, I asked for the receipt again. Then he says, we don’t do that. I said what?! Another coworker jumped in and said just give it to him. He printed it and I left. The last 3 times I’ve been in there, the same unwilling employee (who happened to be by himself) has no said 3 times in a row that their system is down so he can’t print drop off receipts. System could be down, who knows. Seems pretty unlucky. But I can’t be bothered with this store anymore. There’s a competitor up the road that I will now go to.

Not sure why this place has all the bad reviews — been here about three times and I always receive polite, fast service! Usually am in and out in 5 minutes, and the staff have always been courteous and friendly.

Used to go to this store as a Northwestern student, employees didn’t bother going out of the way to answer my questions. I just called to ask about shipping prices and was given some major attitude. I’d advise you to go to the UPS store on Central Street over this one.

Efficient, yes. And bonus point for having the packing supplies that I needed. But a tip to the employees: maybe next time you could try smiling or at least answering my questions with a little less attitude.

UPS worker was extra nice and super helpful! Chose and envelope for me and made sure I understood that the email confirmation with accompanying tracking number was on its way. Really great service. Thanks UPS!

Came here on Sunday to mail a letter via UPS with signature requirement to a business which routinely «didn’t get your letter». I figured with a chain of custody, they’d be easier to pin down. The guy was on the phone with a customer with 3 of us waiting. He was a nice guy and the phone person was long-​winded. I paid for 2-​day delivery and signature confirmation – $ 22. As he made the label he told me a confirmation email and tracking number were being sent to me «at that moment». Fast forward to today – never received an email so I called the store. A woman answered. I told her the situation. She asked my phone number and stated that «it wasn’t in th system.» Naturally, since this was a very important letter, I was very agitated. She asked my phone number 3 different times. I got more agitated. Apparently, she didn’t have a pen. She asked my full name. Guess what? Nothing under my full name either! Or email address! «Did I send it from their location?» No, I got amnesia later that day and thought I’d just try your store. Really pissed now, I asked how that was even possible that they could take down all that information and actually make the label in front of me and then just lose it. She said she didn’t like my tone of voice and that she was «trying to help me” – like I should be happy she was taking time out of her day AS AN EMPLOYEE OF UPS to help a paying customer of UPS when UPS had seemingly lost my package. Seriously? Apparently, I should’ve been pleased or at least nonplussed. Then she asked me the zip code where it was mailed to. Amazingly, I could not remember off the bat. It’s a government office – I don’t memorize those. Finally, I found an old letter with the zip on it and she found it under that. She then proceeded to give me the long-​a$$ tracking number at the speed of sound. I had to ask her to give it to me again, while I got a pen. She then gave it to me again, really quickly, about 5 digits at a whack. I’m good with crap like that so I got it down, but if you’re slower, you’re going to have to ask that kind lady again. (In fact, ask her five to ten times, just for me). Incredibly rude. Like I should’ve been happy they actually found the package and did their jobs the way they should’ve the first time. I’m disgusted. Will never do business here again.

Stopped by to return a package with prepaid UPS return label. The fellow was nice enough to tape the box closed and apply the label for me at no charge. I was in and out of there in less than two minutes. Sweet!
They seem like a full service shipping center with all sorts of boxes and packaging materials for sale. I brought my bicycle inside and they were kind enough to not say a word about it. I like this place.

Came here. Did my business. Left.
The employee working there today at 1pm was pretty nice. He offered to help pack my shipment (a book I sold on Amazon) for me and didn’t charge for shipping tape, etc., unlike USPS.
Convenient location near The Other Brother.

These guys are a huge help when it comes to shipping. They offer free pick up from the ground floor of one’s home. The billing is pretty simple, they requested a credit card number at the time of sign up and they gave me a call with the price and arrival time of my boxes. I shipped out a fragile sculpture and some personal belongings to a relative in California and the price was pretty comparable to fed-​ex and completely blew away the post office. All of my items arrived in the same condition they left in and the guys at the ups store were very efficient when trying to find the cheapest all around option. I give these guys 2 thumbs up and if i had more hands i would give them even more thumbs up. I highly recommend this ups store!

I shipped 4 moderately heavy boxes from Evanston to NYC in June. It cost $ 131. :(But I didn’t want to deal with potentially-​cheaper FedEx, and my boxes arrived promptly within 3 days or so.
There was free pickup from ground floors, which was nice– you arrange a pickup time, they lug them away to weigh them and will call you with the total cost later that day (and charge your credit card then). Cathie on the phone was really, really nice in explaining this.
What annoyed me was when I asked later for an invoice stating the actual weight and rates of each box– they said «ok» and never did it. When I called back again, the guy who answered the phone sounded annoyed and then sent me the tracking number in the subject line of an empty email, no invoice. (There was no weight info in the tracking page). TRICKERY???
They also do storage.