Shipping Costs for multiple items in cart

[Former_Member]

Lately I am losing money when it comes to shipping costs, when customers put multiple cards in their cart. I specifically say that they can purchase three cards for one low shipping fee...and to contact me for a quote for bulk orders (also stated under policies...which I do not think people read.) But when they order more than three cards, the package weight goes up, and my shipping costs go up. How do I handle this? I don't want to have to charge more for each card; and if I charge extra for each extra item in cart, then the customer is paying more when purchasing under four cards...it doesn't seem fair. I think Etsy needs to set up shipping costs a bit differently...so there is an option for sellers to have a shipping cost for three items in cart, let's say; and then another cost for additional items.

[WilliamsGiftshop]

That is what secondary shipping costs ('with another item') are for.
Set that price at a point that you don't loose money when your customers purchase multiple cards.

If you want to offer a shipping discount for a certain amount of items, inform your customers that you will refund the extra shipping costs they paid as soon as possible after their purchase.
Or make a coupon code for this purpose.

I think it is impossible for Etsy to accommodate every possible option that any of their 1,5 million sellers might want to have. Shipping costs are complicated enough already.

[CaliforniaCrownJewel]

This is a great question. I have been struggling with various ways to deal with this problem myself because of the wide array of things I sell in my shop and some of my items don't cost me anything additional on multiples if they order 2 like items, such as my angel necklaces...then my heavier vintage items can cost a lot more in shipping with more than one item and there really is no way to know what that other item will be. I have been slightly increasing the shipping cost of the first item in some cases to accommodate this problem. I also put it my listing that if they purchase more than one item from my shop, I combine shipping and promptly refund any shipping overages as soon as I package their order and print the shipping label, which is usually the very same day they place their order.
On some of my heavier items, I will put a lower price in the "with another item" such as $3.95 for 1 item and $1.95 with another item.
Jewel

[Former_Member]

Thank you for your replies...very helpful. How do you refund just a little bit of their money? (I.e. for an over shipping charge.)

I have been toying with the idea of putting an Add On listing...asking the customer to purchase extra shipping if their buy more than three cards...although I'd have to pay 20 cents relisting fee every time this is used...and not sure if customers would really read all the info, to know to use it...what do you think of an Add On for extra shipping?
Thank you

[WilliamsGiftshop]

No customer will buy extra shipping.
Would you?

[Former_Member]

Actually I would...if it meant receiving the items I wanted...a seller can't be expected to ship multiple items for free.

[WilliamsGiftshop]

Sellers need to set the shipping costs in advance.
No customers are willing to pay more shipping costs then the amount that was stated when they put their items in their shopping cart. Seriously.

A lot of (new) sellers get burned by this. Some set shipping costs to zero and ask customers to contact them for a shipping quote. Customers don't contact them and are happy to have bought something with free shipping. Because, let's face it, that is what the listing said. And the seller is obliged (!) to ship for free.

So, always make sure to list proper shipping costs.
You can refund part of it afterwards. But you cannot ask your customers to pay more shipping costs then the listings says they have to pay.

(This is my 10th year selling on Etsy. I have seen this subject come by in the forums many times.)

[Plektra]

The trend nowadays is for customers to look for 'free shipping'. Not extra shipping cost. It's best to offer your customers discount or coupon etc, if you wish, rather than ask them to hunt for the shipping cost information or make them wonder if that cost is hidden in the product cost...Showing the cost upfront and keep it reasonable with appropriate packaging is much better.

[Former_Member]

Thank you all for the input...I appreciate the advice :)

[WilliamsGiftshop]

Glad we could help, Barbara Jane!
Wishing you many sales!

[CaliforniaCrownJewel]

Barbara,
I don't think anyone answered your question on refunding a small portion of the shipping cost.
You click on the receipt # then click on Manage Order and just follow the directions. It's super easy and you can even include a note.
Jewel

[WilliamsGiftshop]

That is if you use Etsy's Direct Checkout.

For PayPal payments the refund button can be found right behind the transaction.