Comments on: Why I include ‘shipping’ in my on-line prices

By: Blue Forest Jewellery

Blue Forest Jewellery — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:53:29 +0000

Hi,
Great post – made me think about what I should do.

I nominated you for a Sunshine Blog Award – see the details here:
http://blueforestjewellery.blogspot.com/2010/02/sunshine-blog-award.html

By: Jo

Jo — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:44:32 +0000

A very interesting article, thank you for writing and sharing it! My policy is slightly different – I have two flat fees for shipping, £2 for domestic, £4 for overseas, and this is a contribution towards the postage costs as I send everything via Special Delivery, or the overseas equivalent. However orders over £50, no matter where they are sent, are shipped free of charge. It seems to be working well, and customers say that they like knowing that there’s a clear policy.

By: Boo's Jewellery

Boo's Jewellery — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:44:04 +0000

Thanks both, I’m encouraged that I’m not alone in my thinking. I’ve done it this way for a long time and the ease of working sits really comfortably with me – and having one price ticket on a piece that just stands as the price is a no-brainer for me. I periodically check that my sums are still on target, but other than that, I don’t give it much thought from week to week.

I’ve just reviewed it now as I bought some packaging supplies, but I bought more to get a better price, so this has offset increases elsewhere, so nothing needs to change for now.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:27:49 +0000

I do much the same thing with my pricing as well. I agree that costs tend to balance out no matter where I’m selling. I always feel like some people disapprove of that method, but I’m sticking with it. I want to make one set of price tags and stick with it!

By: Tina Mammoser

Tina Mammoser — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:40:48 +0000

Great article Boo. I also include shipping in my larger items for a similar reason – over the years they’ve established a set retail price, but I consider the cost of shipping as a cost of doing business online just as a gallery commission is a cost of doing business with a gallery.

So if anyone asked if there were hidden charges in the inclusive shipping, the answer would be no. Because that is the price of the painting, end of. Any services I decide to include in that price don’t change what the retail price would be either way.

I find those who question it generally don’t have much bricks and mortar store/gallery experience and vastly underestimate the time and expenses of doing the job the sales outlet usually does for you.