​One of the more common questions we are asked is, "why do I need to pay $4.00 in shipping for a $0.55 stamp?" This is a great question, unfortunately, the answer is not as straightforward as the question itself. In my opinion, creating and justifying the shipping cost for a product or products is one of the more challenging customer service obstacles for a business to overcome.

Before explaining our shipping costs, let me say this; there is no right or wrong answer on this topic, only what seems to work best for a business and their customers. For instance, an online retail store that is similar to ours might have a different shipping policy and fees associated with orders. Although similar, each business is unique and as such, the operational needs and costs associated with them are different. In short, what works well for one business might not for another. 

​Our preferred means of order delivery is the United States Postal Service (USPS). When you factor in shipping supplies (envelope, tape, labels, ect) along with the actual postal service delivery charge, the cost of shipping just one order far exceeds the cost of a stamp. Also, when we send a customer their order it ships with a USPS tracking number, which is something you do not get with a stamp.

As a small business, it is not in our best interest to absorb the full cost of shipping each order, especially over the course of a year. This year alone we estimate the cost associated with shipping will be in the neighborhood of about $8,000. 

This left us with two options. 

1. Building a shipping cost into each item and offer free shipping (our old method). Unfortunately, this made each individual product more expensive to the customer
2. Lower the price of each item and provide a $4.00 flat rate shipping charge (our current method). This option is only available for orders within the United States. 

​Free shipping worked out great for our customers who ordered just one product because the additional cost was still cheaper than a shipping charge. The customers who ordered two products seemed to break even, and the customers who ordered three or more items were spending more money on the additional product cost than our current $4.00 flat rate shipping charge (good for us, bad for the customer). Upon further investigation, we noticed the vast majority of our orders contain three or more products, especially as our business and product line continues to grow. 

On larger orders, the $4.00 flat rate shipping charge does not always cover everything, and we pay the difference. We entertained the thought of charging customers based on ordered weight, but even that was not always accurate. Lastly, we looked at raising the shipping cost to $7.00 on all orders to cover shipping overages, but that would hurt customers who had smaller orders. In the grand scope of things, orders, where we paid the overage, is minuscule compared to all orders received, therefore it did not justify the additional charge across the board. 

Ultimately we found a middle ground and did what we felt was best for our customers and Bourn Adventure Gear regarding product pricing and shipping. Although it is now more expensive to ship products via most carries, to include the United States Postal Service, we have not raised our shipping price. We currently absorb the newly raised prices and hope to continue to do so that way our customers do not have to.   

This is somewhat of a lengthy explanation, but we hope it helps. Typically, this is not explained to people and sometimes leaves customers under the impression that shipping charges are just another way for businesses to make more money. 

We like to be open and honest about why we do what we do as a company, which is why we go a little more into depth with customers regarding this and other topics.

We have proudly shipped Bourn Adventure Gear to all 50 states and some of U.S. territories. If you live within the United States you are automatically eligible for our $4.00 flat rate shipping. This applies to all domestic orders, regardless of size. To learn more about our shipping cost, please click here: B.A.G. Shipping Cost Explained 

Our preferred means of order delivery is the United States Postal Service (USPS). Packages can be tracked via a number provided by the USPS, which is attached to your order. More times than not, there are no issues tracking a package via the USPS mobile application or on their website. Occasionally, information pertaining to a package may not update in a timely manner. Usually, this does not affect the delivery of your order, just the ability to accurately track it.  

We process and ship all orders as quickly as possible. Once your order ships, you will be notified via email. This email should contain your unique USPS tracking number. On average, delivery of a domestic order takes approximately 5 business days. Delays are always possible so if you have not received it after two weeks or you are unable to track it, please contact us. 

On domestic orders, we typically do send a replacement order if your package did not arrive. Before doing so, we ask that you verify the shipping address associated with your order is correct. Once you have done that, we will ship your replacement order at no cost to you. 

Thank you for your interest in Bourn Adventure Gear. If you have additional questions that this article or others did not answer, please feel free to contact us by clicking here: Bourn Adventure Gear

The majority of our customers are located within the United States, but we have shipped products to more than 25 countries. To see where Bourn Adventure Gear is currently being used, please click here: B.A.G. Product Wold Map

​Before explaining our shipping prices for our international customers, please note all price contained in this article are in the United States dollar (USD). Having said that, we do offer international shipping on orders at a flat rate charge. Depending on your location, the amount can vary. For instance, customers in Canada and Mexico pay a flat rate cost of $7.00 while customers in Japan and most other countries are charged a flat rate price of $10.00.

Our preferred means of order delivery is the United States Postal Service (USPS). Normally, international orders can be tracked via the customs form provided by the USPS, which is attached to your order. Depending on the transportation, processing, and final destination, tracking of an international order may be difficult. This typically is caused by a failure to properly scan the package and provide an update.  

We process and ship all orders as quickly as possible. Once your order ships, you will be notified via email. On average, delivery of an international order after we mail it can take approximately two weeks. Delays are always possible when a package is navigating the globe. Because of this, it may take longer for your order to arrive. If you have not received your order after four weeks, please contact us.  

On international orders, we typically do not send a replacement order if your package did not arrive. There are so many factors that go into an order being lost that chances are it will happen again. Therefore, our policy is to issue a full refund. 

Lastly, the cost associated with shipping internationally has risen. We are doing our best to avoid increasing our shipping charge, but there is a high probability we will adjust our international rates soon. 

​Thank you for your interest in Bourn Adventure Gear. If you have additional questions that this article or others did not answer, please feel free to contact us by clicking here: Bourn Adventure Gear

We do our best to ensure that all orders are processed, shipped, and delivered in a timely manner. Once your order leaves Bourn Adventure Gear it is placed in the capable hands of the United States Postal Service (USPS) for delivery. 

To learn more about the shipping methods we utilize, please click on one of the following options below:

• Domestic
• International

​Your Bourn Adventure Gear order should have a unique USPS tracking number associated with it. This number is typically sent out via an email once your order ships. Using the USPS mobile application or their website to track your package is a great way to stay updated on its arrival.  Occasionally, information pertaining to a package may not update in their system. Usually, this does not affect the delivery of your order, just the ability to accurately track it. 

Although the Postal Service employees do their very best to ensure your package arrives at your doorstep, occasionally it gets delayed or lost. This can happen for several reasons. Some of the most common include: 

• Wrong shipping address
• Incomplete shipping address
• Inclement weather
• Misplaced in a USPS sorting facility
• Misplaced during transit
• Stolen

​If your package is delayed, we ask that you please allow additional time for delivery. More times than not, the package does arrive within a few days. If your package fails to arrive or you are unable to track it, please contact us and we will do one of the following:

​Typically we will discuss these options with you before taking action.

As mentioned earlier in this article, additional information as it pertains to your shipping location can be found in one of the following articles: Domestic or International  

We want you to show off your adventures through stickers, patches, and other products we offer; therefore, we will do our best to make sure you have them in hand!

Thank you for your interest in Bourn Adventure Gear. If you have additional questions that this article or others did not answer, please feel free to contact us by clicking here: Bourn Adventure Gear

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