Handling is Different Than Shipping

Postage is often a forgotten expense. It needs to be added in your budget or else the amount will ruin the bottom line. The U.S. Post office is trying to help by offering a flat rate deal. They have flat rate boxes and flat rate envelopes. If it fits, it ship anywhere for $4.95. The best deal is still a free deal. Many on line deals and stores offer free shipping. Be careful and make sure you read all the fine print. Free shipping does not mean free handling. Some companies still try to make a few bucks by charging outrageous handling fees.

There is a website called free shipping. I continue to be amazed at the stuff you can find on the Internet. www.freeshipping.org/ is a wonderful site with more than just free shipping. The sites start off with a list of names like: Land’s End, Target, Victoria Secrets, etc. You click on the name of the company you have purchased from and you will receive a code number that you put on the order form and shipping is free. The site has over 2,000 stores and outlets.

An E-commerce shipping practices survey report:

66 % who require a minimum order to qualify for free shipping set the bar at $50.00

82% if e-retailers use 3 to 5 day delivery service for free shipping offers.

26% chose discounted shipping as an effective tool to drive sales.

In 2007, Luke Knowles and his wife created a free shipping day. This is one day that online merchants offer free shipping and delivery no matter how much the order. Luke stated, “We have reached a point where consumers are expecting free shipping when they shop online, but in many cases it is offered when you purchase a certain amount, such as $50 or $100. To make FREE SHIPPING DAY™ even more unique, we are encouraging retailers to offer free shipping on all orders.” The next free shipping day will be Friday, December 16, 2011.

Red Roller is another site that offers information on shipping. It is useful for people selling on e-Bay. The location is at www.uship.com/uk/ the site will give you a cost to ship different items from point a to b. The seller gets a quote from four different couriers. You pick items from categories like, household goods, moving, pets, furniture etc. The site will then give you the exact cost it will charge to ship.

Some sellers make their profit on the handling fee. I mentioned this before, but it is easy to get caught in the trap. They advertise free shipping and sneak the handling fee on the final bill, you pay and they win. Shipping is usually the same price, because the weight doesn’t change. The handling is at the discretion of the seller.