Fed ex getting more expensive

[KJUN]

Would you have an issue if you got a well packed shipment in a 7x7x6 box and were charged appropriately?

First, I'm sorry if I took your words the wrong way. I've always been aware that was possible. Second, If the package was in a small box, I still would not LIKE it. HOWEVER, if it was done during correct weather conditions, I wouldn't put them on my NEVER BUY list. If they did it when it was over 105F here, I'd have to think hard before buying from them again. That's USUALLY not an issue, though, because almost all of my in-bounds are "Hold for Pick-up." The main problem I have is when people charge me full price for a package and then shipping a half-priced package. In other words, they are risking an animal I want alive to make a few bucks off of riskier shipping. HOW much "riskier" is irrelevant, and even the "live arrival" guarantee only goes so far. I bought a specific snake, in many cases, because I want THAT snake more than I wanted to hold on to my cash. A replacement animal - or the money back - is not as good as getting the snake I wanted in exchange for my money. Understand? I understand good breeders stand behind "live arrival," but I couldn't GET a replacement for the animal I am specifically keeping in mind during this thread.

Or would that be an issue because in your words "Too bad I'm not a gambler since it would save me a lot of money"?

I'd have to go back and look at that post to see what I meant, but I am PRETTY DARN SURE that I was talking about as a SHIPPER and not as a recipient. I charge $40-50 per outbound shipment regardless of order or box size (except when shipping is included in the price "type" of deal). Looking back over my FedEx charges, it is easy for me to see that my actual shipping charges average about $55/per box. That's not counting the box, tape, cups, DOUBLE BAGS (to be Legal!), etc. Call it another $5 per order or more. That means, I'm charging $40-50 per order, but it costs me about $60 per order to ship that package.

Granted, I don't usually bother with many small orders per year, so I have a lot of outbound boxes that are on the large size. This increases my per shipment price, but I don't mind since it means FEWER out-bounds in any given quarter.

So, that means I'm losing money on shipping charges. Let's call it $15/order just for simplicity. If I COULD save $15 per out-bound shipment, that "would save me a lot of money" without costing customers a penny more. I just chalk that $15 up to the cost of doing business, put it into my overhead, and not lose any sleep over it. I'm sure most/all of us do that at least some times. That's LIFE! I'm not really complaining. What's the conclusion? I'm not going to use a box I feel is improper to save MYSELF $15 per box.

Although this thread DOES have me thinking about trying some better tests with the smaller boxes (and I already have some in mind) just to play around with. It might be fun.......and there is that narrow window where I feel an experienced shipper CAN safely use a smaller box. Heck, I do it for inverts with and without insulation during different times of the year. Maybe there IS a way I can incorporate the use of those boxes here without "gambling" too much....lol.

 

[ghosthousecorns]

OK, I am perhaps a bit too hasty in posting what I did. But people's definition of what is civil and what is rude, what is accusatory and what is acceptable, will vary from person to person. It's the internet, you can't see the person's expression, you can only go by their words and how they come across. I can only add that everybody who has posted here has been helpful in their own way. I appreciate the fact you guys have bothered to help me at all. Especially I am grateful to the people with actual experience shipping who took the time to post .
(FWIW I don't think I was the only one who felt it was getting ugly - it's a matter of perception)

 

[Joejr14]

First, I'm sorry if I took your words the wrong way. I've always been aware that was possible. Second, If the package was in a small box, I still would not LIKE it.

Heck, if a customer wanted a 20x20x20 box for a hatchling I'd have no issues tossing a $15 anery into a $100 box. Most of the time they're more concerned with being charged the least amount possible while still getting the snake safely. I normally give them the option---and I can do that because I quote shipping prices instead of charging a flat rate. I don't think it's fair to PJ in Maine that he gets charged $55 for a shipment that only costs $32 while Tim's shipment to CA is $65 and I'm out $10. At least this way the customer knows the exact shipping charge (or at least within $5). With some trusted people (Jay, Susan, etc) I've actually sent out orders without collecting anything and then charge them the identical shipping charge whenever FedEx finally bills me (funny---used to be bi-monthly---now it's definitely more like the next day....anyone else notice this?).

HOWEVER, if it was done during correct weather conditions, I wouldn't put them on my NEVER BUY list. If they did it when it was over 105F here, I'd have to think hard before buying from them again. That's USUALLY not an issue, though, because almost all of my in-bounds are "Hold for Pick-up." The main problem I have is when people charge me full price for a package and then shipping a half-priced package. In other words, they are risking an animal I want alive to make a few bucks off of riskier shipping.

And that's the other reason why I try to charge identical to whatever FedEx quotes me at. I'd never consider shipping in 105F weather no matter what size box was used---unless perhaps it was a recycled TMF shipping box---those things are like mini fridges. I don't feel comfortable shipping in those types of extremes so I simply won't do it.

 

[ghosthousecorns]

That's something worth considering. Maybe I will do some kind of mapping system, the further away from Oregon you are the more it will cost me to ship you the same size box. I can see how it might be unfair to charge a flat rate.
That's the whole point of this thread, just trying to figure out the best way to charge for shipping without anybody feeling I'm ripping them off, but not short change myself in the bargain. I am more likely to eat the cost than pass it on, but I also might hesitate to sell to somebody whose first concern is wanting things to be cheap as possible, I would want the person who gets the snake to be the kind of person who wouldn't mind having to pay a vet bill if one of their animals should get sick. I feel fortunate that I am not a huge breeder shipping 100's of snakes in a way. It gives me some leeway, if I don't sell something right away it won't be too overwhelming for me to keep it for a bit so I can afford to be a bit picky about my buyers.