Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: BUCKY on March 21, 2011, 06:35:00 PM

Title: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: BUCKY on March 21, 2011, 06:35:00 PM
Can anybody tell me of a catalog or supplier who will sell just a few items and not kill me on shipping? I'm trying to buy a $7 item but everybody wants $6 for shipping!
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: magnus on March 21, 2011, 06:36:00 PM
Depends on what your after. Many fine sponsors on this site. Check the sponsor banner up top.
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: Hackbow on March 21, 2011, 06:40:00 PM
I buy mostly from a local shop, but of TG sponsors, Braveheart Archery is fast and has the best shipping rates I've experienced.
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: Hackbow on March 21, 2011, 06:40:00 PM
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: Whip on March 21, 2011, 07:16:00 PM
Shipping charges on small orders can be tough.  Unless something can fit in a flat envelope, I haven't figured out how to ship anything for much less that $5.00.  Picking, packing, and boxing an order takes more time than anyone could possibly make on a small order.  If they are adding an extra $1.00 or so to cover time, boxes, bubble wrap, tape, etc, etc, they still aren't making money on the shipping.  If they do it for less than that they are losing money on your order.  Which is nice from a customer's standpoint, but not a good way to stay in business in the long run.

I usually try to plan ahead to get my supplies at a shoot or to combine them into bigger orders so that I can minimize shipping charges.
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: Swamp Yankee on March 21, 2011, 07:39:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Whip:
Shipping charges on small orders can be tough.  Unless something can fit in a flat envelope, I haven't figured out how to ship anything for much less that $5.00.  Picking, packing, and boxing an order takes more time than anyone could possibly make on a small order.  If they are adding an extra $1.00 or so to cover time, boxes, bubble wrap, tape, etc, etc, they still aren't making money on the shipping.  If they do it for less than that they are losing money on your order.  Which is nice from a customer's standpoint, but not a good way to stay in business in the long run.

I usually try to plan ahead to get my supplies at a shoot or to combine them into bigger orders so that I can minimize shipping charges.
I worked for a mail order company for over 10 years and what he said is absolutely correct.  The labor, material and shipping costs add up; and generally speaking the labor is about the same for any item no matter what the cost.

Believe it or not, I've found Black Widow has some of the best prices around on many items with reasonable shipping.
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: Three Finger on March 21, 2011, 08:52:00 PM
Thanks for the tip about Braveheart Archery. I just went and ordered a few things and only paid $3 for shipping. And they took paypal.
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: Uncle Buck on March 21, 2011, 08:56:00 PM
with the price of gas right now $6 for stuff delivered to your door is a bargain
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: polarbear on March 21, 2011, 08:56:00 PM
Try Mike at "The Nocking Point",he is sponsor on here.Only charges what the actual postage is!No handleing charges.Order it in the morning shipped in the afternoon.
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: BUCKY on March 21, 2011, 09:35:00 PM
Some of the ones you suggested did't have it.A fellow Tradganger had one for me.This is why this site is so great!
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: Stumpkiller on March 21, 2011, 10:47:00 PM
Anymore I start with Braveheart.  They don't have a huge assortment but I'm always happy with what I get.  Good folks (just got a bow from them today).
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: Ricker on March 21, 2011, 11:29:00 PM
I too am a big fan of "The Nocking Point" and Braveheart.  
The way I figure it, if I walked in to a shop and chatted, got help with my order etc. then they rang up the sale they have invested quite a bit of time compared to throwing it in a box and printing a label.  I feel a bit funny about being charged "handling" from a mail order place.

Just my own thought for what it's worth.
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: carpenter on March 22, 2011, 06:47:00 AM
The Nocking point,  a fine place to do business!
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: Night Wing on March 22, 2011, 07:27:00 AM
Another vote for Tim at Braveheart Archery. I've bought all of my STOS broadheads for my heavier 2114 and 2117 arrows and field points from Tim. Tim's shipping prices are hard to beat.
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: Gatekeeper on March 22, 2011, 09:04:00 AM
I agree with what Whip has posted.

Mike at the Nocking Point will do his best to get it to you inexpensively.

Is there anyone in your area that needs to order some items? If so, the two of you could combine your orders and have it all shipped together and split the cost.
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: dnovo on March 22, 2011, 04:38:00 PM
Mike at the Nocking Point is awesome. Ships it out fast and as cheap as possible.
I've only bought a couple things from Braveheart, but liked their service also.
Title: Re: which catalog for small orders?
Post by: JamesV on March 22, 2011, 09:51:00 PM
I just recieved a padded paper pouch and paid $2 shipping. The postage on the package was $1.76. After they bought the pouch and paid postage they didn't get fat on shipping.