Newbie question

[xyxoxy]

I think that’s the most roundabout way I’ve ever been called an idiot.

I'm sorry if you think my post was directed at you... it certainly wasn't. I wasn't even specifically talking about WSP.
I just thought I was stating the obvious that none of us actually believe shipping is free on eBay, or WSP or anywhere else. Maybe I could have phrased it differently but however you want to say it I think the point stands.

However vendors decide to do their pricing, as buyers we're going to pay for the item and the shipping. And when we calculate our total cost we're going to buy from the less expensive vendor unless of course there are other factors like you mentioned about exclusive FO blends etc.

I think my experience with WSP is very similar to yours. I used to buy almost everything from them except for base oils (Columbus Foods still beats most others). I still buy from WSP but not as much because when I do the math I more often find better deals at MMS or BB. But I'm not offended by WSP's choice to change their pricing. It's Debbie's company and she can do whatever she likes. Just as I can choose to buy from her or not. Perhaps I'm naive but I just assume she's making the decisions that she thinks are best for her company. I don't assume she's trying to gouge anyone.

 

[carebear]

I just thought I was stating the obvious that none of us actually believe shipping is free on eBay, or WSP or anywhere else.

You would be surprised, I guess, how many people DO. These same people believe in "free samples".

Nothing is free.

Hazel is way to smart to be among the oblivious.

 

[Hazel]

Mickey -

I’m not offended. I’m exasperated.

Debbie is making decisions which are best for her company. I’m not expecting her to make decisions which would be detrimental for her company. However, it irritates me every time I see someone write “they have free shipping”. They don’t have free shipping. They have shipping added into the price of items.

Shipping had always been very reasonable because I live in Ohio. The first time this went into effect it didn’t bother me. Some things I purchased were slightly more and some were slightly less in price. I felt it worked out and wasn’t concerned about it. Then they added “free international shipping” and prices went up dramatically on most of their items.

I also expect to see price increases over time. But when I saw prices jump on coconut, castor and olive shortly afterwards I was stunned to say the least. I have to admit that 1 gallon of palm oil is slightly less than if I purchased it from CF. (Also, glycerin is cheaper, too). I’m sure if I went through the site I could find other items priced very reasonably. But if I was ordering these three oils, I would be paying $43 more than I had paid after the first shipping policy change. So Debbie’s new policy is best for her company but it’s certainly not good for my budget.

But as you said, I can choose to buy from her or not. I choose to buy from other suppliers just because I get more for my money. I’m sure it doesn’t bother her that I rarely buy anymore. My piddly purchases didn’t add much revenue to her company.

Thanks for the compliment, carebear.

 

[agriffin]

Yep, I've given up on WSP. I don't agree with their use of the words "free shipping" and I hate their minimum order policy.

I broke down and ordered from them the other day because everyone else was out of Clove oil. I made my order and added some stuff to meet the minimum order. They sent me an email that they were out of clove oil. I told them to cancel my order because that is the reason that I ordered. They said they couldn't do that (SAME DAY I ORDERED). I guess they're to big and to automated to cancel an order. So if I wanted to order the clove oil I would have to order MORE items to meet the minimum. So frustrating on so many levels.

Grrrrr.

Rant over.

 

[AmyW]

As an American, I stopped buying from WSP. Paying for increased prices so they can charge free shipping to Canada? Blech, no thanks.

But as Canadian in a few months, once I've shopped around and made price comparisons, sadly, I might end up changing my thought process on WSP. IF they are the cheapest with shipping, they will probably get my business on the products I know I like from them. It's not like they're killing kittens, so my morals can be swayed some.

law - good luck with your first batch. I used just Olive oil from costco for my first batch because I was too impatient to wait for the rest of my oils, and it went perfectly. I've made around 50 batches now and am so addicted to it, it'll be a business next year if all goes right.

 

[Hazel]

law -

I'm sorry about hijacking your thread. I'm happy for you and I'm looking forward to see pics of your new soap.

Mickey -

Please don't be upset by my replies. I just have a tendency to go on a rant every time I see the words WSP and "free shipping" connected together ever since I realized how much more I'd have to pay for oils.

I'm glad other forum members told me about CF so I can still afford to buy oils.

 

[law]

I don't mind the added imput...I asked about caster and mentioned shipping. The thread was open for comment.

I have the same reaction to ebay and free shipping. It might not be so bad if ebay wasn't such hypocrites about the shipping. They are charging 9% more and then saying it's FREE!!! What a crock.

We have more respect for our buyers. They can easily figure the postage....and the guys that do stealth postage!!! Don't get me started.

I'm so ready to make soap! Thanks to all you guys who take the time to post hints, photos, and videos. It would have taken me a much longer time to learn all this stuff, and it's helped my learn so much about my personal preferences.

You guys are the BEST!

law

 

[xyxoxy]

Hi Hazel
I'm not at all upset by your replies. You have good reason to be annoyed by the "Free Shipping" thing and I hope venting about it makes you feel better. I guess I just don't let it push my buttons though there are plenty of other things that do. Hopefully WSP will realize the business they are losing and provide some more buying options that will actually make things affordable. But if not we have plenty of other places to buy from and a great community here to share the knowledge.

I almost always buy my base oils from Columbus foods. For general supplies I've been finding good deals at MMS and I have also been restocking some of my FO's from SGS.

 

[Relle]

Quote - ( My objection occurred a short time later when they announced free international shipping and their prices increased dramatically right after this announcement.)

Do they have free international shipping now ? I thought it was only continental US and Canada.

 

[Hazel]

law -

Thanks! I promise to behave on your next post.

Mickey -

Thanks for being so understanding. Yes, venting helped and I do feel better. I shouldn't let if bother me. Next time I see these words connected, I'll just take a deep breath, count to ten and move on.

Relle -

I don't know if they do offer free international shipping. I just remember getting the newsletter where it mentioned they were planning on offering it. Soon afterward, prices went up and I assumed that was why prices went up. Maybe someone in another country has ordered from them and can give an answer to this question.