Shipping Clarifications
March 28th, 2006
As an online shopper myself, one of my peeves is visiting a site that requires I create an account or enter my full name, address, etc. before I am able to access the cost of shipping. For that reason, I invested in an extra software module that works with the petcratesdirect shopping cart to provide easy access to shipping cost based on your state and zip. I have included a brief explanation as well as a link to the shipping calculator in the left sidebar of each product page under the “shipping calculation is easy” subheading. I have attempted to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible but must have fallen short of my goals as periodically I will be asked by customers about shipping costs as they explain that the website wants them to enter all of their info before calculating. Sometimes the person designing the site doesn’t see the obvious so if you have found the process confusing and would like to share feedback on your experience, I welcome your input.
Another point of confusion seems to be in my use of Fedex ground for shipping. Customers on occasion indicate to me that they “paid extra” for Fedex shipping and/or expect faster delivery because the item was shipped Fedex. I suppose the confusion is created simply from the Fedex name which originally only offered express shipping at a premium cost. Fedex now offers ground service which is comparable to UPS. My references to shipping on the website are in the form of “Fedex Ground”. I also explain on the shipping page that expedited shipping is not available as all items ship via ground only. I have found Fedex Ground to be the most cost effective shipping service. The website’s shipping calculator is linked directly to Fedex Ground so rates are calculated accurately based on the weight of the item as well as state and zip.
Please feel free to post your feedback on the above or any other aspect of petcratesdirect.com on which you might have had issues or been confused. There is always room for improvement and I look to shoppers feedback for indications of areas in need.
Entry Filed under: Pet Crates Direct News