Shock pricing for the simplest items.

**mattmacman** · 01-09-2012, 12:44

Could it be to do with USPS going broke?

**bindibadgi** · 01-09-2012, 15:58

I went through the same thing. I wanted some Dutch gear, only found it in one store, saw $30 postage and got a bit of shock (for something that would fit in a standard envelope), posted asking if there was anywhere else to get it because I thought the $30 postage was steep.

Next thing I know, not only did Dutch offer to ship me the item for free (thanks again Dutch!), but the other vendor posted as well saying that their postage calculator doesn't really handle the small items well, and they would be willing to ship it for a very small (and entirely reasonable) fee.

Great people all around, we got here!

**oldgringo** · 01-09-2012, 17:21

Nobody is getting rich...

**default** · 01-09-2012, 17:49

boy, and here i was all ready to launch into a "Dutch is the man, how dare you!!!" post, and i read all this! good to hear.

i too have had some funny numbers come up with shipping, as i do a lot of part buying for bikes i work on. most of the time its a set formula that doesnt always work in the buyers interests because it puts things into generic shipping categories.

once i have some spare money, im going to be trading it to Dutch for some tarp rigging. I had to sell my old tarp when money got tight, and was able to pick up a Big Daddy from WL that I havent been able to put up yet due to lack of string and little metal bits...

**opie** · 01-09-2012, 18:23

Originally Posted by oldgringo

Nobody is getting rich...

Yup.

USPS is the cheapest option for international shipping. With the cheapest being first class. The issue there is VERY limited tracking information and first class stuff is usually pretty small. Going across the ocean and small parcels tend to lead to undelivered/lost items.

Next up is Priority International. Small boxes go for $17 something just about anywhere, IIRC. Next up is a medium sized box which I believe goes between $28 and $34 depending on where its going in the world. Large size boxes go for $48 - $55, again depending on where its going.

Its difficult for the small cottage guys to get international shipping AND domestic shipping set-up using inexpensive website templates/software. Best bet is to contact the owner and see about getting actual shipping quotes.

**te-wa** · 01-09-2012, 18:27

i ship to Australia, by listing the item under the radar, customs wont bother to investigate and shipping stays reasonable. a 2 lb top quilt will ship for $20
i cannot stand it when stuff costs more than it is worth..

**2Questions** · 01-09-2012, 18:47

When shipping USPS International shipping...small companies like ours, Dutch's, etc. can't print out a First class shipping lable online using Click n Ship or PayPal shipping. We must go to the post office in person and fill out a customs form to ship. We are more than happy to do so. When shipping cost is determined by a program on a company's website...that price is for USPS Priority International which will allow customs forms to be filled out online. Anything small and light will be charged a much higher price. Anytime you are dealing with a small company or cottage industry...contact directly if the price seems outragious! Thanks! ZQ

**Browny** · 01-09-2012, 18:57

As per usual, HF delivers ( if you'll pardon the pun )

Generally, in my experience, getting stuff shipped to downundia is costly and takes that bit longer to arrive. The price you pay to live in the wonderful west of Oz.

Another option is to put up a post and organize a mini group buy to your locale and split shipping between a few of you. ( For the record, I would have been in for a few bits of Dutch goodness)

**Bubba** · 01-09-2012, 20:24

Its already been mentioned about contacting the vendor. From personal experience, a vendor has simply issued a partial refund after I sent payment. It was just the way their site was set up.

**gunner76** · 01-09-2012, 20:58

I have run a mail order nursery for aquatic plants and shipping has always been the biggest pain. I use to charge a high flat rate for shipping plants but after reveiwing what to cost to ship the plans vrs what I was charging the customer I decided it would be fairer to the customer to charge the actual shipping cost plus a $2.50 boxing fee as it takes a lot of work to package live aquatic plants.

I received more complaints when I charged the customer less to ship than when I charged more. Go figure.

Also I would not ship overseas due the high shipping costs and customs paperwork.