Postage charges

[Lily]

Hi there,
I just posted something I sold through Etsy and thanks to an answer I received on this forum previously I knew that jewellery is not covered by recorded delivery but only special delivery. That cost £6.45. Although in this instance I charged the customer £4.45.
I just checked what other jewellery makers seem to be charging for postage on Etsy and it is much less on the whole (at least the ones I looked at) charging around £3. Obviously they are not insured.
I am wondering what any of have decided to do when posting? I am concerned that the high price for postage might put some people off buying.
Thanks

Whoops - sorry - I just found an older thread which answers my question in part, although opinion seems divided on whether it's best to include postage in the price of the item. I would still value your opinions please. Also the PO ask what is in the package now so this may make a difference.

[pearlescence]

If it is under £50 and replaceable I'll send it ordinary post, if over £50 or not replaceable or lot of work gone into making it I'll use courier. Not special delivery as they only pay out the cost of materials, not your profit or time. And they still lose stuff. (two in a week which is when I stopped with them) Many people still think that recorded (ie signed for) is insured for jewellery which is probably why they are charging £3.

[caroleallen]

I build the postage cost into the price of the piece and give free delivery. Anything under £50 goes first class, over £50 goes tracked two day and over £100 goes special delivery.

[enigma]

Slightly different issue but Ive recently had two parcels ripped and the rings missing on arrival- one a gold one !
I was using normal padded paper bags but am now switching to the tough plastic ones.

[Lucie]

I have been using Royal Mail Special, but am looking around at other couriers, as i've had a few problems with them recently.
I add the postage cost into the piece of jewellery and automatically give free delivery too. Most things are at least £200 and need to be insured anyway, so it makes sense for me.

[Lucie]

Slightly different issue but Ive recently had two parcels ripped and the rings missing on arrival- one a gold one !
I was using normal padded paper bags but am now switching to the tough plastic ones.


I've had problems with the tough plastic type bags too :( It hasn't happened in a while, but the sticky can come partly undone and stuff can still fall out.
I always ask customers to put a bit of tape across the opening, so the little containers with their fingerprint impressions don't fall out & get lost. x

[caroleallen]

All my stuff goes in a jewellery box inside a cardboard box and I rarely get problems with things going missing and everything is very secure in its box.

[pearlescence]

Bags burst when they are squeezed going through the rollers. I've had single pearls ping right through the packing and padded envelope leaving a hole like the package has been shot. An extra square of bubble wrap sorts that one out

[ShinyLauren]

If it is under £50 and replaceable I'll send it ordinary post, if over £50 or not replaceable or lot of work gone into making it I'll use courier. Not special delivery as they only pay out the cost of materials, not your profit or time. And they still lose stuff. (two in a week which is when I stopped with them) Many people still think that recorded (ie signed for) is insured for jewellery which is probably why they are charging £3.

Which courier firm do you use Pearlescence?

[pearlescence]

Dx
..........

[Petal]

All my stuff goes in a jewellery box inside a cardboard box and I rarely get problems with things going missing and everything is very secure in its box.

Do you use PIP boxes Carole, or just a box that fits your packaging? I'm considering using them for my online sales...

[Lily]

Thank you for your answers everyone. I knew you would all have some helpful information!
The thought of losing stuff in the post after all the work that goes into it is horrifying. I like the idea of including the postage into the price of the piece and I will need to look at better packaging - I've been using fairly thin Jiffy bags which does not sound like the best option. I might look into using boxes.
Thanks again.

[caroleallen]

I use pip boxes and a cardboard envelope for cheaper things Jules but most things go in a proper box. I get my pip boxes from Potters.

[Petal]

Many thanks for that Carole. :)