February 7, 2013

CRY CRY CRY




A NOTE TO MY INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS:

On January 27, 2013, the United States Postal Service raised their rates on international packages a stunning 55% - 112%, depending on weight and destination (Canada is especially hard-hit).  I've always tried to keep my shipping rates extremely low, and fair.  Given the astounding price increases I'm facing, it's going to take me some time to come up with a system by which customers can easily determine international shipping costs.

In the meantime, I'm asking that before placing an order you first email me a list of the items you want, to johnp_kingcat AT hotmail DOT com.  I'll determine the shipping costs and get back to you.  This will require a lot of extra time/work, so your patience in the matter is appreciated.

Many US mailorder businesses with large international customer bases are freaking out over this unexpected price increase.  Right now, international orders account for about 50% of my business.  I'll do my best to figure out what this all means, and how to move forward.

Thank you sincerely for your support!
John P.


PS: US customers do not need to email before ordering as your shipping rates have been unaffected.

4 comments:

  1. Aren't there alternatives to using the United States Postal Service (USPS) for international mail?

    I'm UK based and when I order DVDs from the US, they're typically mailed via someone other than USPS. Some travel via Sweden/Germany and are ultimately delivered by the UK postal service (Royal Mail).

    Perhaps you need to do a certain minimum amount of business in order to access alternative carriers?

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    1. Hi Richard, thanks for your comment! I'm curious as to how the delivery system you mention works-- I haven't heard of it. Unless it's a freight shipper aggregating deliveries.

      Certainly, FedEx/UPS/DHL are all extraordinarily more expensive than USPS, even with the rate increases.

      I'm continuing to look into the matter!

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    2. Hi John,

      One concrete example is Eros Comix, who offer Global Mail (DHL) as a cheaper (but slower) alternative to USPS, see: http://ssl.eroscomix.com/ship/index.html.

      I'm not sure if Global Mail (DHL) falls into the category of "freight shipper[s] aggregating deliveries".

      I've also purchased CDs and DVDs from CD Universe and others. The impression I get is that packets/packages don't enter the standard postal system until they hit Europe. (I live in the UK, but items often seem to arrive in mainland Europe before being posted on to the UK.)

      As I said before, it may be that you need to do a certain minimum amount of business in order to access alternative carriers. So small (self-)publishers might not be able to use them as an alternative to USPS.

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  2. The sudden increase in shipping fee indeed shocked businesses that cater to international market. And the effect is definitely parallel to your international customers. In this light, I appreciate that even before this happened, you've made sure that the prices you put on your products are low and just. And when this increase was applied, you automatically thought of ways to minimize the cost. I salute you for that. Best of luck on your business!
    Luise Pagett

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