Is $16 shipping for a $16 item too much?

[Former_Member]

I've had some inquiries and it calculates out to $16 shipping for a $16 item to ship the majority of my items overseas. For this reason I have hesitated in listing them for sale in the UK, Europe and Australia.

Do you think I should add those countries anyway?

[FenderGemsNCrystals]

Have you fully investigated first class international? It is fairly reasonable.

[GabriellasTreasures]

Hi Mary Beth and Kyle,
Overseas shipping is difficult for us due to USPS rates. I have in my listings "contact me for overseas shipping", and buyers do. I have lost some sales due to ship costs, but have also made some sales where the shpg was nearly as high or the same as the item cost. It is up to the buyer to decide how much they want the item! I believethey do understand we cannnot control USPS rates.

[Former_Member]

I agree, let the buyer decide. You never know what is important enough to someone to pay the extra shipping even if it sounds like a deal breaker to you!

[aliciawatkins]

Here's the resource I use for checking on likely shipping prices: http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/Notice123.pdf

I ship first class international from the US, but I also won't ship anything larger than the smallest customs for will take, which means none of my larger cross stitches go out framed. I could see coaster sets going beyond that in weight, so I don't doubt it would be significantly more money to send those abroad.

But I would still offer your wares abroad. If people would like to pay the shipping, let them!

[Former_Member]

Yes, $16 is too much to spend on shipping a $16 item.

You would be better off to charge $25 for the item and $7 shipping and handling. Your prices are too low anyways - you are offering a specialty product. I just paid $10 for a set of candles that were described as Forests of World of Warcraft. Your coaster sets would be reasonably priced at $20 and your wall plaques $25.

[Former_Member]

Thank you for the input everyone!

Maryann, that is the rate for first class international for a 1,pound 9 oz package for me.

[ScrapendipityDesigns]

Shipping costs what it costs and overseas buyers know this. I was looking to buy something from the UK and it was $18 with $16 shipping, but the total price was still less than if I bought it here in the states and the quality was better, so it was not a deal breaker for me. It doesn't cost you anything to offer it up, you never know, someone might bite!

Rachel

[LLFarm]

I don't think the shipping is unreasonable. I have shipped many orders over seas that the postage is MORE than the item. It depends on how badly the item is wanted and what the person is willing to pay. Don't feel bad about it or offer a discount or play games with your prices. Your prices are your prices...period and the shipping is what it is, beyond your control.

[Former_Member]

Thanks Karyn!

[jeanalt1]

I agree with Rachel & Karyn. Overseas customers will understand that due to the weight of your items, it costs more to ship. Don't be afraid to charge the actual cost of shipping- otherwise you'll end up shorting yourself.