Reasonable Shipping Fees – EVERY day like other vendors do
Like so many others I was thrilled to have the $5 craft cart shipping fee last month, but for goodness sakes! This is National Craft Month! I thought there’d be at least one day of $5 shipping. So disappointing.
I purchase most of my craft supplies online. HSN used to be the most often used, but not anymore. Many, many people have stated – other sites – like all of them – have either tiered shipping fees for your entire purchase or free shipping if you spend over x amount.
What’s the deal, HSN?
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I’ve noticed this also with some other shopping channels as well as with on-line retailers. Instead of a shipping charge with each item, once you reach $50, the item ships free. However, some States probably love HSN and others when they charge over $5 because it is added tax in their pockets. These States also charge a handling fee.
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As an HSN consumer of crafting supplies who appreciates HSN for its shows, service, and convenience, the shipping and its charges are always on my mind. I grind my teeth on the high shipping costs especially with the 10.2% sales tax added to my shipping. I want HSN to succeed as a purveyor of crafting, and no doubt the shipping has added tremendously to HSN’s revenue. BUT all of the major crafting vendors at HSN sell online the same inventory for the most part. HSN is really competing head to head with its best vendors who have greatly reduced shipping or free shipping promotions. The craft vendors Crafters Companion, Cricut, and Anna Griffin each offer ways to get free shipping even with discounts on the items thru membership programs. COVID 19 has honed the ability to telecast for these vendors. Social media makes seeing the product easy now. What is the trade off for the consumer? HSN is faster, has a few exclusives for a while, the flex pays if you want, and the thirty day return as well as the program. That’s pretty nice. The crafting companies have a much better price without shipping charges, great customer service with even returns, excellent presentation of their products, and plenty of social media. What will HSN need to do to get its crafting consumer to purchase? Keep the shipping costs down, bundle up items for one shipping price, guarantee fast delivery, and get longer exclusives as the only seller of items featured. Remember, I want HSN to succeed. I love the 24 hour crafting days. I don’t want that to go away. HSN has a huge consumer base of crafters. Treat those crafters carefully. Add some new vendors like Tonic and Spellbinders who really can compete head to head with your current vendors. And finally, make it $10 or $15 for a 24hour cart for shipping. Do it every craft day. Find the balance.
Conversation Info
Posted in Crafts & Sewing
3 Replies
04.05.21 2:50 PM
3 Participants