Shipping Frags

What do you like to see most when someone is shipping you frags?

I'm in the process of trying to find the best way to do this and here is what I have so far:

• 8x6x9 Insulated shipping kit from uline - $10.00

• 4x8 (or 6x12 for larger frags) 2mil bags - $0.02

• 24, 48, or 72 hour heat back depending on where the item is shipped (no heat pack in summer months) - $2.50

• Packing peanuts - $2.00

• 2 Day USPS Priority shipping (instead of express) to save a lot of money on shipping costs - $20 cross country for a 5lb box, $8 for shipments to neighboring counties with the same 5lb box

Total shipping for this setup (which could probably hold up to 4 frags in separate bags would be anywhere from $22.52 to $34.52 depending on distance (probably less since I went a bit high on the weight).

Do you feel this would be a fair price to charge for shipping on 4 frags locally or across the country? Would you rather receive frags that are not as well protected in exchange for cheaper shipping costs? Do you have any ideas on how to lower costs while maintaining the protection of this setup for the frags?

 

I don’t order live stock any longer and its been a while. But….

A flat fee to ship is the most attractive, no one wants or needs to know the break down (last thing I would want to see if a 2 cent charge for a bag).

$25 to ship 4 frags isn't offensive in my opinion.

Not protecting frags in shipping in order to reduce costs to your potential customers would be irresponsible on your part. And in the end do more harm to your business than good, hard to get repeat business when your shipments are damaged.

 

I haven't ordered any frags online yet, but I have bookmarked several that offer $25 shipping for up to 10 frags- I suspect they ask an extra $1 or $2 for the frags to be sure they dont lose money on the shipping.

 

You made me remember where i use to order from...GARF.ORG - The reef aquarium place

Not sure on the shipping charges, but I was always pleased with the frag's, service and can't recall complaining of shipping.

Tropical_Supply - check out this web site and see what they do and perhaps it can help you. I do recall getting like 8-10 frags per shipment -

 

Some places use the styrofoam shipping kit which consist of a folded box and 6 pieces of styro that you assemble. It is cheaper than the solid boxes but not as good IMO.

Be carefull which heat pack you use. Some peak at 150 degrees and drop off sharply. Others peak around 110 and drop slowly. You want a lower peak and slower drop if that makes sence.

Jack

 

Are you familiar with uniheat heat packs? They have several versions that peak at 110 degrees and last 40-72 hours (depending on the type). These are the ones I was looking at... any thoughts? At what outside temperature would you even begin to consider using the heat pack? 60-70?