Expedited Shipping

[Paintspiration]

Hello all,

Just wondering how you handle requests for quicker shipping ("I need my item by Wed, can you do it?" etc). Until now, I've been eating the cost & shipping priority or quicker so that I can make the sale. Now that I am becoming more established, I feel like I should pass the added cost to the buyer, no?

Do you charge the buyer for quicker shipping or eat the cost? If you do charge the buyer, how do you do this? Another custom listing?

(I wish Etsy had shipping options we could list!)

Thanks in advance everyone!

[Inugurumi]

I always charge extra. I either send a Paypal invoice or make anther listing if the customer used Direct Checkout. If the customer contacted me before purchasing the item, I simply make a custom listing.

[CreationsByCarrieD]

I send Priority Mail within the U.S. and charge the customer the cost. You shouldn't have to eat that cost at all. If someone wanted quicker than Priority I would bill the added expense to them. Like Miyuki stated above. If they've contacted prior to checkout set up a custom listing. I haven't had the situation of the customer checking out then asking for a more expedited shipping method though but I would have them pay for the upgrade however I had to whether through an invoice or whatever. I think most online shoppers know if they want it faster, it costs more.

I thought I remembered an experiment through a trial team for shipping options. I think....

It would be a great option to be able to set up so they could choose their method prior to checkout and see the associated costs.

[threestonebirds]

I recently had someone request faster shipping. As soon as I got the order and saw that note, I sent them a message quoting them the extra price. Once they agreed to it, I sent them a PayPal invoice (which can be used with a CC, no account needed) and got to work on their order.

If a buyer really wants quicker shipping, they'll pay for it just like they would with any other business. There's no reason you should have to dig into your own profits unless you want to.

Edit: @Carrie, there was a prototype for shipping options but I think there were problems so they took it down for now.

[MythOfTheWild]

Always charge. If the buyer wants it there fast, then they should be willing to pay the extra shipping. It's just silly of them to expect you to ship priority at no extra cost.
Bear in mind, however, that they may just be asking to find out how long standard shipping takes.

But don't eat the cost, it's not right, and buyers are wrong to think that you will.

[Paintspiration]

Thanks everyone. You made me feel better about passing along the costs. I love painting, but I am still working on the business-woman side of me :)

Sounds like it will be easiest to set up a custom listing for the expedited cost that buyers can purchase, I suppose.

[Former_Member]

I dont get why there is a need for extra charge for priority shipping,,,,

do you print labels thru etsy???

with the discount, it is cheaper than parcel post 85% of the time.

and I sell wood...which is heavy

[threestonebirds]

Michelle, you can't do a custom listing for just shipping costs. More than a few seller do it but It's against Etsy's rules.

[Paintspiration]

Oh thanks for letting me know that Vanessa. You saved me adding & deleting a listing. Maybe PP is the way to go then...

Alex, with my boxes containing canvas it's not an issue. But with my prints, priority is $4 more compared to first class. I send them in a envelope or tube & print labels through Etsy.

[Former_Member]

alex from woodenaht says

I dont get why there is a need for extra charge for priority shipping,,,,
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I get quite a few requests to have items expedited.

I simply process their order as usual and send them a note outlining the various options and the time frame that I need the payment completed by in order to make the post. At the same time I'll set up paypal invoices for the various options.

I don't 'eat' shipping costs. A package that costs $4.00 to ship via USPS 1st class mail may be up to $15 to ship via USPS priority mail and for an overnight delivery can go as much as $45.