Shipping is EXPENSIVE these days.

Considering I had to pay $52 for a box the size of a VHS to the UK not long ago, I’d have to agree shipping is getting ridiculously high now.

I can't believe the $700+ to Canada. Something else is in that shipping price.

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

I can't believe the $700+ to Canada. Something else is in that shipping price.

Huge profits?

It could be a typo, but I did find it amusing!

GunRunnerJohn now providing free shipping to the Congo on all his electronic gizmos - some limitations may apply.

Possibly a typo that is one decimal point off?

I'll still happily pay the freight for all your overstock John! 

I had to pay $34.00 to get a 16# steam locomotive shipped to me from west Virginia to Indiana. Shipping is outrageous these days.

Tariffs?

Huge shipping fees on top of 18% buyers premium, Trainz has lost its shininess

Tariffs, please. High shipping is a result of all the free shipping big customers do like Amazon, they get a big price break, you pay double or more when you need to ship. The last few years have gotten real bad, most $20 items are not worth shipping, throw them away.

I once won four items from Trainz; it was cheaper for me to drive to Atlanta and pickup the stuff in person. The GA sales tax was far, far less than the shipping would have been and the gas used when totaled with the tax still came out less than Trainz's posted shipping. An added plus: I got out and had an enjoyable trip.

Trainz is horrible because they use FED-EX and over charge on average 6 bucks more than USPS P-Mail.

For me, it can take 6 days to go from Atlanta to Nashville, one state away with them. Fed-Ex hands off items to the P.O. and they travel all over the place before arriving at the door.

Shipping by others is high because they don’t know what they are doing and just guess at it. I buy from people who actually calculate it and charge me fairly as I do to them. Save several bucks shipping from your PC.

Some say they charge S&H.  Dummies don't know free USPS boxes can be shipped to any location in lots with a few key presses on the PC.

Most 2lb cars e.o.m. should be under 10 bucks to ship on average using USPS P. mail. It starts to get a bit pricy over 4 lbs and on engines.

I always try to take advantage of the free shipping offers from train vendors and Ebay sellers otherwise it is ridiculous, especially after sales tax is applied.  I love Mr. Muffins Trains and buy often from him because the store is about an hour away from home. He offers free shipping as well but the 7% Indiana tax often kills the deal as the postage from Nick Smith, Trainworld or Chuck Ro is less than the tax, especially on Legacy or MTH Premier items. $15 shipping on a $1000 locomotive is reasonable but astronomical for a $40 freight car. 

I don't know how some of these vendors offer free shipping at some of the prices the have.  Some of them have to be taking a bath when offering free shipping.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'd like to hear the reasoning for this.   I happened to be looking at something on Trainz, and I noticed their shipping charges!  YIKES, it costs more than a couple of Legacy diesels to ship one unit!

I have to believe there's a story here.

I would guess a typo. Sure does not cost more to ship to Canada than Asia per their schedule.

   Bill T.

5 years ago my standard padded envelope I ship my decals in was 99 cents to ship. Today the same envelope under 2 oz is $3. WHY???

If the Trainz shipping is really what they charge for shipping outside USA...maybe twofold:

They don't want to ship outside USA

With new credit card charge back rules they may need to prove delivery with signature....which is very expensive outside USA.....maybe not $700...

MartyE posted:

I don't know how some of these vendors offer free shipping at some of the prices the have.  Some of them have to be taking a bath when offering free shipping.

Working for a small business that ships a lot, and talking to the shipping company reps.  There is big time volume discounts from Fedex, UPS.  More you ship the cheaper it gets.

Shipping has turned into a profit center for many sellers.  Advertise a product at a lower price and make it up double on shipping.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

I can't believe the $700+ to Canada. Something else is in that shipping price.

Huge profits?

It could be a typo, but I did find it amusing!

I bought an engine and passenger car set from a man in Canada for a price shipping included. He had it packaged and shipped from a UPS store. He told me later that the cost wound up being about $180. He was shocked and so was I!!! I think he got ripped off, never heard of shipping being that expensive! 
Who knows what evil lurks...

I deal with a gun shop in Texas that ships any firearm for $7.99...they must ship a LOT of firearms!!! And I get it within 2-3 days

I'm glad I've (almost) come to the end of my train purchases.  Got more than I can use at any one time and there's nothing out that I want.  Once my GGD Silver Meteor set arrives that may do it for me.   Of course if they offer an ACL passenger train, I may have to reconsider

My brother owns a business and Fedex gave them a 50% discount on shipping so Trainz is making a killing.  Trainz is charging a handling fee and doing a lousy job at the handeling part.

RRaddict2 posted:

My brother owns a business and Fedex gave them a 50% discount on shipping so Trainz is making a killing.  Trainz is charging a handling fee and doing a lousy job at the handeling part.

I suspect that Gunrunnerjohn is trying to have a little fun with us on the obvious error on Trainz.

In my experience with them,  I have had six invoices from them this year, just about all of them had multiple purchases.  The last one, I won 6 items, the shipping charges were $31.23, so the average cost was $5.20 per item. They compute the shipping charges by taking the item with the highest charge and then add the "with combined" costs with the other items (Usually less that $3, but depends in the item, some things do not have a lower combined price, usually those are for set boxes).

You do need to factor in the  buyers premium.

THe items come in new boxes and  are carefully packed.  THey don't use that popcorn crap, but packing paper, which makes it easy for my to recycle.  

As SIRT mentions, they use FED-EX, which I think does a fantasctic job delivering packages. 

Lastly, when I have had a issue with an item, I have been able to get a satisfactory response from Trainz. 

This is my last invoice.   All in, my average cost per item was about $24.  I know a lot of you guys would not pay 2 cents for this stuff, but that's what makes this a fun hobby.

==================================================================
Total : USD 95.41
Shipping : USD 31.23
Buyer's Premium: USD 17.17
Dash Fee: USD 3
Adjustment : USD 0
Grand Total : USD 146.81

Guy's...shipping is out of control....FYI a padded envelope is now considered a package by the PO even if it contains documents only...Just cost me $12.50 to send a sweat shirt to Cal....Great deals on the forum....lousy deals on shipping.....

Shipping has always been expensive and folk have always been terribly cheap - all you're seeing is the crash as the intersection of the two conditions.

All my dealings with Trainz has been A+..... just FYI  so as not to beat up on just them.....

If I buy anything from Trainz I usually try to buy at least 2 items and make sure I can combine the shipping. That way at least the average shipping cost per item comes down and I can justify the cost.

I buy and sell here on OGR.  Shipping charges are high compared to preowned train prices.  I recently shipped 2 diesel locos from NH to Ohio via USPS ground for $54 including $500 insurance. Also shipped a $21 gondola from NH to PA via USPS  for $13 (on line estimate was $10.68).   Post Office told me that my scale was off......NOT!  I've passed on buying something that I wanted here on the forum because shipping put it over the edge.  I take advantage of FREE shipping from Train Vendors like the Muffins or Model Train Stuff.  Since Brentwood Antiques closed its brick & mortar shop, my closest hobby shop is Charlie Ro about an hour & I get to enjoy paying  MA sales tax.  NH has no sales tax.

I have noticed an increase lately, myself. Some charges have made me skip the item. 

Strangely, based on several comments above, I have never found Trainz to typically be high on s/h; just the opposite, in fact. There have been exceptions. I have a bid in with them right now on a 3RO steamer (not a huge one, but still) and the s/h is under $20. Still high, but not enough to put me off. 

I only pay the high s/h if the price is low, of course. And it annoys me, then. 

But, my big shopping period is over, so I'm not much affected by it. 

I saw an item the other day (from Trainz, actually, I think) where the s/h was $10.00 or so - and $2.00 "shipping" for local pickup. How does that work? 

The total price I pay for any item includes the shipping cost if there was one.

If the cost of the item including the shipping cost is more than what the item is worth, I will not buy it.

Notwithstanding the ludicrous $700 charges above . . . .

This is REAL simple.

If the shipping cost + price is equal to or less than what you are willing to pay, buy the item.

If the shipping cost + price is more than what you are willing to pay, do NOT buy the item.

What does it matter which line item the cost is applied to?

USPS counter prices are higher than On Line prices which are in turn higher than PayPal shipping.  If you have a PayPal account you can print your labels online for nearly half of USPS counter prices. Hopefully link below will get you there as it is hard to find the shipping page on the PP site.  j

https://www.paypal.com/shiplabel/create/

joe krasko posted:

Guy's...shipping is out of control....FYI a padded envelope is now considered a package by the PO even if it contains documents only...Just cost me $12.50 to send a sweat shirt to Cal....Great deals on the forum....lousy deals on shipping.....

On the flip side, we now can ship a package for the cost of a padded envelope. 

What, me worry?

As a seller on eBay I am very concerned about other sellers that gouge on shipping prices they give the entire site a black eye. Ten, twelve years ago eBay made some attempt to prevent people from charging outrageous fees for shipping. But somewhere along the way eBay started billing sellers 10%  of what they charged for shipping. In conjunction with this eBay negotiated reduced fees from carriers to provide a 30-40% discount on labels printed on eBay / PayPal's label service. Since then eBay has abandoned any attempts to limit shipping charges by sellers.  Once upon a time eBay was much larger than Amazon who controls shipping charges by sellers rigorously while eBay has abandoned all efforts to do so. Now when I go to a social event and talk to friends they ask if I still sell on eBay and then comment about their terrible experience with sellers charging three and four times actual shipping fees to ship their items. I tell them to check shipping fees before bidding or buying and don't do business with these creeps. I think it is this shipping situation which has made Amazon much larger than eBay.   j 

Brewman1973 posted:

I suspect that Gunrunnerjohn is trying to have a little fun with us on the obvious error on Trainz.

In my experience with them,  I have had six invoices from them this year, just about all of them had multiple purchases.  The last one, I won 6 items, the shipping charges were $31.23, so the average cost was $5.20 per item. They compute the shipping charges by taking the item with the highest charge and then add the "with combined" costs with the other items (Usually less that $3, but depends in the item, some things do not have a lower combined price, usually those are for set boxes).

You do need to factor in the  buyers premium.

THe items come in new boxes and  are carefully packed.  THey don't use that popcorn crap, but packing paper, which makes it easy for my to recycle.  

As SIRT mentions, they use FED-EX, which I think does a fantasctic job delivering packages. 

Lastly, when I have had a issue with an item, I have been able to get a satisfactory response from Trainz. 

This is my last invoice.   All in, my average cost per item was about $24.  I know a lot of you guys would not pay 2 cents for this stuff, but that's what makes this a fun hobby.

Auction	Quantity	Unit Price	Item Total
Lionel 6-36556 Lionel Lines Work Caboose NIB	1	8.75 USD	USD 8.75
Lionel 6-19181 Great Northern Prairie View Aluminum Full Vista Dome Car EX/Box	1	18.91 USD	USD 18.91
Lionel 6-26597 Great Northern Illuminated Caboose NIB	1	13.75 USD	USD 13.75
Lionel 6-9437 Northern Pacific Stock Car NIB	1	12.25 USD	USD 12.25
Lionel 6-9455 Milwaukee Road Boxcar NIB	1	10.75 USD	USD 10.75
MTH 30-77281 O Burlington Northern Offset Steel Caboose #11335 LN/Box	1	31 USD	USD 31

==================================================================
Total : USD 95.41
Shipping : USD 31.23
Buyer's Premium: USD 17.17
Dash Fee: USD 3
Adjustment : USD 0
Grand Total : USD 146.81

Dave when did Trainz start charging a Buyer's Premium ? I purchase five -  six items a year from them and have never been charged a Buyer's Premium this re-juggles my ideas for doing business with them.  Or.     Was this BP for a live auction ?   I avoid Live Auctions for just that reason.            j

In my day job I deal a lot with shipping and freight charges.  There are a lot of factors that go into the recent increase in shipping costs:

- You should be aware that much of the overnight and larger LTL shipping that the USPS now does is contracted with FedEx.  Frankly has better infrastructure and ability to move the product than USPS does.

- New Federal mandates for trucking went into effect Jan 1 that require electronic/digital reporting units to be installed in truck cabs.  Average cost is estimated to be around $10,000 per cab.  The reporting/control units more accurately report the drivers hours and restrict their ability to drive over the allowed time.  Should a driver exceed the time the unit restricts the speed that the truck can travel allowing them only enough to reach the next exit or rest stop.  The added cost needs to be passed on to the consumer and many Mom & Pop companies as well as independent drivers who could not afford the mandated installs have chosen to park their rigs instead.

- There has been a significant increase in "weather events" the last couple years that have cause either a lot of delays in scheduled shipping or a lot of rigs to be diverted to disaster relief efforts.  Delays in scheduled trips have a trickle down effect in the amount of transit space available.  Diverted rigs aren't available at all.  It's the old theory of supply and demand, when the demand is higher than the supply the cost of the product, in this case shipping, goes up.

- About a year ago, it was estimated that there were about 6 drivers available for every 10 loads.  After the Jan 1 mandates and the loss of many owner/operators as well as the net weather effects, it's now estimated that there are 3-4 drivers available for every load. 

Just take a look at the semis you see going down the road on your next drive.  See how many of the have ads on the back for drivers wanted.  Around here it's rare to see a semi that isn't advertising.  Same listening to the radio.  On the stations I listen to I hear at least one ad an hour for some freight company touting how they're willing to train, what great benefits they have and how large their signing bonus is.

I'm not trying to justify the higher rate and especially not agreeing with them.  Just trying to make clear that it's not as likely that someone is trying to profit from them as it is they are a real cost.

And the next time you opt for "free shipping," ask your self just how free it really is.  The seller you're buying from is not loosing money on the deal and they certainly aren't doing you a favor because they like you so much.  You're paying,  You're just not seeing the real cost because you choose to believe it's free.

I'm not judging either.  I'm a Prime member.  I am, however a realist.

JohnActon posted:

Dave when did Trainz start charging a Buyer's Premium ? I purchase five -  six items a year from them and have never been charged a Buyer's Premium this re-juggles my ideas for doing business with them.  Or.     Was this BP for a live auction ?   I avoid Live Auctions for just that reason.            j

Hi John,  these were  Auctions,  its kind of fun to try and get things at the lower prices, but if I get into a bidding war, then I really pay attention, because its not a flat rate but a % of the final price (before shipping).  All the best, Dave

My biggest complaint is that back about what, 7-8 years ago when fuel prices went through the roof, all of the shippers increased their shipping prices accordingly because of it.  But now that fuel prices have gone back down, did we see shipping prices decrease?  No.  Those higher prices are now baked into their business model.  

Because of the shipping prices, I find it's just not worth it to try to sell cheaper items on eBay anymore.  By the time the eBay, PayPal, and now shipping charges are factored in, you are lucky to break even.  For all of that work, you might as well just donate the item to Goodwill.  

The shipping charges are especially bad when shipping across the country.  When I lived on the east coast, the shipping charges were reasonable and since so many train purchasers live there, that's where I was shipping and buying from the most.  But now that I'm in the midwest, shipping to the the coasts is so expensive.

I don't know what the answer is, but where does it stop?

I haven't been charged an outrageous price for shipping on any train item I've bought, whether from a hobby shop, eBay, or Trainz. But I live in Chicago, and pretty much everything goes through here, so shipping is reasonable. 

Now if you want to talk about crazy shipping charges I bought a rust free driver's side fender for my Thunderbird when I had it painted last year. The fender cost $75. It cost $225 to ship it to me from Georgia. So 3 times the cost of the fender to ship it. Sometimes with rare things you have to bite the bullet....

When buying from forum members here I will often offer to create my own prepaid label and email it to them to affix to their package. This can be a hassle-free inducement to give me a good price.  They don't have to figure the cost or pay for the shipping out of pocket. 

That way you can shop the different companies and I have complete control over the selection of the service.

Guys many trains can be shipped for a lower price if you use FREE USPS Priority mail boxes. They have medium and large size.

Bob

BK posted:

Guys many trains can be shipped for a lower price if you use FREE USPS Priority mail boxes. They have medium and large size.

Bob

I usually use flat rate boxes when I ship. Approx 3 months ago I shipped a clutch pack w/all the clutch plates for an early Harley shovelhead in a med flat rate box for $13.65 if I didn't use the flat rate box it would've cost $74.00 .

John,  speaking of shipping costs, that JP board was $8.45 to mail using the Priority Mail Tyvek envelope.  It only weighed 13oz total.  I suppose if I had taken time to have found a decent small box it might have cheaper.  The board measures roughly 16”x1.25”x.75”.  Sort of an odd an shape with capacitors at the one end giving it that 3/4s of an inch height.  

Larry

PSAP2010 posted:

John,  speaking of shipping costs, that JP board was $8.45 to mail using the Priority Mail Tyvek envelope.  It only weighed 13oz total.  I suppose if I had taken time to have found a decent small box it might have cheaper.  The board measures roughly 16”x1.25”x.75”.  Sort of an odd an shape with capacitors at the one end giving it that 3/4s of an inch height.  

 

Larry

That is double what it would have cost to ship as a First Class Parcel.  I shipped a 13 oz. parcel today for $4.10.  Those rates apply to any packge of reasonable dimensions that is 13 oz. or less.  It's 2.66 for 8 oz.

Those are rates I get for eBay sales using Paypal

PSAP2010 posted:

John,  speaking of shipping costs, that JP board was $8.45 to mail using the Priority Mail Tyvek envelope.  It only weighed 13oz total.  I suppose if I had taken time to have found a decent small box it might have cheaper.  The board measures roughly 16”x1.25”x.75”.  Sort of an odd an shape with capacitors at the one end giving it that 3/4s of an inch height.  

 

Larry

I mail 13 oz packages for around $4, First Class Mail.  AAMOF, you can ship that 13 oz with $100 insurance for a little over $6.

Shipping coast to coast is really not affordable any longer.

With the flat-rate boxes, can you just walk into the post office and take some home to use later?  That's my only problem with them.  I don't want to have to bring my item to the post office only to have to package it there.

towdog posted:

With the flat-rate boxes, can you just walk into the post office and take some home to use later?  That's my only problem with them.  I don't want to have to bring my item to the post office only to have to package it there.

usps will send you a variety pack of flat rate boxes to your door......at no charge

john what does AAMOF mean ?

As A Matter of Fact

Alan Mancus posted:

john what does AAMOF mean ?

As A Matter Of Fact.

As someone who lives on the Canada/US border, I can attest there is a HUGE variation between shipping in both countries. Maybe not to extent of $700.00, but none the less it's ridiculous. Most of the "charges" for cross border shipping actually are from all of the brokerage/customs "fees", not necessarily from the shipping. That's why it's such a joke to try and buy anything in Canada. I remember once looking at a locomotive on eBay and I used my zip code to calculate the shipping. It was around 20 dollars. I then changed it to Canada for the heck of it and it jumped to almost 200 dollars!!  That 20-30 dollar shipping cost doesn't look too bad after that.

Rob

In a response on the OGF to a question about MTH 30-1433-1, "Coors Silver Bullet train," you wrote: "Before it runs again, it gets a TVS across the pickups and a new supercap battery substitute."

What are a "TVS" and a "supercap battery?"

On the original topic: shipping.

I am so old I can remember when shippng was just part of doing business: of course that  was prior to  the outrageous shipping cost.

Syd Dann

Size is what makes the difference. I just shipped a package of two lbs. to California via PRIORTY Mail for $12.65. From the east coast.  Even cheaper then flat rate. They were ho passenger cars and is delivered faster than either fedex ground or ups who would of charged $24 and $28 respectively.

The bigger the pkg the price goes up allot, when I ship to the west coast I find that fedex ground can be the cheapest but still expensive. 

Dave

My opinion for what it's worth.  Not addressing each posters individual situation, I can say Byrdie's  response as it pertains to the truck driver issue is right on. Having retired from 20 plus years of trucking I am  familiar with the rapidly increasing "shortage" of qualified over the road truckers. Possibly the only time we consumers think about trucks is when they are in our **** way. If you got it; chances are a truck brought it, some where along the line. The demand for trucking services along with the prospering economy is one LARGE reason why we are seeing higher shipping cost. By the way for what it's worth. The average OTR truck driver is still making close to wages being paid in 1980, it's not like the driver is making a big windfall here. Just wanted to give a little shoutout  to the American/Canadian trucker here; the HEARTBEAT of AMERICA!

                                           Thanks for your time

When I have purchased on eBay the shipping cost is stated up front. IIRC it has been about $10 on an engine even less on rolling stock.  More than $10 on any engine is IMO too high a cost.

Those foreign shipping costs must be a misprint they are completely wrong.

Everything I buy in the way of Rolling stock, locos, and most books come from America.

If I buy an Atlas locomotive it usually costs about $80 shipping. some I have bought for $70 shipping One piece of rolling stock costs about 30-40 dollars shipping I'm talking about the last year not 20 years ago! and yes sometimes the shipping is probably worth more than the items but I don't sit down and have a cry I keep buying I have a passion for USA O scale trains.

I expect my items to take no more than 2 weeks from America to West Australia and most do, so I don't pay massive same day shipping costs just above normal shipping.

There are some sellers that do refund me for shipping charges when I have paid to much, I like that they get return business, some hobby shops give you the choice of Shipping costs.

If a seller or a hobby shop can't tell you the price before you pay don't buy it unless you have dealt with them before otherwise the skies the limit you could get charged almost anything, think of a number!

I could tell you the good hobby shops and sellers that are honest/ have the knowledge and want your business but I won't for two reasons.

1. Its likely to be erased from the thread.

2. It's about international shipping costs, entirely different to American domestic shipping costs.

So I'm happy days you blokes have the choice, support your shows and pay no shipping.

Roo. In West Australia.

Our parts shipping under 1# is normally $4.50 - $5.00 if fitted into a bubble pack envelope or 2" x 4" x 6" small box.  Paint has to ship ground at about $7.00, $1 more for every extra can.  This price includes taking the order, printing the label ,  receipt for buyer and 1 for us, and delivery to P.O..  NO minimum order.  

I think we are missing the boat on making money according to some of the replies listed here. I thought shipping our orders out of country was expensive ( $20 - $30 ) for parts.  My most expensive was $128.00 shipping a $600.00 loco to Italy.   My 2c's worth  Harry   

thanks John for the answer

I have worked for or owned companies that ship all over the world since 1962. Most companies seem to be pretty fair about their shipping charges while a few make shipping another profit center in their business model. I say to anyone rather than pointing fingers at companies familiarize your self with USPS rates and the availability of the free flat rate boxes and free Priority Mail boxes. Most trains can go in these with the exception of items over 20 LBS. going from coast to coast. Many small parts can go in padded envelopes available from WallyMart, Staples or Uline for very little money and can ship for less than $3 plus envelope coast to coast. Don't begrudge a shipper for adding $.25 for the cost of tape and $.75 for a padded envelope. Labels can be printed free and postal pick up is at no extra charge. So when a hobby shop charges $3.50 to ship a small $4.00 part it's fair; When a similar shop charges $9.00 to do the same -- well you decide.

International shipping from the U.S  and from other countries is another story. A few months ago i ordered a shirt from a store in Toronto, CA to be shipped to upstate NY. $10.00 shipping in a padded envelope and it arrived in 4 days. Needed to return it as it didn't fit -- $16.00 postage in the same padded envelope and 2+ weeks shipping time. Two summers ago i ordered a hat from Australia; it came in about 2 1/2 weeks in a nice box for only $23.00 shipping.

So do a little homework.

modeltrainsparts posted:

I have worked for or owned companies that ship all over the world since 1962. Most companies seem to be pretty fair about their shipping charges while a few make shipping another profit center in their business model. I say to anyone rather than pointing fingers at companies familiarize your self with USPS rates and the availability of the free flat rate boxes and free Priority Mail boxes. Most trains can go in these with the exception of items over 20 LBS. going from coast to coast. Many small parts can go in padded envelopes available from WallyMart, Staples or Uline for very little money and can ship for less than $3 plus envelope coast to coast. Don't begrudge a shipper for adding $.25 for the cost of tape and $.75 for a padded envelope. Labels can be printed free and postal pick up is at no extra charge. So when a hobby shop charges $3.50 to ship a small $4.00 part it's fair; When a similar shop charges $9.00 to do the same -- well you decide.

International shipping from the U.S  and from other countries is another story. A few months ago i ordered a shirt from a store in Toronto, CA to be shipped to upstate NY. $10.00 shipping in a padded envelope and it arrived in 4 days. Needed to return it as it didn't fit -- $16.00 postage in the same padded envelope and 2+ weeks shipping time. Two summers ago i ordered a hat from Australia; it came in about 2 1/2 weeks in a nice box for only $23.00 shipping.

So do a little homework.

Jackson makes a good point.  Shipping is buying a product.  When you buy something, you do research to get the best price.  Same with shipping.  You've got to take time to do the research.  So do do your homework.

It's Monday morning in West Australia.

About 5 minutes ago a parcel arrived from America it was an Atlas Caboose that I bought from a hobby shop it took 15 days to get here and was well packed no damage.

These are the costs in American dollars.

caboose 44-76

Shipping 37-29

Aust Tax 12-75

Total 95-60  (Australian $130-70)

I can save on shipping if I  buy multiple items  this time I only wanted one item. I live with it or go without.

Roo.

Roo posted:

It's Monday morning in West Australia.

About 5 minutes ago a parcel arrived from America it was an Atlas Caboose that I bought from a hobby shop it took 15 days to get here and was well packed no damage.

These are the costs in American dollars.

caboose 44-76

Shipping 37-29

Aust Tax 12-75

Total 95-60  (Australian $130-70)

I can save on shipping if I  buy multiple items  this time I only wanted one item. I live with it or go without.

Roo.

Roo, Shipping from the US to other countries is very high while from other countries to the US is quite reasonable as i tried to indicate in my post. My Akruba hat from Australian Gear  was only $23.00 (AUS).

Harry Henning posted:

Our parts shipping under 1# is normally $4.50 - $5.00 if fitted into a bubble pack envelope or 2" x 4" x 6" small box.  Paint has to ship ground at about $7.00, $1 more for every extra can.  This price includes taking the order, printing the label ,  receipt for buyer and 1 for us, and delivery to P.O..  NO minimum order.  

I think we are missing the boat on making money according to some of the replies listed here. I thought shipping our orders out of country was expensive ( $20 - $30 ) for parts.  My most expensive was $128.00 shipping a $600.00 loco to Italy.   My 2c's worth  Harry   

Hi Harry.

On your Ebay listings it says "Shipping USA only" and "May not ship to Australia"

So you ship to Australia or don't you? Roo.

modeltrainsparts posted:

Roo posted:

It's Monday morning in West Australia.

About 5 minutes ago a parcel arrived from America it was an Atlas Caboose that I bought from a hobby shop it took 15 days to get here and was well packed no damage.

These are the costs in American dollars.

caboose 44-76

Shipping 37-29

Aust Tax 12-75

Total 95-60  (Australian $130-70)

I can save on shipping if I  buy multiple items  this time I only wanted one item. I live with it or go without.

Roo.

Roo, Shipping from the US to other countries is very high while from other countries to the US is quite reasonable as i tried to indicate in my post. My Akruba hat from Australian Gear  was only $23.00 (AUS).

Good choice of a hat mate! Ha Ha. Glad the shipping was reasonable.

There is someone on the internet selling under the name MODELTRAINSPARTS is that you by any chance?

Roo.

Roo, On the internet i'm listed as 43jackson; have been mostly clearing out my stash of pre `55 MG parts altho i have one train listed (a couple of KLine cars, baggage and combine - not full scale). I love the hat, especially the wide brim; keeps the snow off in the winter and the sun off in the summer.

Roo,

  We have actually shipped to :Russia, China, European countries and South America.  We prefer not to due to cost to customer etc. ,but will do. We only charge actual cost rounded out to nearest dollar, and yet some customers will gripe that they are being overcharged. It is just simpler to say "U.S.A." only.  We ship 50-75 parts orders a day here in the states. One order to the UK has been going on & off for the last 4 months. Stephanie has probably  put in 2 hours or more already thru e-mails, pulling parts and changing out quantity of parts etc. Still no firm order. Returns are too expensive.   Harry 

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'd like to hear the reasoning for this.   I happened to be looking at something on Trainz, and I noticed their shipping charges!  YIKES, it costs more than a couple of Legacy diesels to ship one unit!

I have to believe there's a story here.

Wonder what they are shipping for those amounts??? Over seas is really high but not $700 high unless they are shipping a set. Shipping is a huge problem. Buyers many times don't understand as they don't ship, and think you can toss an item in a box and its a few bucks to ship it out. No so, the cheapest US shipping for a local address is just under $7. If the same package has to go across the country you can at least double that or more. I can get and hoard packing materials easily. I go to my warehouse store and they always have a ton of free boxes and used news paper is also free. My only real cost is for packing tape, and bubble wrap. Outfits like Trainz buy everything then want to recoup that cost plus postage. They also cannot tell ahead of time where the buyer will be located so they charge the highest rate and make sure they are covered. This is a two edged sword. Buyers look at those higher costs and move on thinking they are crooks.

TIN

Interesting datum:

I was recently looking on THAT Auction Site (non-train items) and ran across two Buy It Now auctions (yeah, I know:  contradiction in terms) for the same product. 

One had a BIN price of $70 with S&H of $72; the other had a BIN price of $146 w/ FREE Shipping.

Ahem.

Paying the HIGH shipping amount actually saves the buyer $4.

I don't know who's laughing louder, Ben Franklin or P. T. Barnum.

Harry,

the UK order is mine, I am still waiting for a question I asked about some O gauge wheels to restore a Flyer pre war Hiawatha electric set I have, the cheap set. I need wheels that fit the passenger cars, do you have these? I sent some photo’s to help.

You answered the query about the small leading/trailing wheels for me.

I don’t think I missed any response about these, but not sure.

Harry Henning posted:

Roo,

  We have actually shipped to :Russia, China, European countries and South America.  We prefer not to due to cost to customer etc. ,but will do. We only charge actual cost rounded out to nearest dollar, and yet some customers will gripe that they are being overcharged. It is just simpler to say "U.S.A." only.  We ship 50-75 parts orders a day here in the states. One order to the UK has been going on & off for the last 4 months. Stephanie has probably  put in 2 hours or more already thru e-mails, pulling parts and changing out quantity of parts etc. Still no firm order. Returns are too expensive.   Harry 

Harry you would love me for a customer because in over 1000 transactions over the years I have never had a major problem. I am careful when I order something if I make the mistake I live with it I never return anything but I am not stupid I am careful and do lots of research because there is no O scale where I live so I have to depend on my research and the honesty of the seller most hobby shops want your business so they provide good service and look after you the same as I did when I was in business (Not a hobby shop!).

You had something I really wanted once, now after reading your reply I am kicking myself for not looking into it further. Next time!

Thanks for your reply. Roo (AKA Neville Rossiter)

Roo posted:

Harry Henning posted:

Roo,

  We have actually shipped to :Russia, China, European countries and South America.  We prefer not to due to cost to customer etc. ,but will do. We only charge actual cost rounded out to nearest dollar, and yet some customers will gripe that they are being overcharged. It is just simpler to say "U.S.A." only.  We ship 50-75 parts orders a day here in the states. One order to the UK has been going on & off for the last 4 months. Stephanie has probably  put in 2 hours or more already thru e-mails, pulling parts and changing out quantity of parts etc. Still no firm order. Returns are too expensive.   Harry 

Harry you would love me for a customer because in over 1000 transactions over the years I have never had a major problem. I am careful when I order something if I make the mistake I live with it I never return anything but I am not stupid I am careful and do lots of research because there is no O scale where I live so I have to depend on my research and the honesty of the seller most hobby shops want your business so they provide good service and look after you the same as I did when I was in business (Not a hobby shop!).

You had something I really wanted once, now after reading your reply I am kicking myself for not looking into it further. Next time!

Thanks for your reply. Roo (AKA Neville Rossiter)

Interested in whare you are.  Given that you call yourself Roo, I'd guess Australia.

Roo,

  I would appreciate ALL of your business. You to, my friend Neil in the UK.  Several years ago we had some sizable loss's shipping to the African countries to customers claiming they had not received merchandise and / or required shipping thru their own shipping contacts. You learn a lot after a few losses about how ,who, and where to ship confidently. It is very frustrating when losses occur.  That is the main reason we just marked "SHIP IN U.S.A. only.    Harry 

modeltrainsparts posted:

I have worked for or owned companies that ship all over the world since 1962. Most companies seem to be pretty fair about their shipping charges while a few make shipping another profit center in their business model. I say to anyone rather than pointing fingers at companies familiarize your self with USPS rates and the availability of the free flat rate boxes and free Priority Mail boxes. Most trains can go in these with the exception of items over 20 LBS. going from coast to coast. Many small parts can go in padded envelopes available from WallyMart, Staples or Uline for very little money and can ship for less than $3 plus envelope coast to coast. Don't begrudge a shipper for adding $.25 for the cost of tape and $.75 for a padded envelope. Labels can be printed free and postal pick up is at no extra charge. So when a hobby shop charges $3.50 to ship a small $4.00 part it's fair; When a similar shop charges $9.00 to do the same -- well you decide.

International shipping from the U.S  and from other countries is another story. A few months ago i ordered a shirt from a store in Toronto, CA to be shipped to upstate NY. $10.00 shipping in a padded envelope and it arrived in 4 days. Needed to return it as it didn't fit -- $16.00 postage in the same padded envelope and 2+ weeks shipping time. Two summers ago i ordered a hat from Australia; it came in about 2 1/2 weeks in a nice box for only $23.00 shipping.

So do a little homework.

Unfortunately longer cars do not fit in flat rate boxes. I want at least a once around wrap of bubble wrap and it’s too much for any of the flat rate boxes. The more it weighs and the higher the amount you insure the package, the more it will cost. Even with eBay’s discount, it is expensive.

The concern about cost of insuring a package makes me wonder.  How many frequent shippers have had enough loss to make insurance worth the cost.  I've shipped 2-300 toy train items per year for about four years and never bought insurance.  The only loss I've had was a plastic station roof that was broken because I goofed on the packing.  Even if I had lost one of the several $300 locomotives that I've shiped and a few of the cheaper items, I'd still be way ahead with the money saved from not insuring.

One very inexpensive way of shipping that most of you are probably not aware of is Fastenall. Yes, Fastenall, the fastener distributor. Many communities have Fastenall distributors nearby. If you are shipping something very heavy and/or very large and you are willing to wait up to two weeks their prices beat UPS. Your parcel will go from the local Fastenal facility to the regional one and then on to the local one nearest the addressee who will then be notified to come pick it up. I often use this for heavy parcels going coast to coast.

Mike, for longer cars the best USPS can do are 23" x 11" x 3"  Priority Mail boxes which are free. But then you can only please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time.

Actually, for longer cars, I simply take two of the shoebox sized Priority boxes and graft them together.  The problem with the gameboard box you describe is it doesn't provide sufficient protection for the cars from side impacts.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Actually, for longer cars, I simply take two of the shoebox sized Priority boxes and graft them together.  The problem with the gameboard box you describe is it doesn't provide sufficient protection for the cars from side impacts.

John, you're right; the gameboard box doesn't provide enough protection (except for track pieces).. I too graft the shoe box sized Priority boxes together.

You guys were successful joining two flat rate boxes together? I thought about trying that but figured usps would say no. If that works I’ll try it next time.

Mike, NOT Flat Rate boxes, but PRIORITY Mail boxes; there's a difference. Go to the USPS website.

I recently bought a particular pick-up roller assembly from Trainz on the Bay.  It was $6.60 and shipping was $4.74.  It was send in a small package.  I didn't have any shipping charges complaints.

However, due to shipping charges I sometimes buy more items than I might need to save on possible future shipping charges.  Or, I might actually buy another item to average down on shipping charges.  I just bought the Menard's REA boxcar, but I added the REA van on a flat due to combined shipping.

Alan

modeltrainsparts posted:

Mike, NOT Flat Rate boxes, but PRIORITY Mail boxes; there's a difference. Go to the USPS website.

Thanks mtp! I’ll pick some up Saturday, I did not know they had priority boxes, I need to pay more attention when I am in the post office. 😎😎

Really no more than everything else on the market.

towdog posted:

With the flat-rate boxes, can you just walk into the post office and take some home to use later?  That's my only problem with them.  I don't want to have to bring my item to the post office only to have to package it there.

Pack it at home and do a ship and click.  Thats what I do  My letter carrier picks it up at my door.  

I've shipped a ton of stuff in "composite" boxes.  However, note that the shoebox is NOT a flat rate box, just a free box.

I'm sure joining flat rate boxes to make a bigger box would be a total "no-no" in the eyes of the USPS.

If you use PayPal Ship Now! to generate postage, you can send stuff First Class, up to 4oz it's only $2.66 for a package.  Here's a chart from a shipping company, it's the same rates with PP Ship Now.  In addition to that, you will get a discount for Priority over USPS standard rates.  What's not to like?

Melvin P posted:

Pack it at home and do a ship and click.  Thats what I do  My letter carrier picks it up at my door.  

 Cheaper with PP, and I also schedule pickups at the door.