Shipping....

[Former_Member]

I have had a hard time deciding on how to price my shipping.... I usually make it $3.50 to ship locally but $5.00 to ship anywhere else. Is this a good price? How much do you charge?

What is a good price to charge with another item?

Thanks

[Former_Member]

it depends on what you're shipping. all my items are basically the same size. since i knew i would send through the post office, before i opened, i brought a "sample" to the post office. i got an estimate for u.s. and international. that's how i decided.

[Former_Member]

It depends if you plan to print your own labels, or you plan to go to the post office? If you print your labels it's wise to account for paper and ink too. I know for my shipments which are 2-4 ounces, it's between 1.60 to 2.00, then I account for ink, paper, tissue paper, envelopes... International shipping, I learned the hard way the other day that when I have time I should really individualize countries. I shipped something to Sweden and the customer paid $4 for shipping and the real cost was over $6 dollars... so I had to eat the cost of that...

[Former_Member]

Your shipping prices are very similar to what mine are. So, they seem good to me. :)

[GoTo]

To set accurate rates you need know the weight of what you are shipping--getting a scale for home it's a great tool for both setting rates when listing & for printing labels, and it's a business write-off on your taxes.

Once you have your weights, setting International First Class rates is easy--see the "Getting a Handle on International Shipping" blog post linked to from the start of this thread:

~~Shipping Basics~~
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/business-topics/discuss/6382394


There's also help for International First Class labels, insurance and much more. :)

[Becorations]

Last day for INTERNTAIONAL FREE SHIPPING

just use code: TWITTER100

Becorations : handmade recycled decorations and jewllery
https://www.etsy.com/listing/78303970/recycled-green-button-necklace-bib-with

https://www.etsy.com/listing/97391315/recycled-guitar-string-heart-decoration

https://www.etsy.com/listing/101450686/large-recycled-flower-brooch-upcycled
https://www.etsy.com/listing/78361402/recycled-yellow-button-art-wooden

https://www.etsy.com/listing/101449250/upcycled-denim-cuff-textile-bracelet

Come and follow on Twitter: @Becorations
or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/becorations

code is TWEET100 for free shipping, TODAY'S THE LAST DAY!

[GoTo]

Becorations--spamming a non-promotional thread is uncool.

[Former_Member]

Your shipping cost will vary depending on the weight and size of your item, but should always take into account your packaging, boxes, ribbons, tissue, insurance, etc. Investing in a scale is wonderful but there will be many times when you receive a "mutiple sell" and /or a customer who request expedited shipping. I'm a big fan of "delivery confirmation," after getting burned during the holiday season!! Give yourself a little "breathing room." :D

[Former_Member]

Since my products are fairly consistent in size, I decided from the beginning to use flat rate priority Mail.
This allows me to combine multiple items, regardless of weight, as long as they fit in the box.
It also eliminated the headache of constantly having to recalculate shipping costs, both for myself and my customers.

Plus all the shipping Boxes are free from the post office and they will even deliver them to you free of charge.
They will also pick up the packages from your house.
Delivery notification is also included in the price.
The same package is slightly cheaper if you print your own shipping labels on line, to make up for the cost of printing your own Labels.

Besides, my customers have told me that they like the fact that their package arrives labelled "Priority Mail". And that the dellivery time is very fast. (2 to3 days, although to many destinations within the US it is almost like overnight Mail.

All in all, It has been a very satisfying arrangement.

ADK