One of the gauges I use for measuring the integrity of an on-line shop is how the shipping charges measure up. Those that really only charge the actual shipping or maybe a few cents over I believe have integrity. Those that use larger boxes than needed, charge a handling fee, or in general do not manage the shipping part to benefit the consumer are my last choice.
Ok. Ummm... what about e-Quilter? They must be one of the biggest names in the business, and I would say they certainly have a good reputation in the trade. I've ordered from them a number of times, and their fabric prices are full-retail (except for clearance items) and I don't remember that they've ever offered free shipping or reduced-price shipping. And yet, if you look at their shipping rates (at least for USPS) they must have a handling charge or other costs built in. 'Course, not everything that they're shipping is fabric, so not everything is going to fit into a flat-rate USPS envelope or maybe even a flat-rate box.
http://www.equilter.com/cgi-bin/webc...58110308784.f7
Elkabee is another reputable online store, and their shipping prices (which include insurance) are also above flat-rate-envelope costs:
http://www.elkabee.com/service/shipping.html
I guess what I'm asking is, there are lots of places that charge more than actual USPS cost for shipping, and I'd hate to think that shoppers view them as less than reputable, based just on that.
Your thoughts?