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Busdepot
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2004
Posts: 1359
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 Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 7:30 pm Post subject: |
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In the end what matters is total delivered cost for like items. Free shipping is of course a gimmick. Shipping costs the retailer a lot and if they really made it free without building it into the price somehow they'd go out of business. I always advise comparing final delivered cost on "apples to apples" items, regardless of alleged sales, discounts, etc.
Getting shipping costs right, from the standpoint of a small retailer, is incredibly difficult. The carriers charge not only by weight but also by dimensions. If someone buys two long thin items they can be combined into one long thin box and shipped relatively cheaply. But if he buys one long thin item and one cube shaped one, the box has to be several times larger to fit them both (or two packages must be sent, even costlier), which jacks the shipping cost way up. Algorithms that can accurately predict this sort of thing (especially if 5 or 10 items are involved and some have special packing requirements) are way beyond the financial reach of smaller retailers like us and others on the Samba. As a result shipping charges are at best an approximation. Sometimes we make a little sometimes we lose a little, but overall (speaking for the Bus Depot) our goal is to break even on average, not make or lose money on shipping. Sometimes the shopping cart is way, way off and we either have to requote (i.e. on large or heavy items. or remote or international addresses) or other times manually reduce the charge when we process the order. If your website shipping charge seems way too high (which sometimes happens, often on very lightweight items or to international or remote destinations), feel free to email Fred at [email protected] and he can check it and requote you. (However we do have a $4.95 minimum to offset the high cost of processing orders for $3 worth of parts that we only make 50 cents on.)
Our answer to "free shipping" is to offer a percentage discount on larger orders, which largely offsets your shipping cost. For most customers it's 5% off orders over $500, but active Samba members (12+ posts over 3 months or more) get the discount at only $50 instead of $500. At $1000 the discount doubles to 10%. (if you're ready to place an order PM me for the codes - don't post them here!) Both have some exclusions (most notably sale items, special order or made to order items, tires/wheels, and engines/transmissions). The advantage of this scheme is everyone gets the same discount whether you live in the next state over or in Canada or Europe.
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- Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot
www.busdepot.com |
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mark tucker
Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2009
Posts: 23945
Location: SHALIMAR ,FLORIDA
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| Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 9:15 am Post subject: |
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| irvanm wrote: |
| The ones I hate the most are the places that base shipping cost on the amount spent. |
Some of those are a great deal compared to some others and what you are buying. I take into account what where and when and whoo. Most of the time I deal with just a few venders.they have what I want and the quality I want.and cant get any where else.so....you have to pay top play. I was screwed badly by a vw company in socal  on shipping long ago.they have lost out on thousands of $$$$ due to it.
it's reedickulass to screw somebopdy over shipping. add $1.25 per order ansd if that guy can pick, throw in a box 15-20-25 orders a hour he can make some good $$ for almost brainless task..... |
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67jason
Samba Member
Joined: August 28, 2005
Posts: 4741
Location: behind my back feet - Pittsburg CA
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| Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 9:22 pm Post subject: |
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personally reasonable shipping costs and reasonable shipping time are not that important to me. I care more about the reputation of the vendor and the quality of parts that im buying. only suckers get hooked into "free shipping" on china bling crap parts.
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67 bug x3
67 ghia
64 bug |
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my59
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2003
Posts: 4007
Location: connecting the dots
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| Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 4:26 pm Post subject: |
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I expect to pay for shipping and will want options for delivery speed. I will compare that with prices in the local shop which is usually more expensive but it is right in front of you. Often I have run into Internet item is 50 plus shipping of 20 and local is 60 and I drive 1.5 hrs round trip to get it. Lots of times I will make the drive in the bug or bus cause its pure pleasure of an excuse...but this is hobby car stuff, not something I must have for a paying customer.
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my59: Well son, my grandfather died before I got to drive it, so does that answer your question?
our79: sunroof bus w/camper interior and 2.0 FI
Other:'12 Jetta, '77 Benz 300D, and a 74 MG Midget. |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32988
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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jspbtown
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2004
Posts: 5258
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| Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 9:32 am Post subject: |
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| Personally, I feel that “free shipping” is a hook for gullible fish. Ain’t nothing free. |
I don't know about that....
I often price shop on Amazon (and lots of other places) and find that many things are the same price or most of the time lower than I can get wither locally or from places that charge shipping. |
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hitest
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2008
Posts: 10327
Location: Prime Meridian, ID
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| Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 6:42 pm Post subject: |
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Egg zactly.
_________________
| EverettB wrote: |
I wonder what the nut looks like.
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'62 L390 151, '62 L469 117, '63 L380 113, '64 L87 311, '65 L512 265, '65 L31 SO-42, '66 L360 251, '68 L30k 141, '71 L12 113, '74 ORG 181
FU#5 |
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Air-Cooled Head
Samba Member
Joined: October 15, 2002
Posts: 4070
Location: Chicago Suburbs
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| Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2015 12:08 pm Post subject: |
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Personally, I feel that “free shipping” is a hook for gullible fish. Ain’t nothing free.
I say, study every aspect and detail of the MAM model. Then make sure you don’t do any of that.
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Everything known to man has been written.
Readers are Leaders! |
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EverettB 
Administrator
Joined: April 11, 2000
Posts: 71853
Location: Phoenix 602
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| Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2015 9:10 am Post subject: |
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| Split 1 wrote: |
Shops obviously include the shipping cost in the parts when they offer "Free Shipping"
So then someone like me, overseas, ends up paying for the shipping anyway and extra for the parts as they were inflated to include shipping?
If you get what I mean |
This is possible...
In the classifieds here I often sell stuff like "$20 shipped".
This is for the USA only.
For foreign buyers I figure out the shipping and remove whatever I guessed for USA shipping so it's not $20 + $10 shipping for a total of $30, it's more like $25 total.
_________________
How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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Split 1
Samba Member
Joined: May 03, 2005
Posts: 764
Location: Adelaide. South australia
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| Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2015 2:45 am Post subject: |
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Shops obviously include the shipping cost in the parts when they offer "Free Shipping"
So then someone like me, overseas, ends up paying for the shipping anyway and extra for the parts as they were inflated to include shipping?
If you get what I mean
Dave |
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Malokin Martin
Samba Member
Joined: August 19, 2007
Posts: 3308
Location: E-burg
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| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2015 9:57 pm Post subject: |
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| OB Bus wrote: |
| Offering free shipping or selling parts with shipping already factored in can save a lot of time for the buyer and the seller. The buyer does not have to ask how much shipping is. The seller does not have to recompute shipping for every ZIP Code and answer a bunch of emails asking about shipping costs. |
This. In a box, on my doorstep.
Bonus Round: The tax magically rounding up to even dollar amounts.
And please people, don't be cheap with the PayPal percentage. Just have it figured in as above. It's kind of sad when you ask for it. |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 17926
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2015 7:34 pm Post subject: |
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when I order something, I usually need it FAST. my situation differs a lot from casual buyers, as I need to get someone back on the road quickly.
that said, shipping is what it is...if a company eats shipping, they will be out of business quickly. it costs money for boxes, bubble wrap, tape, postage and labor...sorry folks.
either that or a 30.00 part would be 45 with "free shipping"....if it cost them 5 to ship it, yay for them but it will cost them 20 to ship that part somewhere else...
free shipping is a loss leader for these guys just like an oil change for a garage (not iffy lube type joints, but real shops)
the reality is the internet, amazon and the Wal-Mart mentality have eroded the brick and mortar stores almost out of existence due to the "I can get it cheaper on the internetz" mentality.
I say give me options, give me speed and quality and charge me accordingly.
fast
cheap
correct
pick two
_________________
| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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OB Bus
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2003
Posts: 2784
Location: Ocean Beach - San Diego
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| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2015 10:42 am Post subject: |
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Offering free shipping or selling parts with shipping already factored in can save a lot of time for the buyer and the seller. The buyer does not have to ask how much shipping is. The seller does not have to recompute shipping for every ZIP Code and answer a bunch of emails asking about shipping costs.
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Larry in OB
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
69 Westfalia and 2002 Eurovan Camper.
People deserve the Government they voted for. |
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irvanm
Samba Member
Joined: January 09, 2008
Posts: 617
Location: Lawrence, Kansas
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| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2015 10:12 am Post subject: |
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| The ones I hate the most are the places that base shipping cost on the amount spent. |
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Enkiel
Samba Member
Joined: October 21, 2004
Posts: 2771
Location: Quebec, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2015 10:08 am Post subject: |
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Personally, i think free shipping is more interesting. Maybe because i don't really care to order from somewhere else to save 5$ on an item. But i do take notice of a company charging me 50$ to ship 200$...
there's a few thing more important imho ;
- the quality
- the availability (out of stock stuff)
- the range available (I'd rather pay more to get everything from the same place)
- custom fee (being canadian, if i could, i'd always order from canada... i'm sure its the same with US customer) |
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*Darren
Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2013
Posts: 917
Location: MD
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| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2015 9:50 am Post subject: |
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| jspbtown wrote: |
I don't think its a free shipping vs pay for shipping issue as much as it is a gouging for shipping issue.
I always comparison shop (sorry...my money is important to me) and nothing turns me off more then getting to the shipping screen and having an insane amount come up on the page.
Its a instant turn off and ensures I don't go back. |
X2 |
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jspbtown
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2004
Posts: 5258
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| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2015 8:11 am Post subject: |
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I don't think its a free shipping vs pay for shipping issue as much as it is a gouging for shipping issue.
I always comparison shop (sorry...my money is important to me) and nothing turns me off more then getting to the shipping screen and having an insane amount come up on the page.
Its a instant turn off and ensures I don't go back. |
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hitest
Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2008
Posts: 10327
Location: Prime Meridian, ID
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| Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2015 9:19 pm Post subject: |
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A hinging question: Do you also sell over the counter?
If the answer is yes, and you charge the same price for a part, what is the incentive for a customer to drive to your store?
If the answer is no and you are shipped order only- your profit margins have to be calculated on your most volatile inventory to offer free shipping. In this case, I'd expect to have shipping costs rolled in to every part I order from you. I'd then as a consumer expect that I'm paying a little more for every part, and shipping markup based on a distance far greater than just 3 states away. If a generator for instance costs $10 more than any other store in Socal, will the word spread faster because of cost or a shipping counterbalance?
I personally like knowing that I "control" the shipping fees I pay. I know I'm paying less than a guy in Connecticut, and am only 3 days from you. What good is free shipping when, after you've made price adjustments with your competitors, there is so little profit left in a sale other cuts at work are needed?
I'll never forget a phrase a former boss had found and printed on the back of his business cards from the mid 90s (something close to): "The sting of poor quality is felt long after the sweet taste of a good deal is forgotten." It can be applied to having to offer cheap parts in the interest of maintaining profit margins conducive to free shipping.
_________________
| EverettB wrote: |
I wonder what the nut looks like.
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'62 L390 151, '62 L469 117, '63 L380 113, '64 L87 311, '65 L512 265, '65 L31 SO-42, '66 L360 251, '68 L30k 141, '71 L12 113, '74 ORG 181
FU#5 |
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vwracerdave
Samba Member
Joined: November 11, 2004
Posts: 15604
Location: Deep in the 405
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| Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2015 8:07 pm Post subject: |
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I would like to see all mail order companies offer a choice of shipping options. Sometimes I don't mind waiting an extra few day for economy shipping to help save a few dollars. Other times I need next day or 2 day priority shipping so I can get my race car fixed before the next race.
I also feel it is absolutely chickenshit for any business to overcharge for shipping to add to their profit margins.
Aircooled.net only charges you actual shipping cost. CB always over charges for shipping.
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2017 Street Comp Champion - Thunder Valley Raceway Park - Noble, OK
2010 Sportsman ET Champion - Mid-America Dragway - Arkansas City, KS
1997 Sportsman ET Champion - Thunder Valley Raceway Park - Noble ,OK |
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e&m_ghia
Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2011
Posts: 418
Location: NoVA
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| Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2015 7:32 pm Post subject: |
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"Free shipping", to me, is one of the ways of telling I might not have to go through the hassle of putting together an order without knowing the shipping charge - just to find out how I'm going to get socked when I check out… Then canceling the order, and starting over somewhere else.
Places should at least be up-front about their shipping/handling policies - e.g. through an easily accessible page on the website. It's gotten to the point that I won't even start to put an order in, if I have to start through the check-out process before I know what I'm being charged.
Mostly, we order from places where we know what we're buying, and know that we'll get it in a reasonable length of time & reasonable (total) cost. Most of those places (beside Amazon) charge for shipping/handling. That means that we're more often "repeat customers" than we are "new customers". |
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