Earlier this week I ordered a part from Canon USA Service for one of my Canon cameras and it arrived today. I am impressed for the fast shipping but not so much by the efficiency of the packaging.

Additional photo inside.

Canon USA is headquartered in a place called “Lake Success” in New York. Out of curiosity, we checked what UPS would charge to ship a one-pound package, roughly 12″x8″x6″ from Lake Success to Los Angeles. Our reader said he was pleased with the fast shipping, so let’s say Canon used UPS 3 Day shipping: that would be nearly $20. We then checked how much it would cost to throw the part in an envelope and drop it in the mailbox: that would be 41¢. Well done, Canon.
(Thanks to Dale!)

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.