Shipping fees - what's most important to you?

[DeWayne Knight]

I ship USPS all the time.  Delivery Confirmation DOES show regular updates as to the location of the package.  I shipped a call and video yesterday, (intrastate), and this morning when I checked it showed that as of 7:49 AM the package was out for delivery.  When I ship something further, (interstate), the updates typically show each sorting/processing center or post office the package last passed through.

As for your situation Wendell, I would give your customers two options: cheap shipping, (no tracking, no insurance), or 1st Class with delivery confirmation/tracking and insurance.  Let them choose.  Total difference should be right around what you figured; $3.00-$4.00 total.

[Tail Feathers]

If the item is hand made and hard to replace, I'm pretty sure I would pay an extra 3 or 4 bucks for shipping with the added protection. I think a person would be dumb not to.  

This.

[bird]

I ship USPS all the time.  Delivery Confirmation DOES show regular updates as to the location of the package.  I shipped a call and video yesterday, (intrastate), and this morning when I checked it showed that as of 7:49 AM the package was out for delivery.  When I ship something further, (interstate), the updates typically show each sorting/processing center or post office the package last passed through.

It can show it but it isn't required to be scanned at each destination for delivery confirmation. Delivery confirmation only requires 2 scans. Acceptance and Delivery.

[DeWayne Knight]

I ship USPS all the time.  Delivery Confirmation DOES show regular updates as to the location of the package.  I shipped a call and video yesterday, (intrastate), and this morning when I checked it showed that as of 7:49 AM the package was out for delivery.  When I ship something further, (interstate), the updates typically show each sorting/processing center or post office the package last passed through.

It can show it but it isn't required to be scanned at each destination for delivery confirmation. Delivery confirmation only requires 2 scans. Acceptance and Delivery.

I'm guessing you work for the post office...   I'll amend my statement to say in my experience, when I use delivery confirmation it shows the progress.

[bird]

Yes I do.  

[Devastator]

tracking for me.

[Old Gobbler]

let the customer make the choice

USPS = x amount - conformation, insurance extra  - package gets lost =- damaged and they opted out - no call   

UPS= actual shipping charges , use the a.s.a.d. forms and bill it third party using their cc card number - tell them this up front - have a link on your site for a shipping calculator - wash hands of it -

FEDEX = same , shipping calculator -cc number

do not make the mistake of using your own "non- usmail" code for that company with the dark choclate colored trucks .... account # you will get hit with surcharges like address corrections , fuel surcharges , remote, residential ultra rural charges , the list goes on and on , you will get a bill for it , if you don't pay it it goes to billing collections , and they will hound you for it - use the customers cc card and warn them beforehand there may be hidden charges

I see all the time on people who sell on eBay they ship on this particular day{s} lets say Tues or sat after that its got to wait 

[lightsoutcalls]

I see all the time on people who sell on eBay they ship on this particular day{s} lets say Tues or sat after that its got to wait 

   I have given this some thought as well.  I have always tried to get orders out the next day after they were finished. I know that I like to check the mailbox or the front porch for packages, so I have always tried to be as quick as I can be in getting paid orders into the hands of the customer. 

Thanks all for the input. 

[stone road turkey calls]

You know, I would think that you could be a self insurer. charge a $1.50 for each call or package. with the undamaged/damage ratio of about 200 to 1 ( a $300.00 nest egg) you can replace/refund most any claim and come out ahead, even pay yourself to build a replacement call. with the amount of calls you make this would put you in a good cash positive. just thinking

Gary