RC Reloaded
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Shipping Guide

How shipping works on RC Reloaded — seller responsibilities, carriers, and best practices

Seller Shipping Responsibility

  • • You are the shipper of record. RC Reloaded does not purchase labels, hold insurance, or file carrier claims on your behalf.
  • • You are responsible for selecting a carrier, purchasing your own label, packaging the item properly, and obtaining any insurance you want.
  • • If a package is lost, delayed, or damaged, you must file the claim directly with your carrier.
  • • RC Reloaded will track delivery milestones (via tracking number) to manage escrow release and dispute timelines — but we are not involved in carrier operations.

How Shipping Works on RC Reloaded

RC Reloaded uses a seller-owned shipping model. Here's how it works end to end:

  1. 1.Listing: Set your shipping cost in the listing (free, flat rate, or buyer-pays-actual). Buyers see this cost at checkout.
  2. 2.Sale: When a buyer pays, the agreed shipping cost is collected. You receive the item price minus the platform commission.
  3. 3.You ship: Purchase a shipping label through USPS.com, UPS.com, FedEx.com, or any carrier. Pack and ship the item yourself.
  4. 4.Enter tracking: Log in to your dashboard and enter your carrier name, tracking number, and ship date. The buyer is notified automatically.
  5. 5.Delivery confirmed: We monitor the tracking number for delivery confirmation. Once delivered, escrow is released after the dispute window.

Carrier Comparison

The right carrier depends on your package weight, dimensions, and destination. Here's a general guide for RC items:

USPS — Best for lightweight packages & residential delivery

  • • Ground Advantage — 2–5 days, most economical for packages up to 70 lbs; no residential surcharge
  • • Priority Mail — 1–3 days, great value for under 5 lbs
  • • Priority Mail Express — 1–2 days, fastest USPS option
  • • Flat Rate Boxes — ship up to 20 lbs anywhere in the US for one fixed price
  • • No residential surcharges — major advantage for home delivery
  • • Buy labels at usps.com — no account required

UPS — Best for heavier packages & cross-country shipments

  • • UPS Ground Saver — 3–7 days, most cost-effective for non-urgent ground shipping
  • • UPS Ground — 1–5 days, reliable for packages 10+ lbs
  • • Residential surcharge applies (~$6.50/pkg) — factor this into your pricing
  • • Buy labels at ups.com

FedEx — Best for large/heavy items & express delivery

  • • FedEx Ground Economy — 3–6 days, competitive on heavy packages
  • • FedEx Ground — 1–5 days, reliable tracking
  • • FedEx One Rate — flat-rate for packages under 50 lbs
  • • Residential surcharge applies (~$6.45/pkg)
  • • Buy labels at fedex.com

💡 Tip: Save money with discounted label services

Third-party label services like Pirateship, Shippo (your own account), and EasyPost offer pre-negotiated commercial rates — often 30–85% off retail carrier prices. You sign up directly with them and purchase labels through your own account.

Packing Materials Checklist

Proper packing is your responsibility as the seller. Gather these before shipping:

  • ✓ Sturdy outer box — corrugated cardboard, appropriately sized
  • ✓ Bubble wrap or foam padding — for wrapping the vehicle body
  • ✓ Packing peanuts or crumpled paper — loose fill for voids
  • ✓ Tissue paper — for wrapping delicate electronics or bodywork
  • ✓ Strong packing tape — at least 2" wide; tape all seams
  • ✓ Plastic bags or poly wrap — moisture protection for electronics
  • ✓ Anti-static bags — for ESCs, receivers, and circuit boards

How to Pack RC Vehicles

  1. 1.Remove and pack batteries separately — LiPo and Li-Ion batteries have carrier restrictions — see below
  2. 2.Clean the item — Remove dirt and debris before packing
  3. 3.Detach or secure fragile parts — Remove antennas, body posts, and bodywork if possible
  4. 4.Wrap the vehicle — Wrap entire chassis in bubble wrap; extra padding around corners
  5. 5.Fill all voids — Nothing should shift when you shake the box
  6. 6.Right-size your outer box — Aim for 2–3 inches of padding on all sides
  7. 7.Seal all seams with tape — Use the H-tape method on all box edges

Important Shipping Restrictions

Lithium Batteries (LiPo / Li-Ion): Carriers restrict how lithium batteries can be shipped. Batteries must generally be installed in equipment, and quantity/watt-hour limits apply. Ground shipping is often permitted where air is not. Always check your carrier's current lithium battery policy before shipping.

Hazardous Fluids (Nitro Fuel, Gasoline): Nitro fuel, gasoline, and other flammable liquids are classified as hazmat. Drain all fuel from nitro vehicles before shipping — these cannot be shipped via standard carrier services.

Compressed Gas (Shock Absorbers): Some carriers restrict pre-charged nitrogen shock absorbers. Release pressure or check carrier guidelines.

International Shipping: Customs regulations vary by country. RC vehicles and electronics may require documentation, and some countries restrict radio-frequency devices. Check carrier international guidelines before shipping overseas.

Seller Best Practices

  • ✓Photograph the item and all sides of the package before sealing — essential if you need to file a carrier claim for damage.
  • ✓Purchase carrier insurance for high-value items — this is between you and your carrier. RC Reloaded does not provide shipping insurance.
  • ✓Add signature confirmation for items over $200 — available at checkout with most carriers.
  • ✓Enter your tracking number in your dashboard promptly after shipping. Buyer notification and escrow release timelines start from when tracking is entered.
  • ✓Ship within your stated handling time to protect your seller reputation score.
  • ✓Keep all receipts, tracking records, and packing photos until the dispute window closes.
  • ✓If a buyer opens a dispute for a lost or damaged item, contact your carrier to file a claim — RC Reloaded will refer the buyer to your tracking record.

For Buyers

  • • Shipping cost is set by the seller — free, flat rate, or buyer-pays-actual based on their listing settings.
  • • Tracking information is shared with you automatically once the seller marks the order as shipped.
  • • Track your shipment status from your order dashboard at any time.
  • • If your item arrives damaged or is not received, open a dispute within your protection window. The seller is responsible for working with their carrier on any claims.
  • • RC Reloaded holds funds in escrow until delivery is confirmed or the dispute window closes, providing an additional layer of protection.