Discuss the process of getting your t-shirt line into brick and mortar stores and selling offline. Topics include industry tradeshows, events, line sheets, sales reps and other retailing tips and advice.
Hi-
I have searched trying to find an answer to this question but I haven't it yet. Please feel free to direct me if anyone knows of an existing thread.
anyway....
I am getting my first order from a retailer tomorrow (a small boutique). Was wondering, do I pay for the shipping or do I charge the customer? What is typical protocol?
thanks in advance,
Rachel
__________________
Check out Wearever Girl on ebay!
I always quote a shipping and setup fee...if I get free shipping, I show the cost, then give a 'bonus' to the customer for shipping...as a one time bonus. If there is a setup fee that I get a rebate on...like in promotional products, I still charge a setup fee...then show the fee amount as a waiver on a one time basis..
We have a policy that all of our shirt are FOB our warehouse, which is pretty much standard in retail.
We shipped Academy Sports and Galyans for many years like this; Academy would even send their own truck to pick up from us. (but we and they are in Texas)
Most retailers have a preferred carrier that you have to ship by, as they get a big discount from them. If you don’t or you forget and bill them the freight they deduct it from the invoice.
Large retailers have a web page just for vendors on how to package, bundle and ship.
Smaller ones you can pay it if you choose but it’s in the cost of shirt somewhere.
Good Luck, John
I always charge my customers actual shipping costs, and provide them with a copy from UPS along with my invoice...of course my high volume, high dollar customers never get charged shipping
Either way will work but make sure the customer knows up front so there are no suprises. If you don't charge freight , then up your markup percentage to cover these costs. If you make the customer pay the freight go with a slightly lower margin on the goods. That way you are covered but any special shipping costs such as overnight, two day or Saturday delivery should go to the customer. These are extra costs which you shouldn't have to absorb unless you have made a foul-up then you have to go the extra mile and absorb the cost. This can often lead to a good customer .
Who pays shipping? 
