Shipping COST???
- Thread starter GPDMTR25
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erbymcbrayer
Member
Some of the shipping rates are outrageous, for thatbreason I am eliminating many of my suppliers, shop a little and save a lot.
erbymcbrayer
Member
The problem that I have is getting a box of supplies and they could have been shipped in a box 3 times smaller , This is not being honest. I recently had to order 1 pen blank for a customers order, the blank was 3.50, shipping was 8.50, total of 12.00. It came in a box that would have held 15 to 20 blanks, this is unreal. No more orders to that supplier.
Mac
Member
But should be considered, in todays world...
Daniel
Member
Mac, I agree and in actual practice, certainly considering group buys i do. I fact I go to the trouble of calculating postage on a per order basis. I am trying to look at what I go through as a volunteer exact charge situation and try to apply it to running a business.
I can clearly see why a supplier woudl simply say I am charging you $12.00 to send this Item to you. It does not matter what I pay the shipping company. I didn't pay $25.00 for the item i am selling to you for $25.00 either. I made the product available and I made the means of getting it to you available and if I choose to charge you for both of those services, Is it wrong? neither came free to me. not free in cost, time, skill or knowledge.
I can clearly see why a supplier woudl simply say I am charging you $12.00 to send this Item to you. It does not matter what I pay the shipping company. I didn't pay $25.00 for the item i am selling to you for $25.00 either. I made the product available and I made the means of getting it to you available and if I choose to charge you for both of those services, Is it wrong? neither came free to me. not free in cost, time, skill or knowledge.
wdcav1952
Activities Manager Emeritus
I have enjoyed following this thread. There have been diverse opinions, but the overall tenor of the discussion has been civil.
Coincidentally enough, I had a discussion with a vendor, one of those mom and pop places that are supposedly extinct, about shipping charges. Between us, we came to the conclusion that a flat rate for shipping was the easiest way to simplify his site. Most people buy enough that the flat rate is pretty close to break even on shipping. A few will only buy a kit or two and the shipping will be a tiny profit center. Another small segment of the clientèle will buy enough that there will be a slight loss on shipping. Over the course of time, it likely will level out and be a wash, expense-wise.
One of the benefits of a mom and pop business is the personal service. However, as has been pointed out, one has to ask for the personal service; it does not magically appear. A small organization is more likely to be receptive of a request than a large one. For example, when I needed a small replacement part for one of my Grizzly power tools, the part was only a couple of dollars. Grizzly has a minimum shipping charge of $8.95, IIRC. Since I needed the part, I was willing to pay the charge. The staff at the Grizzly near me were apologetic about the charge, but since it was corporate policy, there was nothing they could do. I had the choice of being upset and choosing to leave the tool un-repaired, or pay the fee.
When I had my own office, one of the major headaches was the constant requests for discounts. People I hadn't seen for 20 years wanted a "friend" discount. Others wanted a ministerial discount. (For the record, I did my minister and his family for free, but did not extend a discount to other members of the clergy.) Many people felt that I should absorb their deductible and whatever their insurance did not pay. In short, a significant percentage of people wanted a discount for one reason or another. Often people who have never run a for profit business do not seem to realize all of the expense that goes into the overhead of running a business. The "re-stock fairies" never showed up to replace the supplies I had used.
Another thing I finally learned is that 10% of your clientèle will cause 90% of your problems. If you refuse to kowtow to their demands and they choose to leave your business, that is very much to your advantage. No one can please everyone, and there are some that would not be pleased if the vendor delivered the purchase personally to their house. Let these folks bother some one else; you won't miss their business at all.
Everyone is watching expenses in our present economic climate. That said, since all of the members here have computers with Internet access, most of us have at least one lathe, and the vast majority of us are turning as a enjoyable hobby, carping and complaining about a dollar or two seems to be jousting with windmills, from my perspective.
Coincidentally enough, I had a discussion with a vendor, one of those mom and pop places that are supposedly extinct, about shipping charges. Between us, we came to the conclusion that a flat rate for shipping was the easiest way to simplify his site. Most people buy enough that the flat rate is pretty close to break even on shipping. A few will only buy a kit or two and the shipping will be a tiny profit center. Another small segment of the clientèle will buy enough that there will be a slight loss on shipping. Over the course of time, it likely will level out and be a wash, expense-wise.
One of the benefits of a mom and pop business is the personal service. However, as has been pointed out, one has to ask for the personal service; it does not magically appear. A small organization is more likely to be receptive of a request than a large one. For example, when I needed a small replacement part for one of my Grizzly power tools, the part was only a couple of dollars. Grizzly has a minimum shipping charge of $8.95, IIRC. Since I needed the part, I was willing to pay the charge. The staff at the Grizzly near me were apologetic about the charge, but since it was corporate policy, there was nothing they could do. I had the choice of being upset and choosing to leave the tool un-repaired, or pay the fee.
When I had my own office, one of the major headaches was the constant requests for discounts. People I hadn't seen for 20 years wanted a "friend" discount. Others wanted a ministerial discount. (For the record, I did my minister and his family for free, but did not extend a discount to other members of the clergy.) Many people felt that I should absorb their deductible and whatever their insurance did not pay. In short, a significant percentage of people wanted a discount for one reason or another. Often people who have never run a for profit business do not seem to realize all of the expense that goes into the overhead of running a business. The "re-stock fairies" never showed up to replace the supplies I had used.
Another thing I finally learned is that 10% of your clientèle will cause 90% of your problems. If you refuse to kowtow to their demands and they choose to leave your business, that is very much to your advantage. No one can please everyone, and there are some that would not be pleased if the vendor delivered the purchase personally to their house. Let these folks bother some one else; you won't miss their business at all.
Everyone is watching expenses in our present economic climate. That said, since all of the members here have computers with Internet access, most of us have at least one lathe, and the vast majority of us are turning as a enjoyable hobby, carping and complaining about a dollar or two seems to be jousting with windmills, from my perspective.
Mac
Member
JUST NOTICED YOUR SERIOUS???
I don't know what you charge for shipping ,but you should not be losing money on that. Are you shipping stuff free?
There is a lot of hidden cost of doing business .You cannot just for example ;pay a $1 ,sell for $2 and think that you are making 100% on that item ,it might cost you $3 to sell for $2 so so every item that you sell for $2 cost you a $1. Thats not a positive.
I have a good true example of how to make money(not) and cover all expenses, here goes
make slimlines ,put them in resale shops, drive 60 miles round trip to check sales deliver them and retail them in the shop for $10( pay for space in the store monthly whether you sell anything or not). kits cost less than $2 how much money can he make doing that..
I think he is going in the hole and its deep.. cause his cost of doing business is not $2 per pen or less.
PS pay yourself first ,if operating as a business ,cause if you fall so will it all..
jwoodwright
Member
I understand the "cost of doing business" I think I understand that the site doesn't have all the info. You must speak to a person. I've spent quite a bit of time putting packages together. Making labels and prepping packages for mailing. Then to run into a less than happy postal clerk. We have over 12 branches in Anchorage. That means on any given day you can get 20-25 different answers... I.E. The Flat Rate Envelope is good for 70lbs.
Some will send it distended. Most refuse... The ones who refuse are the unhappy ones who are more that glad to "rain on your parade"... I can never find supervisors when I ask. Seems they're always in meetings...
How about the Alaska surcharges using USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate packaging? USPS doesn't charge them... Vendors do! There also are vendors who ship USPS Priority Mail Flat rate and list Lower 48 only... Won't ship USPS to Alaska, only UPS/Fed X...
I've shipped USPS small flat rate to Canada, $4.95 jumps to $10.95! Just sent one to Brownfield, Alberta. Oh! Only allowed 4 lbs on Canada and International...
I'm proud to say that Ryan and crew at Woodturningz know the facts and send at the best possible rate using the smallest USPS Flat Rate package needed. Monday order means Thursday receipt of parts... (3 days to Anchorage)
Some will send it distended. Most refuse... The ones who refuse are the unhappy ones who are more that glad to "rain on your parade"... I can never find supervisors when I ask. Seems they're always in meetings...
How about the Alaska surcharges using USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate packaging? USPS doesn't charge them... Vendors do! There also are vendors who ship USPS Priority Mail Flat rate and list Lower 48 only... Won't ship USPS to Alaska, only UPS/Fed X...
I've shipped USPS small flat rate to Canada, $4.95 jumps to $10.95! Just sent one to Brownfield, Alberta. Oh! Only allowed 4 lbs on Canada and International...
I'm proud to say that Ryan and crew at Woodturningz know the facts and send at the best possible rate using the smallest USPS Flat Rate package needed. Monday order means Thursday receipt of parts... (3 days to Anchorage)
MesquiteMan
Retired Head Moderator
John,
Rather than mess with the stupid clerks, use the computer to print your label. Then when you are done, schedule a carrier pick up for the next day. Does not cost anything and your normal mail carrier will pick them up. Works great for me. I print my labels through paypal and then put the package on the front porch. The next day, they mysteriously disappear and shortly thereafter, they arrive at my customer's homes!
Rather than mess with the stupid clerks, use the computer to print your label. Then when you are done, schedule a carrier pick up for the next day. Does not cost anything and your normal mail carrier will pick them up. Works great for me. I print my labels through paypal and then put the package on the front porch. The next day, they mysteriously disappear and shortly thereafter, they arrive at my customer's homes!
Dario
Member
What ever I buy, I consider the shipping as part of the cost. I've shipped my share and it can be difficult to actually find the "best" means of calculating it without wasting a lot of man hours.
Shopping carts are used to streamline operations and lower cost but it does have limitations. Trying to understand where the vendor stands lessen the aggravation on your part.
Bottom line, buy where you get the best value. If their cost (actual plus s&h) is too much, they loose your business. In a way that is how you let them know they need to change to stay competitive.
Planning your purchase and buying in bulk as stated earlier helps lessen the shipping cost (pro-rated per item). Check for group buys here, they can make your purchase significantly lower. BEWARE of over buying due to the "bargain". I fell victim to that and at one point had more than $3,000.00 worth of pen kits in my inventory. Not much to some but for me it is a lot since I turn very little (to nil now). Luckily, it is easy to liquidate those here
lol.
The named sellers are actually some of our better suppliers so I am a bit surprised. One note, they usually choose Priority because they want tracking for peace of mind and protection (yours and theirs). I personally refuse to ship w/o tracking or insurance now.
Shopping carts are used to streamline operations and lower cost but it does have limitations. Trying to understand where the vendor stands lessen the aggravation on your part.
Bottom line, buy where you get the best value. If their cost (actual plus s&h) is too much, they loose your business. In a way that is how you let them know they need to change to stay competitive.
Planning your purchase and buying in bulk as stated earlier helps lessen the shipping cost (pro-rated per item). Check for group buys here, they can make your purchase significantly lower. BEWARE of over buying due to the "bargain". I fell victim to that and at one point had more than $3,000.00 worth of pen kits in my inventory. Not much to some but for me it is a lot since I turn very little (to nil now). Luckily, it is easy to liquidate those here
lol.The named sellers are actually some of our better suppliers so I am a bit surprised. One note, they usually choose Priority because they want tracking for peace of mind and protection (yours and theirs). I personally refuse to ship w/o tracking or insurance now.
islandturner
Member
Most of the replies so far are from the USA or overseas -- be thankful you're not in Canada. Here on the 'wet coast', we pay two sales taxes -- a provincial sales tax (PST) of 7% and a federal 'Goods & Services Tax' (GST) of 5% for a total of 12%. Shipping is usually 50% more from a US supplier, to ship to Canada. And of course, there are usually import duties.
If I buy on-line in Canada outside BC, I can avoid the PST -- this 'almost' pays the shipping.
I travel in the USA a fair amount. Before I go, I'll sometimes order my supplies on-line and have them shipped to my hotel, and declare them on the way home (avoiding the custom's duties). The savings over Canadian pricing, taxes, and the extra shipping to Canada, is really nice.
Steve
If I buy on-line in Canada outside BC, I can avoid the PST -- this 'almost' pays the shipping.
I travel in the USA a fair amount. Before I go, I'll sometimes order my supplies on-line and have them shipped to my hotel, and declare them on the way home (avoiding the custom's duties). The savings over Canadian pricing, taxes, and the extra shipping to Canada, is really nice.
Steve
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Just wait until next summer when they combine the taxes into an HST tax
GPDMTR25
Member
Actually I have
Tuba707
Member
Before or after?
You took the time to give details with your original post and it would be interesting to hear the specific details of your contact with the companies and their responses.
"Shipping, Handling and Guranteed Delivery," is the phrasing that the Direct Marketing Association recommends. If as a seller your shipping charge is greater than the total of your actual shipping charge, plus the labor and materials cost of pick, pack and ship, plus the cost of delivery insurance and/or replacement of lost packages, then you are precisely in the cross hairs of a number of class action law suits that are a thorn in the side of the catalog and online direct marketing industries.
Anybody (and I use the word "anybody" with clear intent, not as a mindless supurlative) who gives away free shipping on a regular basis is either charging too much, on their way to going out of business, or buying business until their competitors go out of business which will allow them to stop giving away shipping.
Anybody (and I use the word "anybody" with clear intent, not as a mindless supurlative) who gives away free shipping on a regular basis is either charging too much, on their way to going out of business, or buying business until their competitors go out of business which will allow them to stop giving away shipping.
GPDMTR25
Member
I just wanted to explain I didn't use the company names to imply anything negative about the company. I was just using factual information from their website. Actually I think Bear Tooth has some great ideas at great prices and I love the blanks he carries. Hut also has a great polish and some unusual items for sale. Also I've contacted companies before and all of them so far have reduced their shipping rates based on the items I need.
Many of you have made great points about shipping cost. I'm not in the busy of shipping and that's probably why I'm looking at it as outrageous prices. I'm the one that waits until the free shipping comes around then I stock up.
Arizona Silhouette has a great shipping arrangement but I bet many people don't like placing an order without knowing the shipping.
I think companies should still offer first class shipping prices. Our allow a person to purchase a couple of pen clips without paying 200% of the actual item price.
Many of you have made great points about shipping cost. I'm not in the busy of shipping and that's probably why I'm looking at it as outrageous prices. I'm the one that waits until the free shipping comes around then I stock up.
Arizona Silhouette has a great shipping arrangement but I bet many people don't like placing an order without knowing the shipping.
I think companies should still offer first class shipping prices. Our allow a person to purchase a couple of pen clips without paying 200% of the actual item price.
ed4copies
Local Chapter Manager
I couldn't agree with you more!!!
However, when you are shipping dozens of packages a day, you do TRY to expedite. There is no way that I know of, to print a label for parcel post. So, priority mail has become the default for most shippers. Minimum charge: $4.80
We ARE open to suggestions.
traderdon55
Member
Ed, it is easy to see why first class shipping would be too much of a pain for a company to deal with. I personally have no problem with a company using priority mail. If I chose to order one pen kit when I could have ordered ten for the same shipping that would be my problem. The only problem to me has been the companies that would charge for example$7.95 shipping & handling then use the $4.80 priority mail envelope and the difference would be extra profit for them. This topic could be debated for the next month and it would make no difference as everyone has their own opinion and no two are going to be the same. The bottom line is companies are going to set their own policies and we can accept them or not accept them and buy from someone else. Just for the record my opinion has nothing to do with the people selling on IAP as everyone I have bought from on here has been very fair on shipping.