I figured shipping via UPS from Bittercreek to my place and for a 2 lb box it was 11.60 and for a 3 pound box it was 9.34, so that probably explains why shipping was cheaper in January for your heavier order. The shipping for my last order for a some wicks and a sample FO also came to $9.18. Unfortunately, shipping is not cheap and prices are going to keep going up. As for the sample special, I don't know what fragrance oils that includes- just BCNs and not WYW and BNL or if it includes all of them. You might want to check to be sure.