Why are our shipping rates higher than some other websites?

[Carl]

I thought I would post an explanation of our shipping methods, rates from our FAQ Page; Shipping Explanation Section:
"Why are our shipping rates higher than some other websites?

Actually we have not raised our shipping rates as fast as they have been raised to us, often resulting in our subsidizing the cost of shipping for most larger purchases.

More importantly, what you get from us is most often different from sellers with free shipping or very low shipping. Most larger companies admittedly have better shipping discounts due to volume (as well as have higher margins that allow them to subsidize shipping and still make a profit), however these sites also ship with just one shipper to keep these volumes high and ease of staff training.
These same websites will use services such as FedEx Smart Post or UPS SurePost which transfer shipping to local Post Offices and generally results in up to 8 business days to ship. This saves these websites considerable amount in shipping while delaying package arrival unless expedited shipping services are paid for.

We at American Aquarium Products (AAP) on the other hand utilize many shipping methods from USPS First Class, Priority Mail, FedEx and admittedly Smart Post as well.
Even when expedited shipping is NOT paid for, we often ship via Priority Mail for packages under 2-4 lbs and for larger packages use standard FedEx, not Smart Post.
We also ship on Saturday.

The result is many customers ordering late on Friday a package weighing 2 lbs receiving their purchases on Monday or Tuesday for Standard Shipping.

However this same customer ordering late Friday from Dr. Foster & Smith and receiving free shipping, will have their package shipped the following Monday via UPS SurePost which will then take until the following Wednesday or even Thursday a total of almost two weeks (stated delivery time for both FedEX Smart Post and UPS SurePost is 7-8 business days). THIS IS A 9-10 DAY DIFFERENCE!

Admittedly we also use FedEx Smart Post which is just as slow as UPS SurePost, but only on large packages to rural addresses or PO Boxes which makes up less than 7% of our shipments.

Finally as for rates, it is noteworthy that while we do not offer free shipping, we cap our shipping prices @ $13.95, so a purchase of a $500 worth of LED lights is not going to pay any extra in shipping and still get the purchase in a reasonable time!"

Reference:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/FAQ.html#shipping

Carl

[Carl]

I might add that free shipping often fools buyers into thinking they are getting a better deal when in fact most often the price of shipping is factored into the price of the item.

Just speaking for our business, we opened an eBay store about a year ago in an attempt to supplement lagging sales and statistic software that show readers of our article leaving to purchase elsewhere (this alone is very frustrating).
Since eBay give a higher bump in any listing with free shipping we set up our pricing structure accordingly.
So with small purchases of just one item (such as one Kanaplex), a buyer might save by buying on eBay, however once one purchases multiple items, the way our AAP shipping calculator is structured, the buyer would do better at our AAP store.
YET, we have seen 100s of sales whereby the customer purchased multiple items via our eBay store where they would have gotten a better deal at our AAP store.

As a side note, we do not promote our eBay store, since eBay fees make it very marginally profitable from our side, but it at least allows us to capture sales we would not have had and a way to track sales lost after reading our library of information.
We also only sell a fraction of the products that our main AAP store sales and only offer sales customer support.

Carl

[Deleted]

Thanks Carl,

I can't find a place to post this other than right here - as it relates to Sponsor.

I support online retailers that also give me expert advice.... I had stopped buying from one for a while because they refused to refer me to their experts in fish health. They would only read me information that was on their site (I already know that information!). Years ago, I would be referred to their experts on their live fish site for help in using medications. I do have one expert with the Ohio company who has helped me many, many times -- and I thank him by making a purchase.

I have a list of items that AAP carries by my computer and when I need those items, I will make a purchase here....but if one of those items will bring my order up to the free shipping amount from another retailer (that carries products I need that are NOT offered here - including things for my cats -- grin) I have added an AAP carried item to that order.

The other day, I scrolled all the way down on a page and saw the link for "Donation". I had never seen that before. I decided I would thank Carl and AAP by making a donation (although not a huge one -- but it was for more than the cost of the item I bought from the other retailer). Carl told me the Donation buttons have been there a long time (forever?). No idea why I didn't see it before. So....if anyone sees this post....and has read Carl's information on AAP site and would like to help keep AAP online, do feel free to make a donation today (smile). I had no problem with the PayPal link.

Today, I saw a button for a pdf file on medications....and never saw that button before. I think that file would be helpful to have on hand, so I plan to buy that.

Carl, today I clicked on one item expecting it to take me to the page to purchase and it didn't...it might have been a temporary glitch. I will try it again - and if it appears to be a problem, I will let you know.

Judy

[Carl]

Thanks Judy!

I sent you a newer copy by email download

As per the link for the copy, the instructions we give require you to click on "Return to American Aquarium Products" at the end of the transaction to be redirected to your download/e-book.
Often this step is missed and this results in the need to email a pdf copy

Carl

[Carl]

A spent some time looking through the fine print of a few other online pet suppliers as per their shipping policy so as to make sure we are "up to snuff".

What is noteworthy that all use FedEx Smart Post or UPS SurePost for any free or economy shipping. Even with a local shipping (within 200 miles), this can mean as long as 4 days.
We on the other hand would get a local package often within 1 day with our shipping methods.

As well I noticed that one in particular advertised packages will go out that same day, but in reading the "fine print" this guarantee is only if expedited shipping is chosen.
AAP also ships on Sat. at no extra charge and even early day Sunday purchases are processed on Sunday, which means a Monday pickup is guaranteed, but not so weekend purchases elsewhere which often get caught up in backlogs of weekend shipments and end up shipping on Tuesday

Carl

[Deleted]

Thanks Carl,

I never checked the policies of the two online retailers I buy from most often....I always get same day (or next day if ordered in the evening) for Pet Solutions, the Ohio company. Since my order doesn't have to go far, I always have it in three days (sometimes less).

My order didn't go out until Monday for Drs. Foster and Smith since they received it Friday (assuming they were closed Thanksgiving Day when order was placed)..... Friday orders go out Monday - so the delay in shipment of my order was "business as usual".

If Petco ends up dropping my trusted products from the Good Doctors, then I guess I will have to find another source that sells new products (I will contact their expert for suggestions). I have a list of retailers I will never order from again.... Won't post them here. I would hate for them to sue me for their loss in business (chuckles).

I do appreciate the VERY fast service I get from American Aquarium Products! I think I made three small purchases in one week - the US Post Office benefited from me that week. My next order will be a much larger one.

Cheers,

Judy

[Carl]

It is definitely helpful when a shipper is in your own back yard (State)

With us, most packages to Oregon, Northern CA, and WA, all arrive within 1 or two days at the most.
In part that while we certainly do not pay more than we have to in shipping when standard ground is used, we do not use the cheapest method at our disposal unlike the majority of pet products online sellers. These less expensive methods will always add 1-2 days to the average package, resulting in a local package that should arrive in 1-2 days taking 3-4 days.

Unfortunately for you and our other Eastern customers, even with our faster shipping, we are still going to be slower than a seller using these economy shipping methods that are nearby or even just a State or two away due to distance

Carl