Help us Choose the Best Website Format

[sweettractors]

Ken,

Always, wanting the best of both worlds, can you do two columns? One within the 1000 miles and everywhere else?

Just a thought.

That would be easy enough to do, however, it is 2000 miles to the west coast and they would be charged the correct rate and customers 1000 to 2000 miles would be over charged. That is the inherent problem in flat rate shipping. Ken Sweet

 

[Learning to Farm]

Ah, thanks for the explanation. I am not in the 1000 mile range, so I am going to say #2.

 

[BRBurns]

I would say option 1 since option 2 you don't know right away and you have to contact and "bug" someone. If I'm toying with the idea of getting something, I don't want to bother someone to look up shipping I may never order. But if I see an out the door price I like, I may jump on it.

 

[bcp]

Maybe a zone map and a chart with zones and weights.

Bruce

 

[bcp]

Option 3: Open more stores so everywhere is within 1000 miles.



Bruce

 

[sweettractors]

Maybe a zone map and a chart with zones and weights.

Bruce

This is a good idea!! Ken Sweet

 

[Learning to Farm]

If we are making requests, a mobile app would be great. I need to be able to see if Ken has something I can't live without while waiting in lines.

 

[crazyal]

I know you said you deal with 5 different companies for shipping but have you tried using something automated to see how close it would be? Maybe you could find some way of getting a close price where you don't over charge by too much but you can give a price to someone who wants to know the price but is not willing to wait for a reply. Or, if possible, get a price from all 5 shippers and list them all and let the customer choose.

I'm the type of person who just wants to know what it will cost me so I can decide if I really want it or not. Often times I ask businesses what it will cost to ship something and they take their time or just not even bother. I've even had one place tell me that I would have to deal with all the shipping from my end (somehow I would have to guess weight and size for shipping and would know what they have for loading the truck).

 

[sweettractors]

I know you said you deal with 5 different companies for shipping but have you tried using something automated to see how close it would be? Maybe you could find some way of getting a close price where you don't over charge by too much but you can give a price to someone who wants to know the price but is not willing to wait for a reply. Or, if possible, get a price from all 5 shippers and list them all and let the customer choose.

I'm the type of person who just wants to know what it will cost me so I can decide if I really want it or not. Often times I ask businesses what it will cost to ship something and they take their time or just not even bother. I've even had one place tell me that I would have to deal with all the shipping from my end (somehow I would have to guess weight and size for shipping and would know what they have for loading the truck).

I have tried a automated system several years ago with R&L Carriers integrated into our website. The problem was the the customer plugging in his product information had to know weight, class, NMFC #, pallet dimensions and any accessorial charges that could be requested to make delivery. Needless to say, the customer knows none of the info that is used to allow the carrier to make a quote.
I have the close shipping gusstimate in my head, however, I am not always available. Ken Sweet

 

[texasjohn]

Option 2....puts you in personal contact with customer when they are serious, and leaves flexibility for you regarding shipping costs once you understand customer delivery situation.