Shipping costs

[Former_Member]

Hello All,

Im in a bit of a pickle here, it turns out my new rings ive been making are too big to send as a large letter as i usually do.

I had my rings set at $12 and shipping $3.50...

but shipping is now going to cost me over $10 (to countrys outside australia)

If i raise the price of the rings to $15, and then raise shipping to $5, is that too much... personally i think its too much but i hae always had trouble pricing my items, also theres a few other shops with almost the same items as me and there pricing will be way less than mine (i have no idea why postage costs so much in australia!!!)

And help/suggestions would be amazing as i have no idea what to do!

[Former_Member]

Krystle,

I think increasing your to $15 and your shipping to $5 is a good compromise.
I noticed some shops that have items similar to mine at a cheaper cost. But when I look further I realize it's because of lower craftsmanship or more simple techniques. I think your items are gorgeous and $15 seems more than fair (not expensive at all).
I charge $3.5 for domestic shipping (US) and $5 for international (unless it's an expensive item that I want to add insurance). For me charging U$10 shipping would be a bit much (specially in comparison to a $12 item). But $5 is just perfect.
I just have to say that I love your shop name and you have amazing pictures! I believe that good photography gives your items a higher value as well.
Good luck!
Flavia

[Former_Member]

I agree with raising prices. Usually double digit shipping prices make me cringe--enough to search for another option.

I hope this works for you!

[Former_Member]

Hi Krystle,

I am in the same boat when it comes to shipping from Canada. If I can send it by oversize letter I am fine but if I need a tracking number or if it is more than 1 inch thick I have to send it parcel post. My shipping goes from $3 for an envelope to $15. It's crazy. Not much I can do about it though. I just hope that since customers are looking at handmade items that they might be willing to pay at least as much as they would spend in a department store for a similar product.

[Former_Member]

Flavia & Brittany - Thanks guys, I agree with both of you, i would never pay $10 shipping unless my total purchase was alot higher than $12!!

Brenda - I totally understand, the price difference is so frustrating!

I think i will change them, i will wait a couple of days though as ive already had someone convo me about one of the rings, so i think if she decides to purchase i will take the loss and give it to her for the 12 seeing as she convo'd before i realised my mistake..

[Former_Member]

Krystle,
You could also make the changes and just send her a discount coupon code. This way there won't be a problem of other people contacting you before you change the price. Besides she will probably appreciate your good customer service and fairness of sticking to the original price ;)

[Former_Member]

Very true, good thinking Flavia!
Thanks agiain for your help!

[sherischart]

Shipping has killed me! Krystle that is a good idea.

[Former_Member]

I think it's not a problem to raise the prices..especially for those of us who are in the US. Shipping costs money especially international so customers before they buy, would obviously read your are in Australia and they are paying for what shipping costs. Your items are awesome and people who love them would buy without a problem :)

[Former_Member]

Geez! I'm forever giving wrong postage quotes so finally I set up a basic pricing structure for good or bad.

An example of the type of item you're talking about Krystie would rate like this:

Domestic (Canada and US).
A basic light weight bulky item (under 500 grams) is $6.00 to ship.
International is around 9. Sometimes 12 depending on distance.

Everything goes out surface at these rates.

I print my labels from PayPal because they always give a tracking number for customs.

I've create 5 shipping profiles that somewhat "mimic" my postal rates based on distance, size and weight.

So far these profiles have worked very well give or take a few dollars.