Small Orders, Big Problem: Should I Combine Shipping?

[rennea]

I used to always have people who placed big orders but lately not so much. Everyone seems to wanting to place small orders and I mean small!! This week alone I have had three phone calls one person wanted paring knives while the other two ordered just twixit clips. The major problem is the shipping charge. Should I be nice and put these orders in together? I know it's not a good idea for warrenty.

 

[kspry]

I don't know what to do on this, either - a gal said she needed to get ab adjustment for a mini serving spatula that broke. She thought she bought it 14 years ago for $25 and it had a lifetime warranty!

I showed her that it was $4 in the catalog, and explained that only forged cutlery & cookware has a lifetime warranty. She wants to buy one but $4 shipping is as much as the item costs!

 

[raebates]

Rennea, for me it depends on the relationship I have with the customer. I have several customers who are friends. They call periodically to order one or two things. This is in addition to the buying they do at parties. Since I know they'll turn to me if they have any warranty issues, I won't hesitate to combine their orders to save shipping.On the other hand, if it's an out-of-the-blue call from someone I don't know, I don't combine. I do explain the shipping cost. Sometimes that causes them to add an item or two to make it worth the shipping. I usually have a party transmitting soon enough that I can add their order and collect the products from the host. Delivering the products gives me a chance to meet the person and possibly create a relationship.Make sense?

 

[urbnk8]

I would say because it's only paring knives and twix-its, that the warranty issue isn't really that big of deal. I would combine them. If they were bigger items, then I would want to make sure that they have their own receipt.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I add that kind of order to someone else's. I consider that customer service.

I have had orders on my web site (my turn on the lead system - lol) who have ordered one citrus peeler or other very small ticket items and paid the direct shipping. Over $7 for a citrus peeler? And they did not give contact information. All they wanted was that one $0.75 item. Hello?? Call me (they can get our information before ordering). Even if I had to mail it the cost would be so less than $6.

You gotta wonder about some people...

 

[rennea]

Thanks ladies for the advice. I think what I will do is start putting in one order a month with all the "small" orders on it.