Why is shipping on the Heavy Baby Kit $9.50???

[guestmama9911]

For all of you who have made Joy's Heavy Baby - it seems like a lot to spend on shipping! When you got the kit, did the shipping seem reasonable for the size and weight?

[ma2maya]

Looking at both ups and USPS what she is charging for something that is 4.5 lbs and even 2.5 lbs. is less than the actual cost provided by the carriers. Over the years she has probably averaged shipping costs so that sometimes she "losses" money but balanced by shipments whose actual cost is slightly less than what is charged. She probably makes up for loss by figuring in a balance in the cost of the item, too.

In the past year the cost of shipping has gone up a lot more relative to past cost increases by USPS and UPS rates. Most likely due to fuel costs.

[guestmama9911]

Thank you. If it is a fair price, I'll pay it.

[E.V. Lowi]

Originally Posted by ma2maya

Looking at both ups and USPS what she is charging for something that is 4.5 lbs and even 2.5 lbs. is less than the actual cost provided by the carriers. Over the years she has probably averaged shipping costs so that sometimes she "losses" money but balanced by shipments whose actual cost is slightly less than what is charged. She probably makes up for loss by figuring in a balance in the cost of the item, too.

In the past year the cost of shipping has gone up a lot more relative to past cost increases by USPS and UPS rates. Most likely due to fuel costs.

You don't get the millet with the kit. The total weight has nothing to do with the price of her shipping. She charges by the dollar amount of the order, and makes a profit from it. If you order something that weighs very little but is expensive, it will cost the same amount to ship as a much heavier item. A lot of companies do this.

[um_hanna]

oops

[DancingRainDolls]

I hate to say it but now days shipping is just expensive. If you look at flat rate boxes from the USPS they cost almost 9.00 to ship. Most doll kits that I have seen won't fit in that small of a box. USPS also will give you free boxes to ship with, while ups does not.

I have found that UPSP is actually the cheapest on sending reasonably sized boxes under 10 pounds and the fastest. An example of cost: for me to send a 3# box from Seattle to Flordia, cost about $13, regardless of the dollar amount of the merchandise inside. Unforunatley it is just a cost of doing business on the web. Most companies try to average the cost to ship verses purchase and are not trying to make money on shipping.

One way to maximize is to look at the shipping scale and make sure that you get everything you need and still come in under the next level of shipping. Look for one stop shopping and get all that you can when you order, even if it means stashing it away till your ready to make it in a few months. Also it doesn't hurt to ask if your ordering something small to see if it can go in a flat rate envelope or box, the worst thing they can say is no.

Good luck and post pictures of your finished doll!

[guestmama9911]

My order is on its way!

[E.V. Lowi]

Originally Posted by DancingRainDolls

I hate to say it but now days shipping is just expensive. If you look at flat rate boxes from the USPS they cost almost 9.00 to ship. Most doll kits that I have seen won't fit in that small of a box. USPS also will give you free boxes to ship with, while ups does not.

I have found that UPSP is actually the cheapest on sending reasonably sized boxes under 10 pounds and the fastest. An example of cost: for me to send a 3# box from Seattle to Flordia, cost about $13, regardless of the dollar amount of the merchandise inside. Unforunatley it is just a cost of doing business on the web. Most companies try to average the cost to ship verses purchase and are not trying to make money on shipping.

One way to maximize is to look at the shipping scale and make sure that you get everything you need and still come in under the next level of shipping. Look for one stop shopping and get all that you can when you order, even if it means stashing it away till your ready to make it in a few months. Also it doesn't hurt to ask if your ordering something small to see if it can go in a flat rate envelope or box, the worst thing they can say is no.

Good luck and post pictures of your finished doll!

I'm glad that some companies just charge for the exact cost of shipping, but they are in the minority. I have seen a few business spreadsheets in my day and shipping profits are included seperately. I know that these profits have been eroded with every increase in cost of a barrel of oil, but most companies do plan accordingly.

Things that I purchase from Ebay, H.C., Etsy and other small companies run by inexperienced business people are 1/2 what established businesses charge because they don't plan to make a profit off of the shipping- they are just charging what it costs them. I have had the shipping for 3 packs of sewing needles from a supplier that cost me $6.50 for standard parcel post and they came in a paper envelope! That company made an extra $5.00 on the sale, but it was the only time they did from me.