I don't gripe much, unless it's about our outrageous postal charges! The German Postal Service had a turnover of 12 billion Euro in the first quarter of this year already. Well, I guess the greedy monsters thought it wasn't enough, because they have increased the charges. It's mind-boggling. So, as I'm getting ready to launch my new site I'm faced with reviewing my shipping costs again. The absolute cheapest rate ( Euro 4,10) for shipments inside Germany must not exceed 60 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm. Of course, not all of my new bags fit inside a parcel this size. And I'm certainly not going to fold or squeeze them in! Also, this rate doesn't even include insurance. And remember I talked about bio-packaging? Well, that was enough of a headache already, and besides I completely cover those costs. I don't apportion those costs on my products. And now the postal charge increase?!? GRRR.
Yesterday, I did a search on my selling venue to find other 'creatives' from this region or maybe even this town. I found one other person! She just opened her shop and she does amazing things with Swarovski crystallized beads. I have already contacted her and invited her to join my community for creative people (living in this region). So far, we have 4 people. I'm keeping my fingers crossed we will grow over time. Things happen at a slower pace over here and not all people are familiar with networking. One thing I learned when I moved here is to develop patience :)
Meanwhile, I am taking a short break from bag-making to design my own clothing patterns. My ruffle skirt pattern is almost done, and with things looking up weather-wise I just might be able to actually wear a skirt this summer!
TGIF,
7 hours ago
12 comments:
Wow, sorry about the price increase (which happens here I think yearly or every two years now). What was their reasoning?
Oh, Yay!!! DuniThreadz!!!! I can't wait to see your clothing line. How exciting! What are you going to call the label?
I hear you with the postal charges. I'm sure it's worse in Germany than it is here, but every time we turn around, our postage is going up! I usually offer free worldwide shipping, I may have to rethink that also. And I am eating the shipping...they are not covered in the cost of my items. Pooh on the Postal Services of the World!
Not so nice news for you :-(
Have a Happy Weekend
Hugs to all
Kareltje & Anya
=^.^=
(Enjoy from the sun :))))
I agree with you about the postal service monsters. Ours repeatedly increases reates and still has a shortfall. But they don't dare touch the Post Master General's salary which is near the million mark. That makes me go GRRRR.
I am excited to see your patterns.
The postal service monsters are here in the states as well. Sorry for that. On a positive side though you are busy creating and that is always good.
Sorry for all the stuff you are going through with the shipping of your bags. I can't wait to see what you are doing with the patterns though - sounds exciting!
The wonderful postal service. I've heard stories about how they are considering cutting back on the number of days they deliver here to save money. I think instead they should consider cutting back on some of the salaries they pay.
Sounds exciting creating your own patterns. Can't wait to see your skirt.
Oh yes, it's terrible in your country. Especially when something needs to cross the border.
I know someone who lives near the border and brings her mail to The Netherlands to send it from here.
Here the mail is delivered on less days and the mailmen are trying to cut back on drives.
So I feel like a department from them. because I'm almost always at home they deliver the packages for those who are not at home here. The kids can bring them after school. I think they deserve something nice for doing it, as it's the mailmen's job to deliver it at the door.
Good luck with designing. It'll be great!
Hey Duni,
I know what you mean about the postal charges. At least your service is making money and not losing like ours. I don't know how much longer ours will be able to stay afloat. I'm sure you will figure out a way to beat the costs. Keep smiling my friend and don't let anyone or anything steal your joy.
Friends 4 Life!
ow wow, Duni!! I can't wait to see the clothes you design!! yay!
Ugh! Shipping charges here in the states are getting crazy too, so I try not to mail order much anymore. I ordered a String the other day for my curtains. A STRING--it cost me $5 to ship when it probably really cost $1.50. It really hurts both the buyer and the seller!
The flat rate of shipping packages in The Netherlands is 6.75 for up to 10kg... which is a great deal if you're mailing something bulky and heavy. Not so much if you need to mail something small. Makes me grumpy too!
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