Running a small shop is a mix of creativity and spreadsheets...
...and just recently, the spreadsheets got loud: shipping (postage, labels, boxes, and packing) has climbed to 33% of our total business expenses YTD—more than the materials we purchase to sell. That’s just not sustainable!
A recent example: I mailed 1 lb of glass marbles from Arizona to Vermont in a 6 × 4 × 1.5 in box. Even with Etsy’s discounted/commercial rates, USPS Ground Advantage came out to $9.35. That’s for a small box, moving the slowest USPS parcel service. Distance (shipping “zones”) and weight drive the price—and glass is dense. Packages over 15.999 oz jump into the “by-the-pound” bracket, and the farther the zones, the higher the rate. The cost of $9.35 was for the postage only - it didn't include the cost of the box and other packaging materials.
What’s changing
- We’re discontinuing most heavy/bulky glass items. The zone-based shipping costs no longer align with keeping prices fair.
- We’ll focus on lightweight, floral & nature-inspired supplies, and some remaining glass favorites, that cost less to ship.
The hard (heart) part
I’m honestly sad to let go of some favorite glass product lines. I love glass and it’s part of our brand. But the trends and the data say it’s time to lighten the load. Keep your eye on future emails as we begin to discount these items! And thanks for supporting our small business as we make changes that best serve our customers. 💕