For over a decade, I used to work for several online deal and coupon sites. One of the biggest hurdles to get over was the cost of shipping. In the online shopping world, the cost of shipping was the determining factor between making or breaking a deal. It didn't matter if a pair of shoes was 80% off. If the cost of shipping was too high, well...
One of the biggest struggles we've had over the years, whether it was with Bodacious Biscuit Love or currently our Bodacious DIY Dog Mom Projects, is shipping. About 95% of the time, we've ended up paying a portion of shipping costs out of our pockets. Since 2013, shipping costs have gone up.
This morning, we realized that we need to get a grip on this.
Easier said than done.
Let me set the stage a bit...
Just recently, we sold sets of our bodacious wooden pumpkins for $10.
The sets included 3 pumpkins.
We had to ship a few sets.
We only charged $5 for shipping for 1 set.
The actual shipping charge for a single set was $8.30.
The cost of the bubble envelope we shipped them in was $1.00.
Do the math.
When Lisa handed me the receipt from the post office, I just shook my head.
$10.00 - $3.30 (out of pocket for shipping) - $1.00 (envelope) = $5.70
We technically made $5.70 off the single set of pumpkins we shipped.
I struggle with this reality because I'm fairly certain that no one is going to pay the $8.30 shipping cost for a $10 item.
On the other end of the stick, we can't keep forking out money to pay a portion of the shipping costs.
With that being said, Lisa and I need to brainstorm.
Get a little more creative.
Start offering a wider variety of Bodacious DIY Dog Mom Projects.
Limit what we offer shipping on.
Use lighter materials.
Market our items locally for pickup and delivery.
Participate in some local events next year that give us the option to sell our pieces.
Etc...
We will continue to brainstorm because we want it to work out on both ends.
We've. Got. This.
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