Need Feedback on new Pelican Shipping programs?

[Wayne 962]

Hi all. We're constantly trying to balance giving our customers good value, while also making sure we don't go bankrupt giving away shipping. We have some new programs coming on online:

- First off, we just implemented First Class padded-envelope shipping for small items shipping out of El Segundo. This change has been met with a lot of good feedback.

- For packages shipping out of San Fransisco, we will be implementing USPS Priority Mail at that location for packages under about 2 lbs or so. This should increase delivery speed, and also reduce the costs significantly, as ground is just not a good value at that weight level. Look for this to happen next week.

- Our new program, which we're trying to launch next week, will be a "3-Day for 3 bucks" program. Basically anything that has the FREE shipping truck next to it - we'll ship 3-day for $3, if the minimum order amount is over $175. We're trying to get that down to $150, but we'll have to gather data first on the program and then see what changes / adjustments we need to make. This 3-Day program will allow us to offer the parts and selection so that we can more easily compete with locations on the East Coast. Our customers have repeatedly asked for us to open an East Coast warehouse so that they can get things quicker. We feel that this is a better approach - accomplish the virtual warehouse through subsidized and faster shipping. Same result to the customer, without the added overhead of another whole warehouse.

Thoughts?

-Wayne

[MindtrapX]

Sounds like a good way to go, I know how expensive shipping costs can add up to.

I really like the $3 for 3 day shipping. being in MI, I payed the extra charges to have my parts sent 3-day. (Which the package actually srrived in 2 day!) i'm too impatient to wait the entire 5 days for shipping.

[MindtrapX]

Out of curiosity, will there be a change in the ''Free Ground Shipping'' regarding a minimum purchase amount, or will that remain a $75 minimum?

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by MindtrapX

Out of curiosity, will there be a change in the ''Free Ground Shipping'' regarding a minimum purchase amount, or will that remain a $75 minimum?

No change in the Ground shipping policy.

The 3-day program will have a weight restriction of about 8 lbs or so (which is about the weight of a gallon of milk).

-Wayne

[jasonlee]

Wayne,
It would be great of some of these shipping deals could apply to us Pelicans up here in Canada. Obviously I realize you can't offer the same deals, but we generally get hit pretty hard with shipping. Just my $0.02 worth

[MrJTP]

Wayne,
I usually order items at least a week, sometimes two weeks, ahead of my anticipated need when I order online. If I really need it quick, I'll call. I usually pay a lot more for shipping when I order from other outlets (for types of items you don't carry) and rarely get it in less than a week. Do yourself a favor and set up a "don't need it for a couple of weeks" category and don't go broke sending it to me.

We all need you to stay in business.

[H.G.P.]

What are the payment options?

[rfuerst911sc]

My 2 cents. Wayne your current shipment tracking is 2nd to none from any vendor I've ever dealt with and I find your prices acceptable for shipping. Anything you can do to lower those costs and still stay in business is a plus. My personal history with USPS is they are competitive but their tracking info leaves a lot to be desired. I appreciate your efforts to take an excellent business model and continue to try to make it better.

[coollx]

Wayne, I think its a great idea. Being on the east coast it will help me and save me money since I've been paying for faster shopping even on free shipping items.

[Shack2112]

Hello Wayne:

+1 on the shipping to Canada. If there is anything that could speed up or lower the cost for the Northern people, that would be great.

Thanks

[LM3929]

Wayne

another .02 worth from north of the 49th P. is it possible to have some items sent in an envelop though USPS not UPS as they generally have a small fee for the cost of their brokerage built into the postage unlike USP and others who charge us an extra $39.95 plus our taxes for their brokerage fee?

again thanks for the great site it is second to no one.

Lorne M.

[janz]

3 days $3. sounds to good to be true. Hate waiting 9-11 days for my shipments to arrive. That had actually forced me to shop elsewhere when I desired a part/parts right away. You may have a good idea with this expedited shipping rather than a whole other business/wherehouse.

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by jasonlee

Wayne,
It would be great of some of these shipping deals could apply to us Pelicans up here in Canada. Obviously I realize you can't offer the same deals, but we generally get hit pretty hard with shipping. Just my $0.02 worth

Sorry, I don't mean to be crass, but talk to your local legislators. Canada is one of the more difficult countries to ship to - it's quite ridiculous in fact. In addition, you need to fill out all of that customs paperwork in triplicate (now done by the computer, but still). Not cheap or easy at all...

-Wayne

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by LM3929

Wayne

another .02 worth from north of the 49th P. is it possible to have some items sent in an envelop though USPS not UPS as they generally have a small fee for the cost of their brokerage built into the postage unlike USP and others who charge us an extra $39.95 plus our taxes for their brokerage fee?

again thanks for the great site it is second to no one.

Lorne M.

We already do that - we ship most packages to Canada via USPS International Priority Mail...

-Wayne

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by janz

You may have a good idea with this expedited shipping rather than a whole other business/wherehouse.

I've literally been kicking around this idea for more than six years. Now we actually do enough business where we can run some numbers to FedEx and make them work with us a little bit. We're also working with our drop-ship partner / supplier, so that there's additional volume there. Seems to make sense, at least it's worth a try?

-Wayne

[C4 Pazzo]

Originally Posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts

No change in the Ground shipping policy.

-Wayne

Glad to hear there's no change in the ground shipping policy. For us NoCal guys it is a great deal that usually results in next day delivery. I suspect it is also a great deal for Pelican, since I know I have turned many $25 orders into $75+ orders to get "free" shipping.

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by C4 Pazzo

Glad to hear there's no change in the ground shipping policy. For us NoCal guys it is a great deal that usually results in next day delivery. I suspect it is also a great deal for Pelican, since I know I have turned many $25 orders into $75+ orders to get "free" shipping.

I'm hoping that will help in that manner with the 3-day program. I guess we'll just have to see. I plan to roll this out next week sometime...

-Wayne

[Fishcop]

Wayne, I guess I'm with the Canadians... Any room to move on the cost of shipping to Australia? USPS is clearly cheapest, though it doesn't seem to be an option on so many items now...

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by Fishcop

Wayne, I guess I'm with the Canadians... Any room to move on the cost of shipping to Australia? USPS is clearly cheapest, though it doesn't seem to be an option on so many items now...

I actually think the shipping rates to AU and Europe too aren't too terribly bad. You guys are very, very far away from here...

-Wayne

[MOMO3.2]

Wayne:

My last two orders have arrived in less than 24 hours of my online order!!! I am thrilled with every aspect of the process.

I ordered an O2 sensor on Wednesday and found a little Pelican box sitting on my doorstep Thursday at 3:00--wow!

Mike