To begin, each year shipping prices across the nation increase. 2017 is no different. USPS just put through another rate increase mid-January. JAVA & Co. utilizes USPS for a vast majority of retail packages and FedEx or UPS for the rest. We have worked hard to absorb these costs over the years - through creative packaging and gift bundles - without adding a 'handling fee'. I truly despise those handling fees.
In the past, we have offered Free Shipping on minimum orders and Flat Rate Standard Shipping of $9.95 (now $9.99) on any retail order shipped within the United States. The shipping module integrated into our online store www.javaandco.com is super smart, links direct to the carriers and calculates real time shipping charges and offers customers a range of choices. However, due to the heavy weight of many of the products in our collection, we offered (offer) a flat rate standard shipping option, which in every single case that it has been used has saved customers an average of $5 to $15 per order based on real postage.
As shipping costs rise, we are evaluating and reviewing our shipping promotions for the remainder of the year and are working to offer our customers a good, sustainable value. We'd like to be able to continue to offer shipping promotions. I'm a consumer and I too appreciate Free Shipping in one form or another. I look around and wonder how other retailers can afford to offer the deep discounts and Free Shipping and then I see many retailers slated for closure this year. I sometimes wonder if all of this Free Shipping gives the illusion that shipping costs aren't that high and businesses can afford to absorb them. If you've ever stood in line to ship a package, you probably know this isn't true. I then read an article where Amazon admitted to losing money on products where shipping cost exceeded both the cost to ship and the value of the item ordered (even with $99/yr prepaid Prime). I suppose they are big enough to sustain these losses. We, at JAVA & Co., purchase shipping online - one package at a time - and go to our local post office. : )
As you can see we give each aspect of our business a great deal of thought and understand how it impacts our incredible customers. Shipping is no different and is actually - near the top of a very long list. If you have feedback you'd like to share or shipping ideas you'd like us to consider, we'd love to hear from you. Please email us at javaandco@live.com.
If you're ever in the area during our market season, please look us up and stop by our booth. Shipping isn't even 'a thing' at the local markets. : )
Thank you!
