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Main
Date: 29 Aug 2006 10:28:40
From: Ben Pfaff
Subject: why such a rip-off on shipping?
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I've been trying to buy a Park Tools FR-2 freewheel remover
on-line for a couple of days, because none of the local bike
shops have one. These things are the size of a socket for a
wrench and weigh, according to the Park Tools website, 2.7 oz.
According to the Postal Service, they can therefore be shipped in
an envelope, first class for $1.00 (including their "not
machinable" $.13 charge), or priority mail for about $4.
So why does every online retailer want $6-$8 for shipping?
Complete rip-off.
--
Ben Pfaff
email: blp@cs.stanford.edu
web: http://benpfaff.org
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Date: 29 Aug 2006 19:17:58
From: Kenny
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
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Ben Pfaff wrote:
> I've been trying to buy a Park Tools FR-2 freewheel remover
> on-line for a couple of days, because none of the local bike
> shops have one. These things are the size of a socket for a
> wrench and weigh, according to the Park Tools website, 2.7 oz.
> According to the Postal Service, they can therefore be shipped in
> an envelope, first class for $1.00 (including their "not
> machinable" $.13 charge), or priority mail for about $4.
>
> So why does every online retailer want $6-$8 for shipping?
> Complete rip-off.
>
> --
> Ben Pfaff
> email: blp@cs.stanford.edu
> web: http://benpfaff.org
I once bought a Compact Flash card from Amazon.com. The shipping was as
I remember 5 bucks. It came in a box the size of a shoe box stuffed
with adverts and shipping filler. Try buying carbon spacers for your
fork from Nashbar, Performance or any semi-big online retailer and I
bet it'll come in a box stuffed with their adverts. Of course the cost
of sending you the unwanted adverts comes out of your pocket. This is
one of my reasons for making my purchases from the UK. UK shops usually
ship at cost.
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Date: 29 Aug 2006 16:03:31
From: Ben Pfaff
Subject: I was wrong (was: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?)
|
Ben Pfaff <blp@cs.stanford.edu > writes:
[small 2.7 oz part]
> So why does every online retailer want $6-$8 for shipping?
> Complete rip-off.
I owe the mail-order bike stores of the world an apology. My
shipping confirmation email said, in part:
The FR-2 shipped today via US Mail (Cheaper than UPS for a
part this size) and the total charged to your Discover was
$7.06.
The price for the FR-2 itself was $5.95, so the $1.11 paid for
shipping is about what I calculated it really should cost.
--
Ben Pfaff
email: blp@cs.stanford.edu
web: http://benpfaff.org
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Date: 29 Aug 2006 21:08:23
From: Ben Pfaff
Subject: Re: I was wrong
|
"Mike Jacoubowsky" <mikej1@ix.netcom.com > writes:
> Ben: For what it's worth, it's an item that we order on-demand from one of
> our suppliers (Trek, in this case) and sells for $6.95. A bit higher than
> the mail-order houses, but no shipping as long as it's part of a normal
> order (but of course you have to add sales tax). Lead time would be 4-5
> days, depending upon what day of the week.
Mike, I actually stopped in at your Redwood City store last week
to try to buy an FR-2, not realizing that it was such a rare
item. The way I understood what you guys told me, it was such an
oddity that I would *have* to order it online. Obviously, I
misunderstood. I should have asked about ordering one for
pick-up while I was there, but it didn't occur to me and your
staff didn't suggest it. In the future, I'll definitely do that
instead; I prefer to buy local.
> It's an "on-demand" item because it's a *Suntour* freewheel tool.
> Specifically a 2-prong Suntour freewheel tool, and 2-prong Suntour
> freewheels are both very rare these days and, for the most part, on their
> last legs and not worthy of spending the money for a tool that might only be
> used once. The alternative is to have the shop remove it; I believe it runs
> about $4 (which covers not just the time involved but also the fact that the
> infamous 2-prong Suntour freewheel *eats* tools for lunch. Make sure, when
> you use it, that you have the tool clamped to the freewheel, using the quick
> release.
The wheel that it goes on is of course old and not very exciting;
it's a 27" with a 5-speed freewheel. Probably worth about $0,
plus it needs a new spoke. But that's exactly why I want to do
it myself. I'm trying to learn how to maintain my own wheels
(truing, replacing spokes, etc.), and if I'm going to screw up
and ruin a wheel or two while I'm at it, I'd rather do it to a
worthless wheel on my utility bike than to a nicer, costlier
wheel on my fun bike.
PS: Other than that minor miscommunication I've got to say you
guys were very helpful. I don't know the name of the fellow who
helped me but he actually took the wheel into the back of the
shop and checked out whether the rim was strong enough to take
truing and therefore worth the trouble of servicing the wheel at
all. At least, that's what I understood him to say; like I say,
if I knew what I was doing I wouldn't be doing it at all.
--
"Ho ho ho. I _so_ enjoy making a fool out of myself."
--Linus, on Christmas Day, 2000
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Date: 30 Aug 2006 03:38:06
From: Mike Jacoubowsky
Subject: Re: I was wrong (was: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?)
|
> I owe the mail-order bike stores of the world an apology. My
> shipping confirmation email said, in part:
>
> The FR-2 shipped today via US Mail (Cheaper than UPS for a
> part this size) and the total charged to your Discover was
> $7.06.
>
> The price for the FR-2 itself was $5.95, so the $1.11 paid for
> shipping is about what I calculated it really should cost.
> --
> Ben Pfaff
Ben: For what it's worth, it's an item that we order on-demand from one of
our suppliers (Trek, in this case) and sells for $6.95. A bit higher than
the mail-order houses, but no shipping as long as it's part of a normal
order (but of course you have to add sales tax). Lead time would be 4-5
days, depending upon what day of the week.
It's an "on-demand" item because it's a *Suntour* freewheel tool.
Specifically a 2-prong Suntour freewheel tool, and 2-prong Suntour
freewheels are both very rare these days and, for the most part, on their
last legs and not worthy of spending the money for a tool that might only be
used once. The alternative is to have the shop remove it; I believe it runs
about $4 (which covers not just the time involved but also the fact that the
infamous 2-prong Suntour freewheel *eats* tools for lunch. Make sure, when
you use it, that you have the tool clamped to the freewheel, using the quick
release.
--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
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Date: 30 Aug 2006 15:07:12
From: Dukester
Subject: Re: I was wrong (was: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?)
|
"Mike Jacoubowsky" <mikej1@ix.netcom.com > wrote in message news:yK7Jg.13114
> snip <
> It's an "on-demand" item because it's a *Suntour* freewheel tool.
> Specifically a 2-prong Suntour freewheel tool, and 2-prong Suntour
> freewheels are both very rare these days and, for the most part, on their
> last legs and not worthy of spending the money for a tool that might only
> be used once. The alternative is to have the shop remove it; I believe it
> runs about $4 (which covers not just the time involved but also the fact
> that the infamous 2-prong Suntour freewheel *eats* tools for lunch. Make
> sure, when you use it, that you have the tool clamped to the freewheel,
> using the quick release.
The amazing thing to me is I encountered the exact same reaction when I used
to go to my LBS. Of course they said that about every part or tool I asked
for; everything from cone wrenches to flat pedals (flat pedals!). As it is,
there is a really good shop that is about 60 miles from where I live, and
this guy had 4 of the Suntour freewheel tools. He has also had every tool &
part I've ever asked for in stock. I realize that's rare, but the things I
typically ask for are not that unusual. I certainly don't _save_ money by
driving 60 miles over to the store and 60 miles back, but I like the store
and being able to see the stuff first hand rather than on a computer monitor
or glossy catalog page.
Cheers!
Dukester
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Date: 31 Aug 2006 04:13:58
From: Mike Jacoubowsky
Subject: Re: I was wrong (was: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?)
|
>> It's an "on-demand" item because it's a *Suntour* freewheel tool.
>> Specifically a 2-prong Suntour freewheel tool, and 2-prong Suntour
>> freewheels are both very rare these days and, for the most part, on their
>> last legs and not worthy of spending the money for a tool that might only
>> be used once. The alternative is to have the shop remove it; I believe it
>> runs about $4 (which covers not just the time involved but also the fact
>> that the infamous 2-prong Suntour freewheel *eats* tools for lunch. Make
>> sure, when you use it, that you have the tool clamped to the freewheel,
>> using the quick release.
>
> The amazing thing to me is I encountered the exact same reaction when I
> used to go to my LBS. Of course they said that about every part or tool I
> asked for; everything from cone wrenches to flat pedals (flat pedals!).
> As it is, there is a really good shop that is about 60 miles from where I
> live, and this guy had 4 of the Suntour freewheel tools.
Four of the 2-prong Suntour freewheel tools in stock? I'm glad he's still in
business; I can't believe there are many kets that would support the sale
of one of those every couple of years. You'd generally be doing your
customers a better deal by making sure you've got a couple in the service
department, and offer to remove those old freewheels for a reasonable cost.
Odds are that any such freewheel isn't going to have much life to it, and
since you can't buy a replacement freewheel with the same removal mechanism,
purchasing one is most-often a one-use deal.
> He has also had every tool & part I've ever asked for in stock. I realize
> that's rare, but the things I typically ask for are not that unusual. I
> certainly don't _save_ money by driving 60 miles over to the store and 60
> miles back, but I like the store and being able to see the stuff first
> hand rather than on a computer monitor or glossy catalog page.
Obviously, I would agree with the idea that seeing things first hand is
preferable to an internet connection of catalog page, since I make no profit
off either, but rather focus on having things ready to go when people come
into the store. It's a tough thing trying to have the right mix though, but
the different "personalities" among different shops ensures that the mix
will be different from store to store. Sounds like you've found one that's a
good match for your needs.
The mechanics of staying in business are getting more difficult by the day,
particularly as the price of land/rent goes up, up, and ever-higher up.
Worker's comp and health insurance are two other costs that are going
through the roof. Increased sales don't come close to covering the extra
burden, so shops have to do everything they can to increase the sales
generated by each sqaure foot of space. That means that items that don't
"turn" quickly (basically a measurement of how long something sits on a
shelf before being sold) need to be looked at closely and possibly replaced
with items that sell more rapidly.
In our case, that means that every couple of years we go through and find
items that have gathered a whole lot of dust and donate them to one of the
local cycling charities. I'd much rather be able to sell them, of course!
And, of course, what ends up being donated at our shop might be items that
sell briskly elsewhere.
--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
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Date: 29 Aug 2006 18:01:51
From: sally
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
|
In article <87r6yzxxh3.fsf@benpfaff.org >,
Ben Pfaff <blp@cs.stanford.edu > wrote:
>So why does every online retailer want $6-$8 for shipping?
>Complete rip-off.
They have high fixed costs associated with mail orders. The price is not
a rip off if they advertise it and let you take your business elsewhere.
Try asking your local bike shop to order it for you. Or use an on-line
retailer like REI or Performance that offers free pickup at their
local stores.
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Date: 29 Aug 2006 18:23:18
From: Bill Sornson
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
|
sally wrote:
> In article <87r6yzxxh3.fsf@benpfaff.org>,
> Ben Pfaff <blp@cs.stanford.edu> wrote:
>> So why does every online retailer want $6-$8 for shipping?
>> Complete rip-off.
>
> They have high fixed costs associated with mail orders. The price is
> not a rip off if they advertise it and let you take your business
> elsewhere.
>
> Try asking your local bike shop to order it for you. Or use an
> on-line retailer like REI or Performance that offers free pickup at
> their
> local stores.
And will usually price match.
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Date: 29 Aug 2006 10:39:18
From: gds
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
|
Ben Pfaff wrote:
> I've been trying to buy a Park Tools FR-2 freewheel remover
> on-line for a couple of days, because none of the local bike
> shops have one. These things are the size of a socket for a
> wrench and weigh, according to the Park Tools website, 2.7 oz.
> According to the Postal Service, they can therefore be shipped in
> an envelope, first class for $1.00 (including their "not
> machinable" $.13 charge), or priority mail for about $4.
>
> So why does every online retailer want $6-$8 for shipping?
> Complete rip-off.
>
> --
> Ben Pfaff
> email: blp@cs.stanford.edu
> web: http://benpfaff.org
Usually on line and mail order places charge shipping & handling rather
than just shipping. Handling is pretty much independent of weight and
is to reimburse the company for same. That said, one of the ways these
outfits are able to offer lower prices on items is that the add on
these charges. When you buy at a LBS you would never consider paying
for the shipping in to the store or for the time of the salesperson
helping you. So, those costs are built into the price. So, you are then
comparing apples and oranges if you look only at the item charge.
I never understand rants like this. If it isn't worth it to you don't
buy it. It isn't that they are hiding anything. Also, I imagine that
your LBS would order one for you and you can compare what they charge
for the special order vs. the on line sources and you can then make
your choice.
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Date: 29 Aug 2006 19:35:01
From: Roger Houston
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
|
"gds" <gary_jill@msn.com > wrote in message
news:1156873158.578338.120060@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>>
>> So why does every online retailer want $6-$8 for shipping?
>> Complete rip-off.
>>
>> --
>> Ben Pfaff
>> email: blp@cs.stanford.edu
>> web: http://benpfaff.org
>
> Usually on line and mail order places charge shipping & handling rather
> than just shipping.
>
> I never understand rants like this. If it isn't worth it to you don't
> buy it.
OK, then. How about I tell them to ship it, but not handle it?
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Date: 30 Aug 2006 12:47:42
From: Bruce Gilbert
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
|
"Roger Houston" <houstonr@nasa.org > wrote in message
news:BuudnUz2T-3PqWjZnZ2dnUVZ_oqdnZ2d@centurytel.net...
>
> "gds" <gary_jill@msn.com> wrote in message
> news:1156873158.578338.120060@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> >>
> >> So why does every online retailer want $6-$8 for shipping?
> >> Complete rip-off.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Ben Pfaff
> >> email: blp@cs.stanford.edu
> >> web: http://benpfaff.org
> >
> > Usually on line and mail order places charge shipping & handling rather
> > than just shipping.
> >
> > I never understand rants like this. If it isn't worth it to you don't
> > buy it.
>
> OK, then. How about I tell them to ship it, but not handle it?
>
>
Obviously the poster who is complaining is not in business and does not have
any understanding of what is involved. It costs a lot to keep things
running. Mail order companies often have a lower gin than do stores, so
the little handling price is to make sure they can keep people employed.
Bruce
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Date: 30 Aug 2006 16:54:15
From: R Brickston
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
|
On Wed, 30 Aug 2006 12:47:42 GMT, "Bruce Gilbert"
<bhgilbert@hal-pc.org > wrote:
>
>"Roger Houston" <houstonr@nasa.org> wrote in message
>news:BuudnUz2T-3PqWjZnZ2dnUVZ_oqdnZ2d@centurytel.net...
>>
>> "gds" <gary_jill@msn.com> wrote in message
>> news:1156873158.578338.120060@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>> >>
>> >> So why does every online retailer want $6-$8 for shipping?
>> >> Complete rip-off.
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Ben Pfaff
>> >> email: blp@cs.stanford.edu
>> >> web: http://benpfaff.org
>> >
>> > Usually on line and mail order places charge shipping & handling rather
>> > than just shipping.
>> >
>> > I never understand rants like this. If it isn't worth it to you don't
>> > buy it.
>>
>> OK, then. How about I tell them to ship it, but not handle it?
>>
>>
>
>Obviously the poster who is complaining is not in business and does not have
>any understanding of what is involved. It costs a lot to keep things
>running. Mail order companies often have a lower gin than do stores, so
>the little handling price is to make sure they can keep people employed.
>
>Bruce
>
I saw a reply to negative feedback given for shipping and handling
charges: "I don't get free gas, postage, boxes, tape, time or bubble
wrap."
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Date: 31 Aug 2006 03:55:29
From: Mike Jacoubowsky
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
|
>>Obviously the poster who is complaining is not in business and does not
>>have
>>any understanding of what is involved. It costs a lot to keep things
>>running. Mail order companies often have a lower gin than do stores, so
>>the little handling price is to make sure they can keep people employed.
>>
>>Bruce
>>
>
> I saw a reply to negative feedback given for shipping and handling
> charges: "I don't get free gas, postage, boxes, tape, time or bubble
> wrap."
That's one I'll have to remember. But it doesn't include the worst issue
lately.. UPS back-billing after the fact. Unbelievable how many extra
surcharges they're hitting us with, that aren't included in the original
total, determined on *their* site.
--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
"R Brickston" <rb20170REMOVE.yahoo.com@ > wrote in message
news:aigbf21m469666chlc6o50gu24l6rq2eq7@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 30 Aug 2006 12:47:42 GMT, "Bruce Gilbert"
> <bhgilbert@hal-pc.org> wrote:
>
>>
>>"Roger Houston" <houstonr@nasa.org> wrote in message
>>news:BuudnUz2T-3PqWjZnZ2dnUVZ_oqdnZ2d@centurytel.net...
>>>
>>> "gds" <gary_jill@msn.com> wrote in message
>>> news:1156873158.578338.120060@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>>> >>
>>> >> So why does every online retailer want $6-$8 for shipping?
>>> >> Complete rip-off.
>>> >>
>>> >> --
>>> >> Ben Pfaff
>>> >> email: blp@cs.stanford.edu
>>> >> web: http://benpfaff.org
>>> >
>>> > Usually on line and mail order places charge shipping & handling
>>> > rather
>>> > than just shipping.
>>> >
>>> > I never understand rants like this. If it isn't worth it to you don't
>>> > buy it.
>>>
>>> OK, then. How about I tell them to ship it, but not handle it?
>>>
>>>
>>
>>Obviously the poster who is complaining is not in business and does not
>>have
>>any understanding of what is involved. It costs a lot to keep things
>>running. Mail order companies often have a lower gin than do stores, so
>>the little handling price is to make sure they can keep people employed.
>>
>>Bruce
>>
>
> I saw a reply to negative feedback given for shipping and handling
> charges: "I don't get free gas, postage, boxes, tape, time or bubble
> wrap."
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| | | | | | |
Date: 31 Aug 2006 08:11:58
From: Pat Lamb
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
|
Mike Jacoubowsky wrote:
>> I saw a reply to negative feedback given for shipping and handling
>> charges: "I don't get free gas, postage, boxes, tape, time or bubble
>> wrap."
>
> That's one I'll have to remember. But it doesn't include the worst issue
> lately.. UPS back-billing after the fact. Unbelievable how many extra
> surcharges they're hitting us with, that aren't included in the original
> total, determined on *their* site.
And you're still using them??
Disclaimer: UPS has been my shipping choice of last resort since one of
their delivery men got tired of listening to my barking dog and chased
him around the house. No UPS delivery person was safe after that,
leading to one UPS deliverer changing the address on a package so she
didn't have to come to my house.
Pat
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Date: 31 Aug 2006 13:30:33
From: Timothy Smith
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
|
In article <4lo5h0F2s3uaU1@individual.net >,
Pat Lamb <pdl678NOSPAM@comcast.net > wrote:
> And you're still using them??
>
> Disclaimer: UPS has been my shipping choice of last resort since one of
> their delivery men got tired of listening to my barking dog and chased
> him around the house. No UPS delivery person was safe after that,
> leading to one UPS deliverer changing the address on a package so she
> didn't have to come to my house.
I just had a UPS delivery guy leave a package outside my very public
front door, containing a $500 item. Didn't even bother to ring the bell
(I was at home all day), and I didn't discover it 'til after dark.
I've had several other experiences like this. UPS drivers used to be
good, now it seems they'll hire anyone.
|
| | | | | | | | |
Date: 31 Aug 2006 22:43:25
From: R Brickston
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
|
On Thu, 31 Aug 2006 13:30:33 -0700, Timothy Smith <tssmith@sonic.net >
wrote:
>In article <4lo5h0F2s3uaU1@individual.net>,
> Pat Lamb <pdl678NOSPAM@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> And you're still using them??
>>
>> Disclaimer: UPS has been my shipping choice of last resort since one of
>> their delivery men got tired of listening to my barking dog and chased
>> him around the house. No UPS delivery person was safe after that,
>> leading to one UPS deliverer changing the address on a package so she
>> didn't have to come to my house.
>
>I just had a UPS delivery guy leave a package outside my very public
>front door, containing a $500 item. Didn't even bother to ring the bell
>(I was at home all day), and I didn't discover it 'til after dark.
>
>I've had several other experiences like this. UPS drivers used to be
>good, now it seems they'll hire anyone.
You're expecting a high dollar item and you hardly ever hear the
bastards. This happens all the time and you're held hostage waiting.
Most of the deliveries handed off are only because I happened to be
outside.
I don't know whether they actually don't knock or carry a feather
with them to tap on doors with. FedEx is no better unless you have a
signature required package.
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Date: 01 Sep 2006 03:11:46
From: Bruce Gilbert
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
|
"R Brickston" <rb20170REMOVE.yahoo.com@ > wrote in message
news:e0pef2h53c3uf66hj3h16l8055doiji622@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 31 Aug 2006 13:30:33 -0700, Timothy Smith <tssmith@sonic.net>
> wrote:
>
> >In article <4lo5h0F2s3uaU1@individual.net>,
> > Pat Lamb <pdl678NOSPAM@comcast.net> wrote:
> >
> >> And you're still using them??
> >>
> >> Disclaimer: UPS has been my shipping choice of last resort since one of
> >> their delivery men got tired of listening to my barking dog and chased
> >> him around the house. No UPS delivery person was safe after that,
> >> leading to one UPS deliverer changing the address on a package so she
> >> didn't have to come to my house.
> >
> >I just had a UPS delivery guy leave a package outside my very public
> >front door, containing a $500 item. Didn't even bother to ring the bell
> >(I was at home all day), and I didn't discover it 'til after dark.
> >
> >I've had several other experiences like this. UPS drivers used to be
> >good, now it seems they'll hire anyone.
>
> You're expecting a high dollar item and you hardly ever hear the
> bastards. This happens all the time and you're held hostage waiting.
> Most of the deliveries handed off are only because I happened to be
> outside.
>
> I don't know whether they actually don't knock or carry a feather
> with them to tap on doors with. FedEx is no better unless you have a
> signature required package.
Last year we hired a new rep. We sent them their sales kit which FedEx left
by the back door in the rain. They left no delivery notice nor obtained a
signature. It was out there for two weeks until we finally sent another box.
Bruce
|
| | | | | | |
Date: 31 Aug 2006 13:07:30
From: Bruce Gilbert
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
|
"Mike Jacoubowsky" <mikej1@ix.netcom.com > wrote in message
news:R4tJg.12983$%j7.7159@newssvr29.news.prodigy.net...
> >>Obviously the poster who is complaining is not in business and does not
> >>have
> >>any understanding of what is involved. It costs a lot to keep things
> >>running. Mail order companies often have a lower gin than do stores,
so
> >>the little handling price is to make sure they can keep people employed.
> >>
> >>Bruce
> >>
> >
> > I saw a reply to negative feedback given for shipping and handling
> > charges: "I don't get free gas, postage, boxes, tape, time or bubble
> > wrap."
>
> That's one I'll have to remember. But it doesn't include the worst issue
> lately.. UPS back-billing after the fact. Unbelievable how many extra
> surcharges they're hitting us with, that aren't included in the original
> total, determined on *their* site.
>
> --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
> www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
>
>
> "R Brickston" <rb20170REMOVE.yahoo.com@> wrote in message
> news:aigbf21m469666chlc6o50gu24l6rq2eq7@4ax.com...
> > On Wed, 30 Aug 2006 12:47:42 GMT, "Bruce Gilbert"
> > <bhgilbert@hal-pc.org> wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>"Roger Houston" <houstonr@nasa.org> wrote in message
> >>news:BuudnUz2T-3PqWjZnZ2dnUVZ_oqdnZ2d@centurytel.net...
> >>>
> >>> "gds" <gary_jill@msn.com> wrote in message
> >>> news:1156873158.578338.120060@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> >>> >>
> >>> >> So why does every online retailer want $6-$8 for shipping?
> >>> >> Complete rip-off.
> >>> >>
> >>> >> --
> >>> >> Ben Pfaff
> >>> >> email: blp@cs.stanford.edu
> >>> >> web: http://benpfaff.org
> >>> >
> >>> > Usually on line and mail order places charge shipping & handling
> >>> > rather
> >>> > than just shipping.
> >>> >
> >>> > I never understand rants like this. If it isn't worth it to you
don't
> >>> > buy it.
> >>>
> >>> OK, then. How about I tell them to ship it, but not handle it?
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>Obviously the poster who is complaining is not in business and does not
> >>have
> >>any understanding of what is involved. It costs a lot to keep things
> >>running. Mail order companies often have a lower gin than do stores,
so
> >>the little handling price is to make sure they can keep people employed.
> >>
> >>Bruce
> >>
> >
> > I saw a reply to negative feedback given for shipping and handling
> > charges: "I don't get free gas, postage, boxes, tape, time or bubble
> > wrap."
>
We use FedEx ground for most of our shipping. They are less than UPS, but
the fuel adjustments and other surcharges keep on going up, seems like
weekly...
Our product costs are going up every quarter. We may be forced to raise the
wholesale price of our stuff one of these afternoons...
Bruce
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Date: 29 Aug 2006 11:10:00
From: Diablo Scott
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
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gds wrote:
> I never understand rants like this. If it isn't worth it to you don't
> buy it. It isn't that they are hiding anything. Also, I imagine that
> your LBS would order one for you and you can compare what they charge
> for the special order vs. the on line sources and you can then make
> your choice.
>
Plus, maybe they'll order a couple extra ones while they're at it and
the next guy won't have to go through this.
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Date: 29 Aug 2006 23:35:21
From: Leo Lichtman
Subject: Re: why such a rip-off on shipping?
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"Diablo Scott" wrote: Plus, maybe they'll order a couple extra ones while
they're at it and the next guy won't have to go through this.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Your comment reminds me of an experience I had with my LMS (motorcycle). I
needed a part special ordered with fast shipment, so the store charged me
for a long distance call to place the order. Later, they let slip that they
always waited 'til the end of the day, so they could order as much as
possible with a single phone call. But they charged each customer for the
call.
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