How Do You All Handle Shipping?

[SooperJake]

Method, cost to customer, tiered charges? Free? One fixed price?

I hadn't shipped anything priority mail in a while and it has gotten kind of expensive for the flat rate boxes I see.

Looking for input. I would like to hear from anyone that uses any of the major options like USPS, UPS, FedEx, or any company for that matter.

[particle]

I exclusively use USPS Priority Mail. The boxes are free, the mail driver picks them up from my front porch (if I schedule a pick up), and it's really not that expensive. I usually charge whatever the retail price is on the USPS website. Most of my stuff goes in the medium sized box for $12.35. If it'll fit in the small box, we'll refund a few bucks and charge the customer $5.80. The only shipping cost complaints I've ever gotten have been from international customers - it's insanely expensive to ship internationally.

[dirtclod]

I use USPS 1092 and 1097 boxes for 99% of what i mail. The 1092 and 1097 you have to weigh. I'm not into to ripping customers off on using flat rate boxes when i can use the others and save them money. The flat rate boxes have their place and i do use them for a big order again to save the customer money. I hate getting ripped when somebody else uses flat rate when they could use a regular box for 2 to 3 dollars cheaper. Guess it boils down to do you like or care about your customer enough to make the choice between what cost less for them.

Edited March 22, 2013 by dirtclod

[bruce johnson]

I ship mostly with Priority Mail as well. I use a lot of recycled packing materials to cut costs. I use UPS for the heavy stuff, I have had a good experience with their insurance for one damaged item. I also use UPS for shipping to a "moving target". I ship some to guys that are traveling. If they aren't where they thought they'd be, I can go on-line and do a re-direct to get it to them without it having to come back to me first to resend. My internationals are all through the mail. I give them the options of Express Mail, regular Priority Mail, and flat rate Priority Mail. The small flat rate boxes aren't tracked once they leave the US. Express Mail usually isn't much more than regular Priority and gets there a lot faster usually.

[cowboy bowhunter]

I like usps. I get padded envelopes and use them to ship. It isnt bad prices Ups is way more expensive.

[ChaChi]

I use only USPS Priority Mail. I sometimes use their free packaging but normally use my own boxes with their tape and labeling (free also BTW) for WAY cheaper than the flat rate boxes. Our items typically don't weigh much, so the postage for actual weight in your own box is considerably less. And you still get all the Priority Mail perks like 2 day the guarantee, etc.

[Chief31794]

I ship USPS Priority Mail in the flat rate boxes, I charge the rate for the mail, plus ~$1.50 for materials and handling (labor spent packing boxes costs money as well). I wrap all my straps, wallets, etc, in tissure paper, then use bubble wrap to protect it. I also round, small box is $5.35 I charge 6.95 to cover additional costs, etc.

Chief

Edited March 22, 2013 by Chief31794

[Cyberthrasher]

I use flat-rate for all my shipping. It's a little more expensive, but it's quicker and easier for me too. If I had to take a bunch of time to round up boxes, get the right shipping for the package and weight figured out, etc..., I'd have to charge a handling fee. Since the box is provided, I can just pack it up, print my label, and get on with it. But, I am a little weird with the fact that I don't charge my customers for the insurance on the package. I just charge them the actual shipping rate and I handle the insurance.

[Eaglestroker]

I only ship Fed Ex and have a label PC. Small packages run around $8, large boxes/rigs/gun belts can run up to $15. I take a lot of care in the presentation of my packaging so that opening it is like opening a well wrapped present. I ask a flat $8 for single items unless it's something very small and then it goes into a bubble mailer. I have strongly considered adding shipping into the price, and reducing the price accordingly on multi-piece items.

Dirtclod put it like if you want to save your customer money you go the extra mile. The dollar amount isn't the issue for me - I care about my customer picking up the package itself and knowing right then I take pride in my work. I hate spending $400 on a blue gun order and it showing up in a USPS box that's falling apart. So why would I send the same thing to someone else?

[Ferg]

We ship about 25,000 to 30,000 pieces each year now. USPS First Class and Priority mail. Seldom use UPS although we have had a account with them for years, never use FedEx anymore.

In a years time we probably do not get more than a dozen damaged packages.

International mail to Canada only.

ferg