Should I increase my shipping & handling rates?

[dalecasey]

Hi everyone,
I've been selling on eBay since early 2005 and have never increased my shipping and handling rates.
I charge $2.50 to Canada and the U.S. and $4 to overseas locations for 00 bubble envelope mailers.
I also combine shipping at no additional charge.
This has resulted in many repeat (and happy) customers.
However, Canada Post has another increase coming on Monday and this one is significant.
Right now, taxes in, it costs me $1.50 (as long as it's under 100g) to mail a bubble envelope within Canada, so it's pretty much a wash when you factor in top loader(s), bubble mailers, etc.
It costs me $2.50 to mail to the U.S., so I take a slight hit.
It costs me $4.92 to mail overseas, so I take a bigger hit.
But as of March 31, taxes in, the exact same package will cost me:
$2.03 to Canada
$3.33 to the U.S.
$6.67 to overseas

So ... do I bump my rates up or bite the bullet one more time for Canada Post? I have many fine customers, including numerous ones in Europe, and don't want to risk losing them.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Bruce

 

[boredinguelph]

I was debating the same thing. Due to ebay new listings that they are giving away I am selling a lot of lower end cards so not much room for eating postage costs.

 

[dalecasey]

Someone suggested I sell more small (4-5 card) lots rather than individual cards.

 

[OT Sports]

bump up your shipping costs. I now charge $7.50 to europe and my sales to europe have stayed steady. If anything they have gone up.

 

[SimonJa]

As a customer and a seller (as most are) I would totally understand a shipping increase, what really keeps people away is inflated prices to increase profits. Im sure the small increase your referring to will not have any adverse effects on your accounts-especially with what european shipping outfits charge/CAD to EURO exchange. Lol

 

[bto3105]

Bruce I hate to say it but you probably should. By the time everyone takes a piece of the pie, you'll be left with crumbs never mind the work that goes into the whole selling process.

 

[dalecasey]

For now, I've decided to leave shipping at $2.50 within Canada.
I've bumped U.S. shipping from $2.50 to $3 and anywhere else from $4 to $5.50.
Thanks for all input,
Bruce

 

[PensFan66]

Does anyone have the exact increases? I ship with #000 Bubble mailers weighing under 100g as lettermail. Cant really make clarification on the Canada Post site. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[dalecasey]

The new rates (before taxes) are as follows from Canada Post's new pamphlet:
Within Canada
$1.80 for up to 100g,
$2.95 for over 100g
$4.10 for over 200 to 300g
$4.70 for over 300 to 400g
$5.05 for over 400 to 500g.

To the U.S.
$2.95 for up to 100g
$5.15 for over 100g to 200g
$10.30 for over 200 to 500g.

Other international destinations:
Up to 100g: $5.90
Over 100g to 200g: $10.30
Over 200g to 500g: $20.60

 

[PensFan66]

Thank you kindly! Looks like a 50cent bump up for me on each shipping location