Recently, DHL gave us just over a week’s notice that our shipping rates would increase by around 30%. It was a wake-up call.
We have also been shipping with FedEx, but their rates haven’t always been competitive enough to be a meaningful alternative. We are now adding UPS, which changes the landscape considerably. Going forward, we don’t want Smart Doll to rely too heavily on any single courier.
What this means for you
We will be regularly comparing DHL, FedEx and UPS rates across regions and shipping tiers, negotiating where we can, and deciding where it makes sense for us to subsidize part of the cost.
Shipping prices at checkout will therefore fluctuate. DHL might be the cheapest option for your region today and the most expensive tomorrow. When FedEx or UPS offers a better rate for a destination or weight tier, we want to pass that advantage on rather than stay tied to one courier.
We understand this adds some uncertainty if you’re used to seeing the same price every time. Rates may change at any time, including between visits, and we won’t always be able to announce changes in advance, because we update them as courier prices move.
Our goal is to ensure that at least one option at checkout represents what we feel is a reasonable rate given the current landscape of rising international shipping costs. The shipping price you see at checkout is the price you pay. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are separate and collected by the courier.
Our goal is to ensure that at least one option at checkout represents what we feel is a reasonable rate given the current landscape of rising international shipping costs. The shipping price you see at checkout is the price you pay. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are separate and collected by the courier.
Shipping is not a profit center
We don’t pursue profit from shipping. We have historically subsidized shipping, including costs like remote area fees, rather than pass the full cost on to you, and that isn’t changing.
What is changing is how we choose couriers and where those subsidies make the most sense. DHL’s increase has been reflected in our prices, but we are still absorbing a good part of the rest. We would much rather have DHL, FedEx and UPS compete for our business, and ultimately yours, than simply accept another arbitrary increase at short notice.
What affects shipping rates?
There are quite a few moving parts behind the prices you see at checkout. The main ones are:
- Package size and weight: Some couriers offer better rates for smaller packages, others for larger ones, and this can shift with their available capacity.
- Destination: A courier that’s competitive for one country or region may be considerably more expensive for another.
- Seasonal demand: During busy periods, couriers may add charges to manage demand. At quieter times, they may be more willing to negotiate.
- Fuel and other surcharges: These change regularly and can noticeably affect the final price.
This is why we don’t intend to settle on one courier and leave things as they are. We’ll keep reviewing the numbers and adjusting our approach as circumstances change.
Price isn’t the only consideration either. Delivery reliability, tracking, customs handling and the overall customer experience will continue to influence which couriers we offer.
Shipping rates may move around from now on, but there will be a reason behind those changes: we are actively trying to get you a better deal.
A quick note on UPS: we’re in the final stages of setting it up on our backend and need a bit more testing before it goes live. We’ll announce it as soon as UPS is available at checkout.
A quick note on UPS: we’re in the final stages of setting it up on our backend and need a bit more testing before it goes live. We’ll announce it as soon as UPS is available at checkout.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
