Question on Shipping Charges

[tony]

I'm sure a lot of you are web savvy, I've been trying to figure out how to set up shipping charges on my site and I just cannot come to a conclusion on how to set it up so I am asking, what is more appealing.

(I'll preface this by saying that you usually pay for shipping one way or another.. its never truly free unless the business can absorb the shipping cost, unfortunately I cant right now)

If there is a product for 13.95 and shipping is 7.95, what is likely to get your attention and/or business:

- $13.95 + 7.95 (Shipping price will be slightly higher for more expensive orders)

- 13.95 + 8.95 (Flat shipping fee for all orders regardless of price)

- $20.95 - Free Ground Shipping


Obviously I dont like the first option, I guess I'm asking which one looks like the better deal, the lower price with a flat shipping fee or higher price and free shipping. I'm just trying to get some ideas here and all feedback is appreciated. Thanks

[ironchef]

Personally I like the second option. It makes more economical sense If i decide to buy $200 worth of merchandise for example.

[Hulud]

nah free ground shipping will get people

you know put it in a flashy thing at the top of your site saying free shipping on all orders

[ironchef]

You also gotta think most people don't factor shipping charges into their buying decisions. Or atleast I wouldn't think they do. So if they see something for $20 and free shipping at tonys site vs $13 and like $7 shipping somewhere else, then they might just go for the "cheaper" product, even though its not.

[4dmin]

i wouldn't do FREE s/h unless they purchase 50 or 100$ worth of stuff...

20$ is too little and absorbing the cost would just be crazy.

[tony]

i wouldn't do FREE s/h unless they purchase 50 or 100$ worth of stuff...

20$ is too little and absorbing the cost would just be crazy.


This is exactly what I'm thinking as well, I believe I would still have to raise prices slightly but it would be the best compromise.

[4dmin]

best to do i just run your numbers, obviously it will have to go on avg purchase and avg gross profit.