Shipping woes

[JRMWoodworking]

Hi team! My biggest challenge is shipping charges. I really like how Etsy has changed the shipping to calculated now, but still seem to come up short a lot on what I charge. I have high shipping figured on my site but i feel that may keep some from buying. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

Your shipping does look a bit high, but than again, looks like your shipping heavy items, so that might be why.

Are you weighing everything correctly? When I weigh my items, I weigh the item, plus box, and anything else that might go in it (like tissue paper, buisness card, etc) than I round up to the next ounce.

Plus, I never use the calculated shipping opition. I find it too confusing. What I do is under the "Shipping Costs" section, there's a "Look up shipping costs." I use that option. Whenever I do it that way, those prices are usually pretty spot on.

Also, do you use Etsy's shipping when you send your product out? They do give discounts if you buy shipping from them. And its easier than going to the post office. For my products, I usually use the UPS 2-5 day option (not priority), and than I get insurance. Thats the most economical for me to ship.

I hope this helps!

[HildaLea]

Hey John,

Your items are so rustic and unique -- I had fun looking around your shop!

My advice would be to sometimes add more to the price of the actual item and then lower shipping. I know that seems kind of silly since it is the same amount either way, but as a buyer myself, I hate when I get mentally prepared to pay "X" amount for an item and then shipping adds a LOT more onto that price.

For example, on your rustic cake stand (so cool!):
https://www.etsy.com/listing/209394245/rustic-cake-stand?ref=related-2

The item itself is $120 and then shipping is $75. Your shipping makes the product over 50% more expensive, which is a lot! Someone who is prepared to pay $120 might *not* be as prepared to pay nearly $200.

If you made the item itself $150 (or $175) and had shipping as $45 (or $20), I think the shipping cost would be less of a dealbreaker for a potential buyer. Because if you want something bad enough to pay $175, you're not going to be turned off by 20 more.

Just my advice! Play around with it and figure out what works best for bringing in buyers.

Good luck!

[JRMWoodworking]

Thank you Bee and Nikki for the advice and nice words about my shop. . That's exactly what I was looking for!!!