This post is specifically for international customers but should be of interest to all Kunaki publishers too. In response to my post yesterday regarding my new opt-in offer, I’ve heard from a few international customers regarding exorbitant shipping fees. I have checked into this and I agree that the shipping fees are exorbitant. Unfortunately, Kunaki dictates those shipping fees and there’s not much I can do about it except ask them to reconsider which I will do.
It turns out adding 1 DVD to an order results in a HUGE increase in the international shipping costs. The international shipping cost on a single DVD is $4.50 but the shipping cost on orders of multiple DVDs (up to 100 I believe) is $25.00. That means the international shipping cost for 2 DVDs is $25.00 and that’s why international customers who order both DVDs (there is an upsell offer) see the dramatic increase in shipping costs.
Kunaki knows their business better than I do but on the surface this doesn’t make much sense. It’s cheaper to order 2 DVDs (or even 3 DVDs) separately than it is to order them together. The international shipping & handling cost for a single DVD is only $7.50 ($4.50 shipping + $3.00 handling). It follows that the international shipping & handling charges on ordering 2 DVDs separately is $15.00 ($7.50 x 2) but if you order the same 2 DVDs together the international shipping & handling charges almost quadruple from $7.50 for a single DVD to $28.00 ($25.00 shipping + $3.00 handling) for a 2 DVD set. Where is the logic in that cost structure?
This is just another obstacle and there are always multiple ways to go over, under, around, or through obstacles. The first option is to ask Kunaki to reconsider. I could combine these into one DVD but I won’t do that for several reasons. First, they are separate products and will remain separate products. Secondly, the quality of the video deteriorates if you put too much video on a single DVD. So combining these into a single DVD is not an option as far as I’m concerned.
Instead of offering the 2 DVDs on a single order, I could have customers order them separately but I don’t like that option either because it complicates the ordering process and that can’t be good for business. On the other hand, it will cut the international shipping & handling costs almost in half (from $28 to $15) so it might be the best option at this point. I’m open to any suggestions so please leave a comment if you have an idea.
Despite this situation, I still like Kunaki and will continue to recommend them and use them. They actually are very receptive to suggestions and have implemented a few of my ideas. Whether or not they will reconsider their charges for international shipping remains to be seen. I’m not very familiar with international shipping rules & regulations. Perhaps there is additional paperwork, etc. on multiple DVD orders that justifies this price increase.
Note: This issue only affects international orders. US orders are not affected. You actually save $2 on shipping & handling charges on US orders of 2 DVDs versus ordering the DVDs separately.
Tags: Online Business, Copywriting
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4 Comments
Hey Robert,
Thanks for the detailed explanation. Since I will be using Kunaki and Stephen’s script to market products to South Africans, it’s useful to know that I should concentrate on single DVD’s - unless the price tag is high enough for me to subsidise the shipping cost!
[No problem Derrick. Glad I could help.]
Hi Robert,
It’s a big problem, and why my 5-disc “Brain” product was all done in house. And to be honest, although the number of orders was great, fulfillment was a nightmare.
I’d like to think Kunaki open offices in the UK, South Africa, Australia, etc… but I have a feeling that’s a pipe dream.
In the UK there are fulfillment companies who specialise in duplication and printing — but they’re a lot more expensive, and the printing doesn’t touch Kunaki… instead of their gorgeous printed discs, it’s stick labels and inkjet inserts. Nowhere near the same level of posture that Kunaki manufactured discs provide, (more of an issue for businesses concerned about posture and branding.)
If Kunaki are reading this: Come on guys… how about overseas offices? In fact if you want help setting up in the UK contact me through my blog I’ll be more than happy to help!
Thanks for the information Robert.
-Ed.
[Ed,
Thanks for leaving a comment. I heard from Kunaki yesterday and they will be reviewing their international shipping rates within the next 2 weeks. That doesn't surprise me. Kunaki is an excellent company. They listen to their customers and change their procedures & policies if it make sense. That doesn't mean they will change the international shipping rates but at least they are willing to review it and that's more than most companies would do.
Robert]
For Derrick - try http://www.designadisc.co.za/ in Soth Africa or http://www.approvedindex.co.uk/indexes/DVDDuplication/free-quote.aspx in the UK for printing CD/DVD and you may get a better shipping deal.
Robert, I googled Kunaki and this post is #12
[Thanks Richard]
Again, thanks for dealing with this in such a willing/gracious manner. Much appreciated.
[No problem Noel]
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