Shipping

[ATreasureHunt]

So, I have been told that my shipping is high.

I mostly sell jewelry and I ship it with insurance via usps in a Flat rate priority box. I like this system because I feel that the box is a nice size and it protects the items well.
Any ideas?
How can I ship cheaper?

Thanks,
Auna

[Former_Member]

Flat rate boxes are pretty expensive for such small boxes. I've been shipping jewelry for a while now using the padded mailers and a gift box.

[PICFiberArts]

Your shipping looks fine to me. Especially when you add insurance to your price. I am not sure who told you it is expensive. The only other way to go is to put it in a padded envelope which would be less than one of the priority boxes that you get at USPS. If it is in your own box might be cheaper to ship.

[Former_Member]

It does look a trifle high. I ship my jewelry - anything small - in a small jewelry box inside a bubblewrap envelop, first class with delivery confirmation, through paypal 3 oz or under is $1.64. I charge $2 to cover the cost of packaging as well, and no charge for additional items.

There is no reason to ship priority unless the item is over 13 oz. Your items don't look big enough to require a priority size box. As for insurance, that's up to you. I self-insure (meaning I keep a chunk of money from my sales set aside for any mishaps) anything under about $30. Over that I purchase insurance, but I don't charge the customer for it, as I feel it's for my protection, not theirs. Again, that's a personal choice.

[threestonebirds]

I took a quick look at your shop and I'd say $8 shipping for a ring that weighs under an ounce is probably too high for most people. If you're including insurance in the shipping cost, make that clear in the description so people know where their money is going.

I'd suggest mailing your items out first class. Even with insurance, it'll save the customer money and the shipping time is good - about three days or so to make it across country. These flat rate boxes aren't doing you any favors right now.

[Former_Member]

I ship one piece of jewelry in a small gift box and bubble envelope with insurance and tracking for $3-4. I had to raise international shipping because too many thing were getting lost. I still ship fashion earring unregistered. If you ship internationally unregistered you lose a lot of money if that package is "lost". By the time you replace the item and shipping international I was always in the minus column.

[ATreasureHunt]

Thanks a lot! Where do you typically get your bubble mailers and gift boxes and do you include the cost of them in your shipping charges?

[Former_Member]

Hi Auna,

I have purchased bubble mailers online from Amazon and in local stores depending on where I can get the best price. They usually cost me around 50 cents each, and then I also get jewelry gift boxes from a local craft shop that cost me about another 50 cents each. I charge my customers $3 for the first piece of jewelry they buy from me for shipping and $1 for each additional piece, so I probably break even or lose a few cents on shipping (I also use ribbon and thank you notes), but I think it makes for a really nice package. I know people appreciate the low shipping cost as well and first class usually only takes 2-3 days to arrive, so it is just as fast as priority. If you want to take a look at one of my listings you can see the packaging I use and my shipping prices. Best of luck to you!

-Tara

[threestonebirds]

Personally, I get my bubble mailers from Eco Enclose but they're a little pricey (I like the eco-friendly idea behind them so I'm willing to pay more). A lot of people go for Uline or Royal Mailers, both of which I'm pretty sure also sell boxes. You can check out PaperMart as well.

I include some cost for each mailer and box in the shipping costs, though I can't remember how much off the top of my head. The money I have left over from paying postage goes into a shipping fund and that's what I use when I need to restock.

[Former_Member]

I don't sell jewelry, but I do get my shipping supplies from www.papermart.com - they have wonderful jewelry boxes and mailers of all kinds. Cheapest I've found and great service.