What web retailer has the best shipping charges

[brothaslide]

I just bought 4 packages of Proto 2000 HO wheel sets on line from a major on line retailer (don't ask who - it's not the point anyway). I was charged $6.95 for shipping and handling on a box that weighed about 10 oz at the most. Plus, it was also shipped by Fed-Ex - What a RIP OFFFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When I ordered on-line, it was stated that the shipping charges would be calculated at time of shipment but I figured it would be reasonable.

I'm sorry but $6.95 is a rip.[:(!][xx(][:(!][xx(][:(!][xx(] I know in the big picture, it's only a few bucks but it's principal of the matter.

Anythoughts on what online retailer has the best shipping charges and customer service?

Sean

[Anonymous]

I don't want to make excuses for the shipper Sean, but the handling charge pays the wages for the guy or gal to take your order, pull the stock, package and label your order. It also covers the overhead of boxes, tape and packing material. Then there is the actual shipping cost.
You also mention it came Fed-EX. How long did it take to get your order? Did you ask for next day or ground service? Fed-Ex and UPS isn't the cheapest carrier. If you received your order next day Fed-Ex then you got away dirt cheap.
The US post office has the best rates but is slower. Often the shipper will give you the option of shipping service. Be sure you choose the cheapest way, it may not be the default method of shipping.
Sometimes what you save on shipping, you pay in price of the item. Also, how much does it cost to go to your local hobby shop and to pay sales tax? Especially when you have to make two trips if they have to place special order!
Still, it wouldn't hurt to shop around. Some dealers ship free for orders over a certin amount, usuall $100 or more. I always do a Google search for what I'm looking for and I consider price with the shipping charges.

[fiatfan]

Most of the on line retailers I do business with charge about $8 per shipment for UPS or Fedex ground. $7 is not bad. For me it's a lot cheaper than driving to the nearest LHS. It's 90 miles way and generally involves a trip with my wife who then wants to go to Kohls' , Bed, Bath and Beyond, the larger shopping malls, etc., etc. Sot it winds up costing me much mere than 8$!

Tom

[brothaslide]

QUOTE: Originally posted by fiatfan

Most of the on line retailers I do business with charge about $8 per shipment for UPS or Fedex ground. $7 is not bad. For me it's a lot cheaper than driving to the nearest LHS. It's 90 miles way and generally involves a trip with my wife who then wants to go to Kohls' , Bed, Bath and Beyond, the larger shopping malls, etc., etc. Sot it winds up costing me much mere than 8$!

Tom

I didn't request Fed-Ex - I just assumed it would be normal mail. It sounds like from your experience that is what it normally cost. I've done some selling on e-bay and have paid less for shipping larger items.

[JPowell]

If you want some cheap HO starter books in brand new condition, I suggest Overstock.com. They also have otehr things (household items, etc) and Shipping is only a flat $2.95. (ex: a new HO Starter book you would get at the LHS or any otehr online retailer for $15-16, goes for $8-9 @ Overstock.com)

[Anonymous]

www.firsthobby.com is $7.50 for the 48 states (Alaska and Hawaii are more). International shipments are in the $30.00s!!! I'm glad I'm in the US!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: I've done some selling on e-bay and have paid less for shipping larger items.

How much time did it take you to go to the post office and what is your time worth?
What did it cost you to go to the post office? Did you or somebody drive you there? if so someone had to pay for gas, insurance, licence fees, wear and tear on the vehicle. Did you have to buy the packing material? Were you compensated for those things? If not then you can count that as your loss.

Just about every mail order and online stores charge for shipping and handling by the dollar total of your order not by weight.

[Anonymous]

Hey gsetter! The post office delivers to most houses. Time? Waiting and extra day for and item is nothing if you start adding up the dollars. Like most people I have time, money I don't. The post is usually faster and cheaper than UPS or FED EX and if you buy enough, which most of us do, in the long run you save big time. Air is usually cheaper for long distance. Secondly, The price of overhead and boxes and wages is calculated into the price you are paying for the item. Handling is a money grabber for most businesses. I have worked , retail wholesale and distributor. Brothaslide.... use your computer and take a few minutes in the evenings, when you would just be watching tv anyway, and shop around on the internet. Find a place that ships to your needs. Standard Hobby or Hobby Circle are very reanonable and easy to deal with. If the hobby outlet that you use doesn't cater to you, find someone else. It's your money and your time. If more people started changing their habits and letting the outlets know what they are or are not doing, things would change. Have a nice day!