Researching - Deciding - About Shipping

What is foremost on my mind and work plate these days, is how to organize the shipping aspect of my eCommerce website to sell my brother Tom's diecasts models. I've got 100 models ready for sale on the site, and I need to upgrade to the next account level if I hope to add more - and yes, there are MORE! Around 2000 models by my calculations.

But I decided that since no sales had happened yet, it was probably because I don't have clear answers as to the cost of shipping. I have taken to weighing each model on a postal scale, but researching this area online the last few days, I've learned that Canada Post goes by a combination of weight by dimensions of the package, how far it is to be sent, and it cannot be a lumpy odd shape.

In fact, the best advice is to pack each model snugly in the middle of a sturdy cardboard box with enough packing around it to keep it from slipping around inside if the box is shaken.

It appears that the best prices for boxes are with a company called ULine. (I used to get their catalogues regularly in the mail without asking for them, but now I can't find any in my house.) I've ordered one and now have to plan and budget for buying them in large packs of 15 to 100 or more.

From what I saw on their website, the smallest one is 4" x 4" x 4". ...Hmm...? the smallest models, mostly farm machinery weigh less than an ounce, and I think I could fit 2 or 3 models in one of those boxes.

This implies that I may have to add a handling fee to make sure I don't go into the hole with my shipping plans.

Of the models I've already described, with photos, on the site, most are of that smallest category, plus the "hangers" which are a model nicely under a molded blister/bubble on a stiff cardboard that has a hook cut out at the top to make it easy to hang on the wall. (In fact, Tom had completely covered sections of wall in his apartment with these!) I think the next or second bigger size box would hold two of these models. But I need a chance to test this.

Anyway, now I'm wondering if I should offer special discounts for customers who will buy 2 or 3 of the same size models. The motive being the shipping cost will remain the same for 1, 2 or 3 models.

I'm also thinking; if I was super busy the week before last, what kind of mayhem will I have to look after if the sales start to pour in once people realize they can get great deals if they purchase more than one model at a time?

So I've got lots to pray about while researching and deciding about shipping.

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