Is it really a "loss"? Or money not made due to a calculated marketing strategy? If they stopped this practice, away would go some large leverage in the market. This is not money coming directly out of pocket, but less cash coming in to their account. It is well worth doing, or it would have stopped long ago. If anything, more like a paper loss, than an actual cash outflow. I'd believe their accountants have it figured where the paperwork returns some advantage, so it is not a complete write off.
Nope...got every right to 'whine' about outrageous shipping or item costs. People with deep pockets need to just deal with the complaints ! thnxs BTW...I always choose the cheapest shipping. It doesnt matter how long it takes to get here. The bottom line is all that counts ;-)
It is certainly calculated into their Cost Of Goods Sold. And with their massive buying power, they get the best quantity prices possible, which also defrays "loss" on shipping.
IT systems are now sophisticated enough to provide different prices on the same item to different people, and to raise the price on an item that is going low on stock. The same could also be extended to people who have, let us say, memberships that provide 'free shipping.' Without naming names (and certainly, I am not discussing model railroad suppliers!) I am beginning to wonder whether this is actually happening. Case in point: I check a price on an item whilst not being logged into a specific site. I check it later when I <do> log in, and the same item is suddenly $10 more.
You have the right to whine but do you need to do it here? If you don't like what they charge for shipping simply don't buy it from them. Buy it elsewhere. Last time I checked this was the N Scale Forum on Trainboard, not the complaint forum. Now let it go and move along. Thank you.
I know I'm out of sync with the progressive discussion occurring here. BUT (Yes, I'm a member of the yeah but committee). Shipping can be done for $5.80 via the post office which includes the box, priority shipping and I think $100.00 worth of insurance. What you are paying for beyond that is called "Handling" and that goes into the shippers pocket. Number one don't be a sucker. If you really have to have the item NOW and can't live with out it...well. George, I do agree that what you were charged is exorbitant and the guy that charged such for shipping should be taken out and shot...with a camera...and his picture posted here so we can all know who the knuckle head is. Hey, it's my turn to do a little cussing.
As is, this is allowed. If the topic is bothersome, one can simply bypass it for another. If Staff feels it is inappropriate, we will consider what (if anything) should be done.
Nope again ! Its A DISCUSSION Forum...we are DISCUSSING shippimg costs ! If it bothers you...move on and dont read the thread...I guess some things are "Rocket Science' for some people....nuff said
I agree Rick. I can ship an item to New York for the same price I can ship the same item to Tucson, AZ. from my local Post Office !!!! Like ya say....maybe its the 'handling' charges that are jacking the shipping price up. But I cant see one place having to do more 'handling' then another. Its true though...with the internet and forums like this...its real easy to comparision shop.
Had the same thing happen to me. A friend sent me a link for an item awhile ago. He said the price was $xxx.00. When I logged into the website. The price was actually HIGHER. Go figure...eh
Someone needs to look up "Control Issues". Enough said. Ok I lied. I hate whiners, that whine about other whiners. Doesn't that put them in the same class? One way to avoid high shipping cost as you said George, comparison shop. Adding comparison shop for best shipping rates. The places I order from are very reasonable about shipping and their prices are very competitive....low....under MSRP. Great people to deal with. NICE! Oh, and shopping is a snap as they use an automated order system that remembers who you are, your shipping address, let's you know how many items are still in stock (guaranteeing delivery) totals up the order including a choice of shipping. You know your total before the package leaves the shipping dock. Did I mention an e-mail advising, your order has shipped and provides a tracking number so you know when it's up at the post office? No? Darn me...I hate that when I don't do that. LOL
I do think that N Scale, on balance, is at a serious advantage in terms of shipping-- ever try to fit anything meaningful in HO Scale into a PM Small Flat Rate Box? It seems to me that someone (or some committee) checked out a number of useful items that are commonly shipped... and then made certain that the Small Flat Rate Box would be too small to fit them...
Uhhh...errr....the small as in next to the smallest, flat rate box recently delivered three N scale, Micro-Trains Pullmans. There are other USPS approved boxes with a guaranteed, anywhere in the USA rates. I should be able to get all three of my HO DD40's in them. So, what's the problem?
I'd consider 10 pages of this nonsense bothersome wouldn't you? I know I don't have to read it either but these kind of threads just pollute the forums. I come on here to see other people layouts and ideas and talk trains, not sit and complain about stupid things like this. My advice to those who like to complain about prices for this and that. If you can't afford it maybe you should cut back. Take up a hobby that is not so expensive.
One other suggestion would be to wait and order multiple items. I am always amazed at people willing to pay more in shipping than the item costs. I would wait and order several items to make it worth while. We try to catch multiple orders as best we can and have had folks order as many as 4 times in one day. I am just saying make it worth what you have to spend. PS , how about that weather out there!!! Mike
Obviously there is interest in this topic. It might bother you, others, it is clear that it does not. So the topic shall continue. As noted previously, just ignore it, if "bothersome". BoxcabE50 TrainBoard Administrator
Your two cents noted and here comes change. Bothersome? Not what I read here BUT .... the way some internet mail order houses are set up and how they are managed. That's BOTHERSOME! Truly some of us can't afford the finer benefits of this hobby. We are stuck with what we can afford but still love the hobby. As to who owns or has ownership as in the right to control TB. That would be Charlie Dix and his fine staff of Administrators and Moderators. Not a one of us that participates here can make such a claim. At best some of us are financial supporters and are at times included in some of the inside discussions. Just not very often. There is value in a discussion as many new comers to the hobby can learn from some of us old farts the finer tricks of the trade. Or at worst put up with us. Sigh! Furthermore there are several participants here that sponsor TB and have LHS's. They can learn from us as well as us from them. We don't usually come here to argue with each other but to discuss, cuss and rant if need be. All a part of the interaction and camaraderie that TB provides. So, stop trying to control things here. We get enough of that from other agitating resources. Grin!
This is what I usually attempt. Build a small wish list, save up pennies and then order. But there are times when one small item is holding up the project, seeing it sitting there waiting starts nagging and ordering becomes the thing to do.
There is a common theme here. You have a everyone is out to get me attitude about almost everything I read from you. I'm going to run some trains now.
