Shipping cost + extra

[hipposdream]

I have a question concerning shipping cost.
I always charge the actual shipping cost + 1 EUR extra for packaging and handling.
I always pack my sales in a nice paper + ribbon and normally packages are shipped within 1 to 3 days.
I was wondering: how much extra can I charge for that. Is 1 EUR OK?
What would you think if you receive such a package and sees the shipping cost is 1 EUR less then what you have paid?

[Sidrun111]

I add the cost of packing materials to the item price. I think it looks better.

[Former_Member]

Most people add the shipping materials to the cost. I usually charge a bit more I have an option to hide shipping cost so my buyers never know how much shipping is.

[Former_Member]

Yes, it is ok to charge for your packaging materials. I think most people understand those charges are part of shipping.

[JoArtyJo]

I agree with Kristi, I would add the extra to your item cost. This makes your item more expensive (and to some this makes it seem higher quality), and keeps your shipping lower. Personally I would rather pay more for an item and get cheaper shipping if that makes sense? It's all about the psychology of it really.
:-)

[Former_Member]

I add the cost of all the packaging materials to the shipping cost. Shipping isn't just the cost of postage.

In 2012 I paid over $600 for shipping materials including envelopes, packaging tape, mailing labels, business cards, etc.

If someone purchases from me locally, they don't need all the packaging materials that they do when the items are to be shipped.

When I print my shipping labels, the postage price isn't displayed so unless the customer does some serious digging around, they have no way of finding out what the actual postage rate was.

However, I did have one customer complain about paying $15.00 for shipping a rather large package one time. They went to the USPS site and looked up the postage cost for the size of box (24" x 16" x 6") at the weight that was declared and then asked me why I charged $15 for shipping when the post office only charged me $13.50 for postage.

Once it was explained to them that the cost of the box and packaging was $3.50 they never questioned again.

[Former_Member]

I agree with Joanne that psychology does play a part. I try to not go over 15 dollars for shipping a single item.

But it depends upon the buyer, I've had buyers willing to pay 70-90 dollars for shipping multiple items overseas.

Personally, I am ok with paying for packaging materials and handling.

[PiecesOfMePaperCraft]

I figure packaging into my shipping costs. My labels are printed with the postage cost hidden so I've never had an issue. My shipping fees are right in line with other card sellers.