Ordering Question for the gang...

[Ray]

Looking for some guidance:

As much as possible, I try to keep my prices better than those of most vendors. When we process an order, there is time to pack it, and supplies are used.

Unlike a great many vendors, we do not charge a "packing and handling" fee, no do we mark up shipping, but merely pass on our discounted rate. Both of those are common ways many vendors increase their profitability, but it simply rubs me the wrong way.

To compensate for those costs, we currently require a minimum purchase, knowing that at that level ($20), tthe supplies and labor are covered, while still providing a minimal, but adequate margin.

So the question is this:

In your opinion, should I keep things the way they are, or allow smaller orders, but add a "service charge" to those less than $20?

[Ray]

You know what - I think I'll stick with the minimum.

I'd feel terrible if someone ordered $19.95 worth of stuff and I stuck them with a surcharge.

[cabnc]

I think your low $20 minimum is more than fair. Now if it would only warm up ! Want to try your Odontocidium Sucubus

Charlie

[OrchidSue]

A $20 minimum is more than fair. It's when it gets toward $100 that things start getting out of hand.

Susan

[Zoi2]

I also agree that your minimum is fair.
Joann

[trdyl]

The $20.00 minimum is very fair. If you did allow smaller orders with a service fee a lot of the time it would end up being over $20.00 and the customer would get less stuff. Just don't put your business in a bind. I don't want First Ray's to go by the wayside like a lot of others have.

[Erinmir]

I don't think that is unreasonable at all... in fact, I was intrigued, hadn't been to your website... and just put in an order! Guess I'm in a spontaneous shopping mood today.

[Grandma M]

$20.00 Minimum sounds more than fair. Go for it.

Marilyn

[harrywitmore]

Since I did this sort of thing for years and never had a minimum, I would definitely say, keep the minimum. I was $6 to death with no minimum and it eventually caused me to quit totally. $20 is not a very high mark so it should not imped many buyers.

[Ray]

Thank you all.