minimum orders

[pixiestrinkets]

I sell to anywhere in the world right now, and I appreciate my foreign customers, but occasionally I get orders where the shipping costs more than the item. All of my orders outside the US have to go to the post office as opposed to being mailed from my home. I don't mind doing this, but I am having a difficult time justifying the extra time and money spent on driving to the post office for an order that brings in a very small profit. I've seen other shops set minimum orders, and I was thinking about setting a minimum of $5.00 for international orders.

Just curious how other shop owners handle this. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!

[Former_Member]

At this point, with only 12 sales, I would appreciate any order, and most of my items are over $10 anyway. I am phasing out my smaller items, not renewing as they expire, so that won't be an issue.

[MyDistinctDesigns]

I have also seen alot of shops with minimums. Would such a low ($5.00) minimum help that much? Your prices seem very low. Perhaps it would help to offset the cost by adjusting them or adjusting your shipping price. Your shop looks great by the way.

[Former_Member]

Are you charging appropriately for shipping? If you are, getting your name out there and moving some product should make the effort of shipping worth it. If not, maybe you need to look at your prices and shipping costs.

[Former_Member]

I believe etsy does not allow a minimum order requirement but i could be wrong. Why don't you state that you will only ship on xyz day for international?

I'm fairly new and I've had a few international orders and I usually ship within 2 business days and it's only a 5 min drive. Your shipping cost should include that amount. If not keep track of your gas mileage and gas purchase for tax season. It's tax deductible for business. =)

[Former_Member]

I think your answer might be to raise your prices! Your items are beauitful, and you're obviously selling well, so I think you deserve you jack those up a bit :)

[Former_Member]

Why not raise your shipping prices? I always take into account the cost of gas, paper + ink, packaging, etc, when pricing my items. I still try to keep it as low as possible, but I couldn't possibly charge less for international because the rates went up in January quite a bit! Some places it's $3 even, others it's almost $5! (Not including the costs of anything else).

[Former_Member]

It's against etsy TOUs to have minimum order limits. So you can't do it. You should charge more for shipping or for the item.

[pixiestrinkets]

Thanks everyone for the great advice!! I'll definitely be making some changes :-)