This is a question based on multiple experiences. I’ve inquired about shipping to two cities in california from sellers within the US who usually have a little estimate saying “no more than 60,” or “35-65” domestic.
But somehow they tend to quote me like 90 or 70. Even 50 for one animal a couple of weeks ago then 70 now…
I’m thinking it’s because of weather? But idk, some clarification would be appreciated. This isn’t criticism of judgment just wondering what this is all about.
Different shipping companies charge different amounts. Adding a heat pack to a box means the box needs to be bigger (and therefore more expensive to ship) to accommodate it. And some sellers might just be eating part of the cost of shipping. Different distances also can affect the cost. Those are a few reasons anyway!
These are the big two right here. Some others are; shipping supplies, delivery location (residence or ship center), and possibly insurance on that shipment. This is also a very busy season for shipping, since it’s right before the holidays and so many more people want their goods fast, so FedEx is swamped/having to pay more drivers more hours/prices go up.
I usually do $60 flat for shipping and eat the cost of the box and the balance of the shipping (I end up paying $25-30 of the shipping cost)
California is a big state. I’m in Northern CA and I can ship to other people in Northern CA for about $25-30, but if I have to ship down to Central or South CA is jumps up to around $50. If a package has to go across the state it’s about the same distance as traveling to another state. It also has to fly to get there, and in general, any time the package has to fly it will cost more to ship.
So if you’re closer to one side of the state than the other, that might partially explain the shipping charge disparity. What the others have said is also true. So many things can affect the cost of shipping. The size and weight of the box are important considerations, there are a few different services and their prices vary. and things like the time of the year and the weather affect it too. There are also add-on services like insurance, pickup, and signature delivery confirmation.
Personally, I don’t charge people for shipping supplies, but I don’t do flat rates and swallow the excess cost of shipping either. Maybe I should. I don’t make much to begin with, but a lot of potential customers ghost me after they hear about the shipping cost.