Now that I've started sending out decks in quantity, I have come to the realization that it's just not feasible not to charge for shipping.
I've been giving shipping within the US (which costs me $5.20) for free, and taking about $5 off of international shipping. I did it that way because Amazon has such a deep discount. But it's crazy for me to try and compete with Amazon. They may be able to operate at a loss, but I can't.
The postage costs more than I had expected, because I forgot to include the weight of the shipping box when I figured it out. It also takes a lot more time than I had anticipated. The proverbial piglet that sank the boat came last night, when I used up all the bubble wrap, air bags and styrofoam peanuts from my house and my office. (I'm dreading my coworkers' discovery that I cleaned them out of packing materials.) The margins are slim enough already; now that I have to buy bubble wrap on top of everything else, it's just not worth it for me to sell decks at this price.
I feel really badly about charging for shipping after I said I wouldn't. I'm going to wait until March 6, a week from today, to implement the change. That way folks who pre-ordered have a chance to get their order in at the discounted price. And I won't fault anyone who decides to buy from Amazon instead, due to the cost. I'll gladly sign decks, wherever they were purchased, at conferences or etc. And if you follow my affiliate link when you buy from Amazon, then I'll still have reason to thank you!
Post a comment