Shipping can either be handled by the United States Postal Service or UPS or another one of the several package shipping services that are available. In many regions the shipping choice will depend on the ease at which a shipping company can be found and process the packages. While UPS and Federal Express may be available for use in most areas with little difficulty, The Postal Service would have to be the easiest to arrange delivery of the items.

It is the issue of shipping rates that cause the most concern. Many companies tend to use set fees which can easily be entered into a computer. This may save time processing an order but it will not automatically provide the customer with the most cost effective rates. The shipping companies tend to use a weight and distance price chart. However there may also be a delivery time consideration. Some companies also charge for item pick ups. Other companies charge different rates if the item is to be delivered to a residence as opposed to a commercial location. All of these factors must be considered and reviewed by the company. Taking the time to select the best shipping method and rates is one of those considerate customer service actions that can improve your reputation.

The following is some comments based the use of the United Postal Service’s Global Priority method. Of course my comments are for USA to Europe and a few countries such s Italy is not part of it.

A Global Priority Box (free) provided by the post office, can be shipped anywhere for only $9.00 if the package weighs less than a pound. If it is between 1 and 2 pounds the price is $12-$14 for most countries. For the flat rate packet, the rate is $9.00 anywhere for up to four pounds. (For example: It can hold up to 4 Osprey books without a problem)

I once had 6 pounds of Osprey shipped to a customer in Australia. Two Global Priority packets were $18.00 but a single slow boat surface rate would have been over $30.00

Why are options rare on some sites? In my opinion it is partly due to customers wanting fancy shopping cart on websites and these options MAY make it more difficult to put on the computer. They would actually have to do some hands own work which in their view costs more in labor.

Honestly I do not know. When I go to the post office I have them hit a number of buttons on various options to see what is the best. For example, I just tried the Osprey books in a new way. The Campaign weighs too much but Men At arms can be sent just as fast in the USA via first rate rather than priority. It seems that the cutoff is 12 ounces for the 1st class being better than priority rate. But of course the priority packet is free and the regular packet cost about 90 cents so you do not save that much. But at least I spend the time willing to try and find out.

Many customers question shipping and handling charges. The non-postage rate costs can add up over time. Things such as peanuts, bubble wrap, strapping tape, labels, packets and boxes all cost the shipper money. The idea that these costs should be ignored as ‘the cost of doing business’ sounds fine for the customer who may deal with it on a monthly or weekly basis. However a store that ships on a daily basis has to look at the costs as a real profit eater. All of these, costs the shipper money which is rarely considered by the customer.

On the other hand I have seen several companies charge an excessive amount for ‘handling. I know of one store that adds in a quarter to every box as a charge to pay for his gas to and from the post office. When determining shipping costs, the non-postal rate charges should be less when using priority shipping. As with Global priority, the Post office will provide FREE boxes, packets, labels and even strapping tape. I have seen the costs of these ‘free items also passed on to the customer. Sometimes a store should make a special effort to reduce shipping costs rather than relying on a set fee from a chart.

Hobby Business: Discussion of Considerations/Issues by Topic

Shipping Considerations
Finances: Accounting and Budget Preparations
The Initial or Expansion Bank Loans
Pricing Methods
Marketing and Advertising
Selecting the Best Site For Non-retail Companies
Glossary