Shipping

[danny]

Shipping has become a big cost factor to many in the forums. It's too bad we don't have a forum location or listing of all suppliers as we come across them who do use flat rate shipping and what their programs are in detail such as:

WSP UPS ground $6.95 for up to $25

List exclusions when possible and always advise everyone to check with the site before ordering.

Many companies are making their shipping center a profit center and if their quality, service, and mark up are fair, they shouldn't need to make a profit on shippimg.

I know some like WSP and others don't. I've personaly have never bought from them.

Of course, you still must always compare pricing, quality, and service.

It's just a start to do something about shipping cost.

Below is a program from USPS on their flat rate program effective !/20/07

Priority Mail® Features

• Expedited delivery of your packages at economical rates, starting at $4.05.
  Packages are delivered in an average of 2-3 days to any destination.
  Delivery to all U.S. addresses, including PO boxes and military addresses.
  Saturday and residential delivery are available at no additional charge.

Delivery Confirmation™ is available at no additional cost when printing a shipping label online.

Their flat rate boxes are free, and either box can hold up to 70#, ship anywhere in the US, for a fee of $8.10. Of course this is by air so there are restrictions.

Flat rate boxes are $8.10 and are available in two convenient sizes, 11" x 8.5" x 5.5" and 13.625" x 11.875" x 3.375".

Of course, junk, even if shipped free, is still junk, but if we start the list, I beleive many companies will want the recognition, and I think the combination of all the buying power in these forums represents a hugh powerful buying organization

I'm not saying this is the solution, only a small answer to a big problem, but You shouldn't be required to buy in your state or the state next door due to shipping cost.

Those companies with special low cost shipping programs deserve special recongnition.

Just my HO.

[danny]

Imfo added to original messge.

[bugtussle]

I think the high cost of shipping will only become a bigger factor when we decide who our suppliers will be. Right now there are a lot more suppliers (and growing every day) than we really need. A lot of suppliers "bit the dust" in 2006 and I think we'll loose even more this year. We have a lot of choices, but fair shipping is one thing we are all looking for and something we can demand. Carole

[sudsnwicks]

Speaking of USPS, their rates will be going up again this May, for those who weren't aware.

This is a comparison chart of the current rates and what they will look like later on:

http://www.usps.com/ratecase/priority_mail.htm

[Crowded House]

Hmmm...so the rates for lighter packages will be going up, and the heavier packages down?

Sounds like a plan. Their rates for 40+ lb. packages were ridiculously high compared to the private carriers.

[sudsnwicks]

Hmmm...so the rates for lighter packages will be going up, and the heavier packages down?

Yeah, unlucky for me because the "savings" only start at the 10th pound. Most of what I send out aren't more than 5 lbs.

[soycrazy]

Seems like every carrier raises their rates every year it's crazy. Are they raising the rates of insurance and tracking too?

[laura9259]

60 cents more for a 1 pound package

[Crafty1_AJ]

The flat-rate boxes from USPS are wonderful for my customers, because most folks' orders will fit in one and they save money on shipping. Jar candles are kinda hefty, and most of my customers order those, several at a time. I find USPS to be cheaper than UPS for my customers too.

No shipper is perfect and without problems, but USPS has consistently delivered my customers' orders in 2-3 days, Sunday excluded, natch. I'm happy with them and will continue to use them. Especially since I live in the boondocks and the P.O. is more convenient to me than the rest.

Edited to add: I am bumming a bit about the rate increase, though. I'm already having to bump my candle prices up due to higher costs on wax & jars.

[sudsnwicks]

The flat-rate boxes from USPS are wonderful for my customers, because most folks' orders will fit in one and they save money on shipping. Jar candles are kinda hefty, and most of my customers order those, several at a time.

If they order 6 jars, then the flat rate box offers a good value. But if they only order 1 or 2 jars, then shipping is tricky because no matter how you do it, the shipping cost will be almost as much as the candles themselves.

[HeavenScentU]

I would love this.... As a business owner, I am learning to think smarter when it comes to my candle and B&B products. By posting all the suppliers with outrageous shipping costs vs. standard shipping costs than hopefully with the comparison will make then adjust their pricing that is reasonable. I am all for it!!! Lets do it..

[tlc]

One thing to keep in mind with the shipping rates that a company charges is, how big is the company? If they are a smaller company chances are they don't have enough volume to qualify for better rates with let's say UPS for example. Not your fault as the end user but it is still a fact of life as some of you are finding out with your own sales. I have been fighting with UPS to get a better rate so we can pass it along but we don't do enough volume. I thought that $12,000 would be enough to qualify but no. I have been trying to get FedEx to call me back for the last two months and so far I'm still waiting. Ok I'm over my little rant here . We rarely use USPS as an option because we use a PO Box for our mailing addy (due to mail theft) and it is a real pain to go to the PO and wait in line. I hate it. I would rather spend that time making money (working) than standing around waiting. I just wouldn't save enough to offset the time. However, we will use them for APO's for the peeps in the armed forces.