What is your FCPEuro return shipping method?

[EstorilS4]

So many on here know about, and utilize, FCP Euro's spectacular return policy. I have been using it for "free" oil changes for about a year now, and am curious how you all ship your items (especially heavy/bulky items like 7 liters of used oil) back to them on the cheap? My return shipping costs are ~$46 for a B8.5 S4 LiquiMoly oil change kit (7L if oil and filter) and a cabin filter. Since I get a refund on the kit purchase price, my only real cost is shipping the used oil/filter back to them. While $46 is a pretty good price, I'd love to get it down even more to make it really worthwhile compared to a run to Walmart for some Mobil1.

How do you send your oil change kits back to FCPEuro, and what does it cost?

[hilmar2k]

I ship UPS Ground. If I recall correctly, I'm less than $10, but I'm not far from FCP.

[street2gen]

I do the same Fed ex/ups costs about same so im in for any alternative.

[EstorilS4]

I ship UPS Ground. If I recall correctly, I'm less than $10, but I'm not far from FCP.

$10?!?! Damn, I wish. I'm in Austin and both UPS/FedEx Ground are ~$46.

[Jwill]

I just boxed my first LiquiMoly oil change kit up this past weekend to send back to FCP Euro and was thinking shipping would be about $15 at most.

$46(!) that seems high. Was going to see how much UPS Ground is after work and also check FedEx just to compare. Would certainly like to hear other alternatives.

[hilmar2k]

$10?!?! Damn, I wish. I'm in Austin and both UPS/FedEx Ground are ~$46.

That's the difference between being 68 miles from them versus 1800 miles from them.

[BucDan]

Being in CA, I figured as much because of the weight, even though I try to shrink them into the smallest box possible, it's not worth it. $46 from Austin, so likely $60+ from CA.

I believe UPS ground is the slowest and cheapest option as well. Everything else that is expensive or weighs next to nothing, will get returned though. Oil sits in the middle between the two extremes. I can't imagine the cost to ship rotors and pads back from CA, but has to be under $600 right? Haha.

[jsh139]

I can't imagine the cost to ship rotors and pads back from CA, but has to be under $600 right? Haha.

That's when you use USPS flat-rate boxes. "If it fits, it ships" ;)

[Silver Streakin]

US Post is about $20-25 depending upon how much of the oil I really put back in I don't see how UPS would be less but if it is...

UPS can suck it, after they screwed me out of $ on 2 occasions that neither were my fault.

1st lost a check that I needed to buy my current S4. And to get a new one to me was going to make me miss my flight to get the car. Cost me flight change fees. Of course it shows up the next morning, but after my planned flight left. Had I known, I could've taken that flight and just stayed in a hotel for the night for less that the fees, and then had the check overnighted to the hotel.

2nd time... they allowed some DB to ship coilovers that leaked oil and he claimed shipping damage. They wanted the leaking coilover shock. And never gave it back. Then they paid the shipper/DB seller $1600+ and he only wanted to give me enough money to buy a new shock, which the manufacturer only sold them as a full kit. I had no leverage, thanks to UPS policies. He eventually caved and refunded my money, but I had to buy at retail a set of coilovers because the deal was to ship my stock suspension to him, which he refused to return because he was already preparing the car for lease turn in or trade. I should've taken the guy to small claims court for having to spend the difference or stealing my suspension when he couldn't hold up his end of the deal.

[2by2handsofblue]

Wait if buy fcpeuro, you can return your used oil and filter and get a new 1 sent out to you?



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[evanb]

Wait if buy fcpeuro, you can return your used oil and filter and get a new 1 sent out to you?



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Read the warranty on their site.

[Snowmonkey]

Since this is an active topic on returning used oil, What do you all do when you only pull 6L out of your car? Last oil change I did was about 4500 miles and i had burned about a liter in that time, so i only pulled about 6L out. Will FCP only refund me the 5L+1L that i return?

[BucDan]

That's when you use USPS flat-rate boxes. "If it fits, it ships" ;)

USPS allows it? I mean, I see the wink lol.

Since this is an active topic on returning used oil, What do you all do when you only pull 6L out of your car? Last oil change I did was about 4500 miles and i had burned about a liter in that time, so i only pulled about 6L out. Will FCP only refund me the 5L+1L that i return?

Good question... What happens if you end up burning the oil...

[hilmar2k]

Since this is an active topic on returning used oil, What do you all do when you only pull 6L out of your car? Last oil change I did was about 4500 miles and i had burned about a liter in that time, so i only pulled about 6L out. Will FCP only refund me the 5L+1L that i return?

As long as the container is mostly full, you'll be fine.

[EstorilS4]

Since this is an active topic on returning used oil, What do you all do when you only pull 6L out of your car? Last oil change I did was about 4500 miles and i had burned about a liter in that time, so i only pulled about 6L out. Will FCP only refund me the 5L+1L that i return?

Just don't quite top off the 3 bottles I put in (1 5L, 2 1L's).

[EstorilS4]

Being in CA, I figured as much because of the weight, even though I try to shrink them into the smallest box possible, it's not worth it. $46 from Austin, so likely $60+ from CA.

I believe UPS ground is the slowest and cheapest option as well. Everything else that is expensive or weighs next to nothing, will get returned though. Oil sits in the middle between the two extremes. I can't imagine the cost to ship rotors and pads back from CA, but has to be under $600 right? Haha.

Actually, UPS Ground and FedEx Ground go by the size of the box (dimensional weight calculator - https://pages.message.fedex.com/weight_calculator/) which is why I get hosed. You'd be surprised how cheap it probably is if you squeeze it in the smallest box you can.

OR, USPS flat rate boxes!

[EstorilS4]

Wait if buy fcpeuro, you can return your used oil and filter and get a new 1 sent out to you?

In short, yes. AFTER you buy the 2nd oil/filter kit, you fill those bottles with the used oil and ship it back to them. They then give you a refund on your FIRST oil/filter kit purchased. So in the end, all you pay for is the cost to ship the used oil/filter back to them. That, and the last 7qts of oil and filter that are still in your car when you get rid of it.

In my case, I get 7L's of LiquiMoly 5w40, a Mann oil filter, drain plug, crush washer, and in-cabin filter for ~$46 per oil change. I am essentially getting the in-cabin filter for free, and what I believe to be a better quality oil/filter than the Mobil 1/STP filter I could source locally for about the same price.

I think next time I'm going to rinse out/crush the oil filter and see what I can fit in a USPS flat-rate box. Curious if FCP would take the crushed filter on return. Don't see why not.

[EstorilS4]

That's the difference between being 68 miles from them versus 1800 miles from them.

Yep! At least I'm still ahead with not having to buy winter tires 😉

[Acejam]

I send my oil, filter, and crush washer back in the same box they came in. $13 via UPS Ground.


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[2by2handsofblue]

In short, yes. AFTER you buy the 2nd oil/filter kit, you fill those bottles with the used oil and ship it back to them. They then give you a refund on your FIRST oil/filter kit purchased. So in the end, all you pay for is the cost to ship the used oil/filter back to them. That, and the last 7qts of oil and filter that are still in your car when you get rid of it.

In my case, I get 7L's of LiquiMoly 5w40, a Mann oil filter, drain plug, crush washer, and in-cabin filter for ~$46 per oil change. I am essentially getting the in-cabin filter for free, and what I believe to be a better quality oil/filter than the Mobil 1/STP filter I could source locally for about the same price.

I think next time I'm going to rinse out/crush the oil filter and see what I can fit in a USPS flat-rate box. Curious if FCP would take the crushed filter on return. Don't see why not.

Oh interesting. That's actually seems good deal. But I live in norcal. I have to figure what the shipping cost would be.
Do they sell motul 8300

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[Audi 4 Life]

Oh interesting. That's actually seems good deal. But I live in norcal. I have to figure what the shipping cost would be.
Do they sell motul 8300

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Yes but even better they sell motul 300v!

And the 300v works best on this deal cux it comes in metal 2 litre bottles so its easier to ship back.

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[jsh139]

USPS allows it? I mean, I see the wink lol.

USPS allows you to ship anything that fits in their flat rate boxes, up to 70 lbs (I believe). As long as it isn't liquid, fragile, potentially hazardous, etc.

[BucDan]

USPS allows you to ship anything that fits in their flat rate boxes, up to 70 lbs (I believe). As long as it isn't liquid, fragile, potentially hazardous, etc.

Oil is liquid though...

[blackfunk]

Oil is liquid though...

And considered hazardous.

[Silver Streakin]

You can still use the boxes. You just have to answer yes that it's hazardous/liquid and then they mark it as ground shipping only. They just want to know so it doesn't end up on a plane. BTDT. For this though, it's cheaper to just use the box they ship to me.

[ns8013]

And considered hazardous.

Unless something has changed very recently, engine oil is not considered hazmat for purposes of shipping.

[Silver Streakin]

Unless something has changed very recently, engine oil is not considered hazmat for purposes of shipping.

It is to the USPS... at least at the branch near me.

[blackfunk]

Unless something has changed very recently, engine oil is not considered hazmat for purposes of shipping.

I think that's why there are law regarding its disposal. It's also why you aren't allowed to dump it down the sewer. LOL

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[EstorilS4]

Yes but even better they sell motul 300v!

And the 300v works best on this deal cux it comes in metal 2 litre bottles so its easier to ship back.

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Is the 300v okay for 10,000mile intervals? And does it have a decent detergent package being a "race" oil?

[wangshuo1989]

After reading this thread, maybe changing oil every 3000 miles with motul 300v is not a bad idea at all.

[Audi 4 Life]

Is the 300v okay for 10,000mile intervals? And does it have a decent detergent package being a "race" oil?

Lol you shouldnt be doing 10k intervals with ANY oil lol, daamn. Send your shit to blackstone they will tell u exactly what your interval should be.

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[Audi 4 Life]

After reading this thread, maybe changing oil every 3000 miles with motul 300v is not a bad idea at all.

Its the best idea lol
I believe APR actually reccomends 300v and Motul G13 Inugel for their K04 setups. So really most people should prob be running it anyways but doubt many do.

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[2by2handsofblue]

At least 5k to 7k. Depends how hard u drive it. Is it mostly urban/city vs highway/motor way miles.


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[2by2handsofblue]

Isnt 300v motul over kill. Most people aren't tracking their cars. And no need to spend the extra. Imo

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[ns8013]

I think that's why there are law regarding its disposal. It's also why you aren't allowed to dump it down the sewer. LOL

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I guess reading comprehension isn't your strong suit. FOR SHIPPING PURPOSES, it's not considered hazmat.

[Cooper993]

Overall I'm a very cost conscience person. Mostly buy stuff on sale.

However, is saving ~$50 on an oil change really worth the effort?

I buy from FCP but only consider sending back a part that went bad and not used oil (even though they allow it).

Maybe you folks should have bought a KIA and not an Audi

Just my .02.

[hilmar2k]

Overall I'm a very cost conscience person. Mostly buy stuff on sale.

However, is saving ~$50 on an oil change really worth the effort?

I buy from FCP but only consider sending back a part that went bad and not used oil (even though they allow it).

Maybe you folks should have bought a KIA and not an Audi

Just my .02.

That's funny, I find it easier using FCP and sending it back. Putting it in a box and sending it back is easier than dealing with recycling. How hard is it to put it back in the box the new oil came in, slap a label on it, and drop it off at UPS/USPS?

[Cooper993]

That's funny, I find it easier using FCP and sending it back. Putting it in a box and sending it back is easier than dealing with recycling. How hard is it to put it back in the box the new oil came in, slap a label on it, and drop it off at UPS/USPS?

I have one of these and my town recycles oil. So for me, fairly easy.



Regardless, I probably wouldn't send the oil back to FCP

[BucDan]

That's funny, I find it easier using FCP and sending it back. Putting it in a box and sending it back is easier than dealing with recycling. How hard is it to put it back in the box the new oil came in, slap a label on it, and drop it off at UPS/USPS?

Sure, if I lived nearby like you, I'd ship it back too! But I pick and choose my battles. When my rotors and pads wear out, yeah those are going back, no matter the shipping cost.

[audigsr]

Great thread, hopefully I kept my original FCP box shipped to me.

Is the 300v okay for 10,000mile intervals? And does it have a decent detergent package being a "race" oil?

In regards to 300V, this is straight from the Motul rep to me:

"You would be able to use 300V in your vehicle ,however 300V needs to be changed in shorter intervals and is not recommended for daily driving .

We recommend using one of the below products which have a much longer life cycle and are recommended for daily driving .

8100 X-Clean 5w40
8100 X-Cess 5W40
SPECIFIC 505 01 502 00 5W-40"

Because of this, I just went LiquiMoly. Don't track my car, so didn't care for the shorter drain intervals.