Paola

I love getting the best shipping rates. But, if the shipping cost is cheaper than me driving/flying there to get the item and I can't get it anywhere else then, I'll pay for the shipping.

WilliP

I'd hazard to say that S&H charges are added to cover things not factored into the regular overhead of business such as the cost of packaging materials and the gas and time to take to the PO or UPS if a small shop---larger ones can get package pick up for another fee of course. As for sizes of boxes, depends on what the shipping outfit requires. I don't mind a reasonable charge when I can't get to the shop.

WilliP

That is what the flat rate boxes are for ---the stuff that won't fit in the envelopes ---and having received a pkg that had all that the shipper could stuff into a flat rate envelope, I'm surprised the main post office in Seattle wasn't shut down for repairs to the machinery! Certain things are designed to go on certain machinery and adding twice+ what they are designed for is not a pretty sight!

marciacp

[/quote]So my question is... would you be upset if your bundle was taken apart before shipping, so that it would fit in a flat-rate envelope? It wouldn't be as pretty. But shipping costs could be lower.[/quote]

This is an interesting thread and proved what I have
believed all along. I used to have an on-line quilt shop
and I never charged more than actual shipping charges,
and always sent everything as cheaply as possible. You
wouldn't believe how many yards I could get into a flat
rate envelope. One time I sent 11 yards and it made it
to its destination fine. I never did that again, but routinely
put as many as 8 or 9 yards in an envelope. I taped the
envelope a lot, but the packages always got there with no
problems.

Many times I would offer a special of free shipping on all orders, and I always got the most business when I did that.
I guess we all don't mind paying whatever for the fabric,
but we hate paying those shipping charges. If I didn't offer
free shipping I would offer 10 - 15% off the order, which
would have nullified any shipping charges, but I still got the
best business when I had free shipping.

Now that I no longer have my on-line shop and am just
a regular person who orders on-line a lot, I am the same
way. I hate paying shipping charges, especially excessive
ones. I have written a number of shops off my list because
they add on 'handling' charges, and then won't even try
to ship as cheaply as possible. When they are like that, I
don't shop there. Just my 2 cents :).
Marcia

btiny36

I was the one talking about the shipping of the FT Quarters...most definitely take off that pretty lil ribbon...for me it's all about quality of the product and shipping...here's an example of good service for shipping...one of my online stores here right in Canada had a really good deal for batting...so I ordered the whole bolt...ask that they contact me when they shipped...they called and said that the shipping was going to cost $50 more..hmmmm NOT, the reason, Canada post considered it oversized to ship so they would have to send it by Grey Hound bus...I mentioned, that I had bought batting by the bolt and it cost $30 to ship Canada Post, why well they store took it off the bolt and folded it and put it in a box exceptable to Canada Post...the gentleman I was speaking to ask if I would mind them doing that...well noppers...go for it...he wasn't aware he could do it and if it would be acceptable to the customer...well I was there to share with him it was (for me anyways)...so now on their site, they have notation that customer will be contacted if batting was purchased by the bolt, so it gives the customer the option on how they wanted it shipped...well I would go for the lower way of shipping...Maybe some would want it shipped on the bolt...for me I want the least expensive way of shipping....sorry for the lengthly post....

btiny36

I have to add also...some shops will split up the packages and ship that way and that will save on shipping...they split the order in 2 and offer a percentage of the total shipping...and you as a customer still save....

deedles215

I agree with the comments that stores have to 'justify' the cost of boxing, labeling, packaging, cutting, etc. But isn't what they can (should?) make up in their markup or their margins?
I work in an industry where there is a lot of labor invested in packing, pulling orders, handling product, etc... we don't charge 'extra' for handling fees because that's part of the overall business expense. Someone could come in here and pull and pack their own product, but it's no more or less money if they do it or we do it. I think it comes down to customer service...
I would order online all day long (hehe! you know what I mean) if there were no shipping charges. I would rather know EXACTLY how much something is going to cost when it hits my door step- even if that means adding a little into the price on the business' end.
That's my 2 cents anyway. :)

katier825

I like it when the customer is offered an option of dismantling the bundle or unrolling a jelly roll to save on shipping. I'm usually shopping for myself, so I don't mind. You can always send the ribbon along and the buyer can bundle it back up if they want.

Free shipping is wonderful, but the reality is that many of these shops just can't afford to give it away. I try to take in the whole picture when deciding. If I can get the same fabric for less money per yd/bundle/roll, etc., even with higher shipping, then I'm more inclined to do it that way.

Nightengale grammy

Having been on both sides of this issue as both a buyer and a seller, I have to agree that some sellers do take advantage of the buyer. Often, if an item needs special handling, which includes (for fragile items) plastic bubble pack, foam peanuts, etc., the cost perhaps would rise, but only by a small fraction. Some dealers refuse to incorporate these charges into the regular shipping fees, particularly if they sell a lot online and they are met with the cost of boxes and envelopes. But the shipping solely of fabric, need not be as exhorbitant as some like to charge. Postal rates can be found online for all types of shipping, (first class, third class, etc.) and most dealers will cut the cost of shipping multiple items if you ask. If they fail to do this, you should look elsewhere, and be sure to let them know about it!

Aunt Retta

I alos would prefer cheaper shipping.