Thread: Penzey's "Gift"

On Dec 13, 8:07*am, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
> I received an email this morning regarding Penzey's Kind Heart gift
> box. *I sent the following response:
>
> Dear Mr. Penzey,
>
> These gifts are a nice token for those who live near one of your
> stores but for those of us who don't and have to pay shipping it is no
> gift at all, in fact it's an insult, like giving away ice in winter. I
> think it's way past time that you instituted a new policy of free
> shipping on phone/net orders of say over $75. *I am one of your very
> first customers and I phone in my orders because that's what I've done
> since long before you had a web site, and since long before you had a
> catalog, since your product list consisted of a few pastel colored
> pages typed on an antique typewriter sent by snail mail (you used to
> indicate volume too, you need to reinstate that). *I keep a list and
> place a large order once a year, sometimes twice, but I clip my orders
> short due to your back-ass-ward by-value shipping policy... I think
> that is very wrong, it punishes those of us who are likely your best
> customers... if anything the greater the value of what one orders the
> lower the shipping cost should be. *If you truly want to offer a
> holiday gift change your shipping charge policy, make it more fair, as
> it stands now it punishes your best customers... I'm afraid to order
> saffron because shipping is based on its price, not it's weight. Offer
> free shipping for all orders over $75 and free 2 day shipping on all
> orders over $100... I think you will be surprised how that will
> increase the *value* of orders placed by those who do not live near
> your stores... your approach to shipping charges is not very
> businessman like, it's more a form of taxation that has nothing to do
> with your cost, it's what a Democrat would do, punish the base (the
> middle class) and spread the wealth amongst the wealthy and the poor.
> And I have a strong suspicion that your walk-in store sales are
> typically for small quantities, at least from what I read at
> rec.food.cooking. *By punishing me by making me pay shipping you are
> forcing me to as much as possible buy bulk spices at Walmart... I
> tried their peppercorns recently, they are half your price and just as
> good. *I do prefer many of your products, especially the blends, but
> if you don't change your shipping charge policy I will keep my Penzeys
> orders as small as possible. *You've been punishing me for being a
> dedicated customer for some twenty years. *Your gift is no gift at all
> if I have to pay shipping, it's either on the house or it's not... if
> I have to pay shipping it's "Indian giving".
>
> http://www.merriam-webster.com/dicti...indian%20giver
>
> Thank you for your consideration.
>
> Sheldon Martin

You should stop shopping with Penzy's and continue with Walmart.

On Dec 13, 11:07*am, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
> I received an email this morning regarding Penzey's Kind Heart gift
> box. *I sent the following response:
>
> Dear Mr. Penzey,
>
> These gifts are a nice token for those who live near one of your
> stores but for those of us who don't and have to pay shipping it is no
> gift at all, in fact it's an insult, like giving away ice in winter. I
> think it's way past time that you instituted a new policy of free
> shipping on phone/net orders of say over $75. *I am one of your very
> first customers and I phone in my orders because that's what I've done
> since long before you had a web site, and since long before you had a
> catalog, since your product list consisted of a few pastel colored
> pages typed on an antique typewriter sent by snail mail (you used to
> indicate volume too, you need to reinstate that). *I keep a list and
> place a large order once a year, sometimes twice, but I clip my orders
> short due to your back-ass-ward by-value shipping policy... I think
> that is very wrong, it punishes those of us who are likely your best
> customers... if anything the greater the value of what one orders the
> lower the shipping cost should be. *If you truly want to offer a
> holiday gift change your shipping charge policy, make it more fair, as
> it stands now it punishes your best customers... I'm afraid to order
> saffron because shipping is based on its price, not it's weight. Offer
> free shipping for all orders over $75 and free 2 day shipping on all
> orders over $100... I think you will be surprised how that will
> increase the *value* of orders placed by those who do not live near
> your stores... your approach to shipping charges is not very
> businessman like, it's more a form of taxation that has nothing to do
> with your cost, it's what a Democrat would do, punish the base (the
> middle class) and spread the wealth amongst the wealthy and the poor.
> And I have a strong suspicion that your walk-in store sales are
> typically for small quantities, at least from what I read at
> rec.food.cooking. *By punishing me by making me pay shipping you are
> forcing me to as much as possible buy bulk spices at Walmart... I
> tried their peppercorns recently, they are half your price and just as
> good. *I do prefer many of your products, especially the blends, but
> if you don't change your shipping charge policy I will keep my Penzeys
> orders as small as possible. *You've been punishing me for being a
> dedicated customer for some twenty years. *Your gift is no gift at all
> if I have to pay shipping, it's either on the house or it's not... if
> I have to pay shipping it's "Indian giving".
>
> http://www.merriam-webster.com/dicti...indian%20giver
>
> Thank you for your consideration.
>
> Sheldon Martin

I kinda agree - basing shipping on order total rather than weight is
just a lazy way of doing business. I used to be a customer of an
outfit who made shipping rates decrease as the order total increased.
I'd always order another item, just to get into the free shipping
range, so it's really a good way to boost sales. I'd be curious to
hear their rationale, if you ever get a reply.

"Brooklyn1" <Gravesend1> wrote in message
news:[email protected]..
>I received an email this morning regarding Penzey's Kind Heart gift
> box. I sent the following response:
>
> Dear Mr. Penzey,
>
> These gifts are a nice token for those who live near one of your
> stores but for those of us who don't and have to pay shipping it is no
> gift at all, in fact it's an insult, like giving away ice in winter. I
> think it's way past time that you instituted a new policy of free
> shipping on phone/net orders of say over $75. I am one of your very
> first customers and I phone in my orders because that's what I've done
> since long before you had a web site, and since long before you had a
> catalog, since your product list consisted of a few pastel colored
> pages typed on an antique typewriter sent by snail mail (you used to
> indicate volume too, you need to reinstate that). I keep a list and
> place a large order once a year, sometimes twice, but I clip my orders
> short due to your back-ass-ward by-value shipping policy... I think
> that is very wrong, it punishes those of us who are likely your best
> customers... if anything the greater the value of what one orders the
> lower the shipping cost should be. If you truly want to offer a
> holiday gift change your shipping charge policy, make it more fair, as
> it stands now it punishes your best customers... I'm afraid to order
> saffron because shipping is based on its price, not it's weight. Offer
> free shipping for all orders over $75 and free 2 day shipping on all
> orders over $100... I think you will be surprised how that will
> increase the *value* of orders placed by those who do not live near
> your stores... your approach to shipping charges is not very
> businessman like, it's more a form of taxation that has nothing to do
> with your cost, it's what a Democrat would do, punish the base (the
> middle class) and spread the wealth amongst the wealthy and the poor.
> And I have a strong suspicion that your walk-in store sales are
> typically for small quantities, at least from what I read at
> rec.food.cooking. By punishing me by making me pay shipping you are
> forcing me to as much as possible buy bulk spices at Walmart... I
> tried their peppercorns recently, they are half your price and just as
> good. I do prefer many of your products, especially the blends, but
> if you don't change your shipping charge policy I will keep my Penzeys
> orders as small as possible. You've been punishing me for being a
> dedicated customer for some twenty years. Your gift is no gift at all
> if I have to pay shipping, it's either on the house or it's not... if
> I have to pay shipping it's "Indian giving".
>
> http://www.merriam-webster.com/dicti...indian%20giver
>
> Thank you for your consideration.
>
> Sheldon Martin

That's a shame.

I'm not far from a Penzey's and was able to buy my spices in person.

I bought the 'Taste of Mexico' 8-pack, and the mini-pack for grilling.

But maybe you're better off without Penzey's. I sneezed a few times after
smelling their samples. (I'm alllergic to sawdust.)


W. Pooh (AKA Winnie P.)

On Dec 13, 8:07*am, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
> I received an email this morning regarding Penzey's Kind Heart gift
> box. *I sent the following response:
>
> Dear Mr. Penzey,
>
> These gifts are a nice token for those who live near one of your
> stores but for those of us who don't and have to pay shipping it is no
> gift at all, in fact it's an insult, like giving away ice in winter. I
> think it's way past time that you instituted a new policy of free
> shipping on phone/net orders of say over $75.

"Free" shipping would simply mean increasing the price of the goods
themselves, because as far as I know, package delivery companies do
not offer volume discounts. But don't feel unprivileged by not having
a Penzey's store nearby:

That "gift" was quite heavy, consisting of four glass jars in a sturdy
cardboard box. I drove to our regional store, which burned up 2.5
gallons of gas round trip, not to mention the other wear and tear on
our car. Shipping would have been a bargain by comparison.

Should the Penzey's have given me a free gas coupon if I'd bought $75
worth of stuff?

On Dec 13, 8:07*am, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
> I received an email this morning regarding Penzey's Kind Heart gift
> box. *I sent the following response: snipped to....
> Your gift is no gift at all
> if I have to pay shipping, it's either on the house or it's not... if
> I have to pay shipping it's "Indian giving".
How are they charging for shipping on a free gift if their shipping
cost is based on the order cost total? We've paid nothing for
shipping on that, or any other gift Penzeys chooses, like the often
inclusion of a one-spice or blend freebie they have sent with my
orders.
I certainly do agree with your suggestion that the shipping cost be
less, or at least faster as a total order cost may rise, especially
for those of us living nowhere near one of their store fronts.
However, you paid no shipping cost at all on the Kind Heart gift.
....PickyPicking

Package delivery companies offer huge discounts to their best customers.
I worked for FedEx for 20 years and can tell you that companies make
good money from what they charge customers for shipping....MR

On Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:10:04 -0800 (PST), Chemo the Clown
<[email protected]> wrote:

>On Dec 13, 8:07*am, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
>> I received an email this morning regarding Penzey's Kind Heart gift
>> box. *I sent the following response:
>>
>> Dear Mr. Penzey,
>>
>> These gifts are a nice token for those who live near one of your
>> stores but for those of us who don't and have to pay shipping it is no
>> gift at all, in fact it's an insult, like giving away ice in winter. I
>> think it's way past time that you instituted a new policy of free
>> shipping on phone/net orders of say over $75. *I am one of your very
>> first customers and I phone in my orders because that's what I've done
>> since long before you had a web site, and since long before you had a
>> catalog, since your product list consisted of a few pastel colored
>> pages typed on an antique typewriter sent by snail mail (you used to
>> indicate volume too, you need to reinstate that). *I keep a list and
>> place a large order once a year, sometimes twice, but I clip my orders
>> short due to your back-ass-ward by-value shipping policy... I think
>> that is very wrong, it punishes those of us who are likely your best
>> customers... if anything the greater the value of what one orders the
>> lower the shipping cost should be. *If you truly want to offer a
>> holiday gift change your shipping charge policy, make it more fair, as
>> it stands now it punishes your best customers... I'm afraid to order
>> saffron because shipping is based on its price, not it's weight. Offer
>> free shipping for all orders over $75 and free 2 day shipping on all
>> orders over $100... I think you will be surprised how that will
>> increase the *value* of orders placed by those who do not live near
>> your stores... your approach to shipping charges is not very
>> businessman like, it's more a form of taxation that has nothing to do
>> with your cost, it's what a Democrat would do, punish the base (the
>> middle class) and spread the wealth amongst the wealthy and the poor.
>> And I have a strong suspicion that your walk-in store sales are
>> typically for small quantities, at least from what I read at
>> rec.food.cooking. *By punishing me by making me pay shipping you are
>> forcing me to as much as possible buy bulk spices at Walmart... I
>> tried their peppercorns recently, they are half your price and just as
>> good. *I do prefer many of your products, especially the blends, but
>> if you don't change your shipping charge policy I will keep my Penzeys
>> orders as small as possible. *You've been punishing me for being a
>> dedicated customer for some twenty years. *Your gift is no gift at all
>> if I have to pay shipping, it's either on the house or it's not... if
>> I have to pay shipping it's "Indian giving".
>>
>> http://www.merriam-webster.com/dicti...indian%20giver
>>
>> Thank you for your consideration.
>>
>> Sheldon Martin
>
>You should stop shopping with Penzy's and continue with Walmart.

I would if Walmart and Sam's Club carried a larger selection of bulk
spices and sold Penzeys blends. Anyway it's not Penzeys products I'm
complaining about, it's their greedy shipping pricing tactics. A lot
of otherwise excellent businesses fail due to greed over picayune
issues such as shipping rates, especially in these horrendous economic
times. I don't mind paying for shipping, so long as it's fair... I
don't think shipping rates for spices based on price is in any way
fair, especially when the more expensive spices often weigh less than
the cheaper spices. I don't think shipping rates based on product
price is fair regardless, no other company I know of charges shipping
based on price, and in fact most forego the cost of shipping when one
purchases over a certain dollar amount. Most all businesses offer a
discount for bulk buying, and Penzeys does, but they wipe out more
than that discount by ripping folks off with their usurious shipping
charges. Penzeys is obviously making a profit by over charging on
shipping, and that is stealing... anyone wanna pay a dollar for a 44¢
postage stamp? I did buy a huge bottle of black peppercorns and they
are as good as Penzeys for half the prices so next I'm at Sam's Club I
will peruse the spice wares more discerningly:
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/search/...questid=235125
Penzeys will have to get with the program or they are not going to
survive, I've already made a pact with myself to be a lot more
judicious about what I order from Penzeys, I always hated having to
keep adding up their product prices and eliminate items to slip into
the lower shipping rate, mostly a matter of principle, I hate a petty
cheat. From now on I will check the weight on their packages, and it
always annoyed me that they don't place a packaging date on their
products but I accept that the spice business is exactly like the
oriental rug business, blind articles. I just don't like being
cheated on the shipping costs... and what kind of low life tells you
here's a gift with one hand but takes it away with the hand that sends
you a bill for shipping, like how a pick pocket operates by causing a
distraction.

In article <[email protected]>,
Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:

> I received an email this morning regarding Penzey's Kind Heart gift
> box. I sent the following response:
>
> Dear Mr. Penzey,
>
> These gifts are a nice token for those who live near one of your
> stores but for those of us who don't and have to pay shipping it is no
> gift at all, in fact it's an insult, like giving away ice in winter. I
> think it's way past time that you instituted a new policy of free
> shipping on phone/net orders of say over $75. I am one of your very
> first customers and I phone in my orders because that's what I've done
> since long before you had a web site, and since long before you had a
> catalog, since your product list consisted of a few pastel colored
> pages typed on an antique typewriter sent by snail mail (you used to
> indicate volume too, you need to reinstate that). I keep a list and
> place a large order once a year, sometimes twice, but I clip my orders
> short due to your back-ass-ward by-value shipping policy... I think
> that is very wrong, it punishes those of us who are likely your best
> customers... if anything the greater the value of what one orders the
> lower the shipping cost should be. If you truly want to offer a
> holiday gift change your shipping charge policy, make it more fair, as
> it stands now it punishes your best customers... I'm afraid to order
> saffron because shipping is based on its price, not it's weight. Offer
> free shipping for all orders over $75 and free 2 day shipping on all
> orders over $100... I think you will be surprised how that will
> increase the *value* of orders placed by those who do not live near
> your stores... your approach to shipping charges is not very
> businessman like, it's more a form of taxation that has nothing to do
> with your cost, it's what a Democrat would do, punish the base (the
> middle class) and spread the wealth amongst the wealthy and the poor.
> And I have a strong suspicion that your walk-in store sales are
> typically for small quantities, at least from what I read at
> rec.food.cooking. By punishing me by making me pay shipping you are
> forcing me to as much as possible buy bulk spices at Walmart... I
> tried their peppercorns recently, they are half your price and just as
> good. I do prefer many of your products, especially the blends, but
> if you don't change your shipping charge policy I will keep my Penzeys
> orders as small as possible. You've been punishing me for being a
> dedicated customer for some twenty years. Your gift is no gift at all
> if I have to pay shipping, it's either on the house or it's not... if
> I have to pay shipping it's "Indian giving".
>
> http://www.merriam-webster.com/dicti...indian%20giver
>
> Thank you for your consideration.
>
> Sheldon Martin

Your letter was way too long and it says the same thing over and over
and over and over again - overly repetitive like a 3rd grade teacher.
They don't believe any of it since they have never had a customer named
Sheldon Martin. Good thing you included the link so they would fully
understand that you are FOS. LOL

BULL

On Dec 13, 1:23*pm, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
> On Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:10:04 -0800 (PST), Chemo the Clown
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> <bhansen1...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> >On Dec 13, 8:07*am, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
> >> I received an email this morning regarding Penzey's Kind Heart gift
> >> box. *I sent the following response:
>
> >> Dear Mr. Penzey,
>
> >> These gifts are a nice token for those who live near one of your
> >> stores but for those of us who don't and have to pay shipping it is no
> >> gift at all, in fact it's an insult, like giving away ice in winter. I
> >> think it's way past time that you instituted a new policy of free
> >> shipping on phone/net orders of say over $75. *I am one of your very
> >> first customers and I phone in my orders because that's what I've done
> >> since long before you had a web site, and since long before you had a
> >> catalog, since your product list consisted of a few pastel colored
> >> pages typed on an antique typewriter sent by snail mail (you used to
> >> indicate volume too, you need to reinstate that). *I keep a list and
> >> place a large order once a year, sometimes twice, but I clip my orders
> >> short due to your back-ass-ward by-value shipping policy... I think
> >> that is very wrong, it punishes those of us who are likely your best
> >> customers... if anything the greater the value of what one orders the
> >> lower the shipping cost should be. *If you truly want to offer a
> >> holiday gift change your shipping charge policy, make it more fair, as
> >> it stands now it punishes your best customers... I'm afraid to order
> >> saffron because shipping is based on its price, not it's weight. Offer
> >> free shipping for all orders over $75 and free 2 day shipping on all
> >> orders over $100... I think you will be surprised how that will
> >> increase the *value* of orders placed by those who do not live near
> >> your stores... your approach to shipping charges is not very
> >> businessman like, it's more a form of taxation that has nothing to do
> >> with your cost, it's what a Democrat would do, punish the base (the
> >> middle class) and spread the wealth amongst the wealthy and the poor.
> >> And I have a strong suspicion that your walk-in store sales are
> >> typically for small quantities, at least from what I read at
> >> rec.food.cooking. *By punishing me by making me pay shipping you are
> >> forcing me to as much as possible buy bulk spices at Walmart... I
> >> tried their peppercorns recently, they are half your price and just as
> >> good. *I do prefer many of your products, especially the blends, but
> >> if you don't change your shipping charge policy I will keep my Penzeys
> >> orders as small as possible. *You've been punishing me for being a
> >> dedicated customer for some twenty years. *Your gift is no gift at all
> >> if I have to pay shipping, it's either on the house or it's not... if
> >> I have to pay shipping it's "Indian giving".
>
> >>http://www.merriam-webster.com/dicti...indian%20giver
>
> >> Thank you for your consideration.
>
> >> Sheldon Martin
>
> >You should stop shopping with Penzy's and continue with Walmart.
>
> I would if Walmart and Sam's Club carried a larger selection of bulk
> spices and sold Penzeys blends. *Anyway it's not Penzeys products I'm
> complaining about, it's their greedy shipping pricing tactics. *A lot
> of otherwise excellent businesses fail due to greed over picayune
> issues such as shipping rates, especially in these horrendous economic
> times. *I don't mind paying for shipping, so long as it's fair... I
> don't think shipping rates for spices based on price is in any way
> fair, especially when the more expensive spices often weigh less than
> the cheaper spices. *I don't think shipping rates based on product
> price is fair regardless, no other company I know of charges shipping
> based on price, and in fact most forego the cost of shipping when one
> purchases over a certain dollar amount. *Most all businesses offer a
> discount for bulk buying, and Penzeys does, but they wipe out more
> than that discount by ripping folks off with their usurious shipping
> charges. *Penzeys is obviously making a profit by over charging on
> shipping, and that is stealing... anyone wanna pay a dollar for a 44¢
> postage stamp? *I did buy a huge bottle of black peppercorns and they
> are as good as Penzeys for half the prices so next I'm at Sam's Club I
> will peruse the spice wares more discerningly: *http://www.samsclub.com/sams/search/...earchCategoryI...
> Penzeys will have to get with the program or they are not going to
> survive, I've already made a pact with myself to be a lot more
> judicious about what I order from Penzeys, I always hated having to
> keep adding up their product prices and eliminate items to slip into
> the lower shipping rate, mostly a matter of principle, I hate a petty
> cheat. *From now on I will check the weight on their packages, and it
> always annoyed me that they don't place a packaging date on their
> products but I accept that the spice business is exactly like the
> oriental rug business, blind articles. *I just don't like being
> cheated on the shipping costs... and what kind of low life tells you
> here's a gift with one hand but takes it away with the hand that sends
> you a bill for shipping, like how a pick pocket operates by causing a
> distraction.

Lots of companies base shipping on price. Example: $1 - $30...shipping
is say $8. $31 - $55...shipping is $10 or whatever. Quit your bitchin
and buy your spices someplace else. Penzy's isn't the only place in
town.

On Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:24:05 -0800 (PST), spamtrap1888
<[email protected]> wrote:

>On Dec 13, 8:07*am, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
>> I received an email this morning regarding Penzey's Kind Heart gift
>> box. *I sent the following response:
>>
>> Dear Mr. Penzey,
>>
>> These gifts are a nice token for those who live near one of your
>> stores but for those of us who don't and have to pay shipping it is no
>> gift at all, in fact it's an insult, like giving away ice in winter. I
>> think it's way past time that you instituted a new policy of free
>> shipping on phone/net orders of say over $75.
>
>"Free" shipping would simply mean increasing the price of the goods
>themselves,

No, the company would more than make up the difference in volume...
and once folks reach their free shipping price they tend to pile on a
lot more items that they wouldn't have ordered were they required to
pay even more shipping based on price total. Companies that offer
free shipping at a price point make a fortune on the extra volume
generated... most of Amazon's sales are because folks spend a lot more
than their $25 free shipping price point... it's very easy to reach
$25 and then add items one would have bought anyway.

>because as far as I know, package delivery companies do
>not offer volume discounts.

Carriers certainly do offer commercial discounts based on volume. The
big carriers are given their own loading dock(s) at the major retail
warehouses... do you think a store like Macy's pays the same shipping
rate as you do?

>But don't feel unprivileged by not having
>a Penzey's store nearby:

I don't, I probably would visit once just to see it, and then continue
to phone in my orders as I've always done. The only reason that would
make me shop at a Penzeys outlet is if there was a woman behind the
counter with huge bazooms... then I'd be there every day to buy
something. LOL

>That "gift" was quite heavy, consisting of four glass jars in a sturdy
>cardboard box.

Four tiny jars in a cardboard box probably weighs less than two
pounds... no biggie... but the whole idea in making folks spend $5 to
get it for free was in hopes that they would spend a lot more than $5
and most people will spend a bit more... but Penzeys graduated
shipping rates would put the brakes on the ordering so Penzeys will
lose money on their brainstorm. What they think is a grand idea is in
reality an ignoranus concept.

>I drove to our regional store, which burned up 2.5
>gallons of gas round trip, not to mention the other wear and tear on
>our car. Shipping would have been a bargain by comparison.
>Should the Penzey's have given me a free gas coupon if I'd bought $75
>worth of stuff?

Only a pinhead would make a special trip to Penzeys to spend only $5.
The only way I would drive to a Penzeys store would be were it on my
way to more important destinations, I can't imagine any sane person
making a special out of the way trip for a few spices

On Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:01:01 -0800 (PST), JeanineAlyse
<[email protected]> wrote:

>On Dec 13, 8:07*am, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
>> I received an email this morning regarding Penzey's Kind Heart gift
>> box. *I sent the following response: snipped to....
>> Your gift is no gift at all
>> if I have to pay shipping, it's either on the house or it's not... if
>> I have to pay shipping it's "Indian giving".
>How are they charging for shipping on a free gift if their shipping
>cost is based on the order cost total? We've paid nothing for
>shipping on that, or any other gift Penzeys chooses, like the often
>inclusion of a one-spice or blend freebie they have sent with my
>orders.
>I certainly do agree with your suggestion that the shipping cost be
>less, or at least faster as a total order cost may rise, especially
>for those of us living nowhere near one of their store fronts.
>However, you paid no shipping cost at all on the Kind Heart gift.
>...PickyPicking

Their coupon specifically indicates that the customer will pay
shipping based on the value of the "free" gift and anything else
purchased. "Orders placed by phone or online use product code WINTER.
Standard shipping and handling rates apply." I ordered one of their
"free" gifts previously and they calculated the value assigned to the
gift into the shipping cost for the rest of my order which moved me up
to the next shipping price point, which made the "free" gift
practically worthless. I don't intend to buy anything in order to get
their "free" gift, I don't need anything now nor am I interested in
any of the products in their "free" gift so why should I fall for
their used car dealer sales gimmick. It's not a free gift, it's just
another way to increase Penzeys shipping volume to the carrier's next
price break point... and they can use the "free" gift as a tax write
off.

On Dec 13, 5:09*pm, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
> On Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:01:01 -0800 (PST), JeanineAlyse
>
>
>
>
>
> <Picky...@msn.com> wrote:
> >On Dec 13, 8:07*am, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
> >> I received an email this morning regarding Penzey's Kind Heart gift
> >> box. *I sent the following response: snipped to....
> >> Your gift is no gift at all
> >> if I have to pay shipping, it's either on the house or it's not... if
> >> I have to pay shipping it's "Indian giving".
> >How are they charging for shipping on a free gift if their shipping
> >cost is based on the order cost total? *We've paid nothing for
> >shipping on that, or any other gift Penzeys chooses, like the often
> >inclusion of a one-spice or blend freebie they have sent with my
> >orders.
> >I certainly do agree with your suggestion that the shipping cost be
> >less, or at least faster as a total order cost may rise, especially
> >for those of us living nowhere near one of their store fronts.
> >However, you paid no shipping cost at all on the Kind Heart gift.
> >...PickyPicking
>
> Their coupon specifically indicates that the customer will pay
> shipping based on the value of the "free" gift and anything else
> purchased. *"Orders placed by phone or online use product code WINTER.
> Standard shipping and handling rates apply." *I ordered one of their
> "free" gifts previously and they calculated the value assigned to the
> gift into the shipping cost for the rest of my order which moved me up
> to the next shipping price point, which made the "free" gift
> practically worthless. *I don't intend to buy anything in order to get
> their "free" gift, I don't need anything now nor am I interested in
> any of the products in their "free" gift so why should I fall for
> their used car dealer sales gimmick. *It's not a free gift, it's just
> another way to increase Penzeys shipping volume to the carrier's next
> price break point... and they can use the "free" gift as a tax write
> off.- Hide quoted text -
Okay, good explain. I understand now that the "gift" was ship-
charged.
From where I live it costs me just over a two gallon gas round-trip to
even a WalMart, much less an actual spices/seasonings store like I may
could find an hour+ away, so shipping charges are not such an issue
considering the price of gas to "ship" me butt to and fro for
shopping. I am also one of those who are very likely to over-buy when
shipping costs are waived, but I've yet to buy that way and not use up
all purchases within a very reasonable time before any "best by" date.
....Picky'Poligizes

"Brooklyn1" <Gravesend1> wrote in message
news:[email protected]..
> On Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:24:05 -0800 (PST), spamtrap1888
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>On Dec 13, 8:07 am, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
>>> I received an email this morning regarding Penzey's Kind Heart gift
>>> box. I sent the following response:
>>>
>>> Dear Mr. Penzey,
>>>
>>> These gifts are a nice token for those who live near one of your
>>> stores but for those of us who don't and have to pay shipping it is no
>>> gift at all, in fact it's an insult, like giving away ice in winter. I
>>> think it's way past time that you instituted a new policy of free
>>> shipping on phone/net orders of say over $75.
>>
>>"Free" shipping would simply mean increasing the price of the goods
>>themselves,
>
> No, the company would more than make up the difference in volume...
> and once folks reach their free shipping price they tend to pile on a
> lot more items that they wouldn't have ordered were they required to
> pay even more shipping based on price total. Companies that offer
> free shipping at a price point make a fortune on the extra volume
> generated... most of Amazon's sales are because folks spend a lot more
> than their $25 free shipping price point... it's very easy to reach
> $25 and then add items one would have bought anyway.
>
>>because as far as I know, package delivery companies do
>>not offer volume discounts.
>
> Carriers certainly do offer commercial discounts based on volume. The
> big carriers are given their own loading dock(s) at the major retail
> warehouses... do you think a store like Macy's pays the same shipping
> rate as you do?
>
>>But don't feel unprivileged by not having
>>a Penzey's store nearby:
>
> I don't, I probably would visit once just to see it, and then continue
> to phone in my orders as I've always done. The only reason that would
> make me shop at a Penzeys outlet is if there was a woman behind the
> counter with huge bazooms... then I'd be there every day to buy
> something. LOL
>
>>That "gift" was quite heavy, consisting of four glass jars in a sturdy
>>cardboard box.
>
> Four tiny jars in a cardboard box probably weighs less than two
> pounds... no biggie... but the whole idea in making folks spend $5 to
> get it for free was in hopes that they would spend a lot more than $5
> and most people will spend a bit more... but Penzeys graduated
> shipping rates would put the brakes on the ordering so Penzeys will
> lose money on their brainstorm. What they think is a grand idea is in
> reality an ignoranus concept.
>
>>I drove to our regional store, which burned up 2.5
>>gallons of gas round trip, not to mention the other wear and tear on
>>our car. Shipping would have been a bargain by comparison.
>>Should the Penzey's have given me a free gas coupon if I'd bought $75
>>worth of stuff?
>
> Only a pinhead would make a special trip to Penzeys to spend only $5.
> The only way I would drive to a Penzeys store would be were it on my
> way to more important destinations, I can't imagine any sane person
> making a special out of the way trip for a few spices

Me either.

On Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:44:14 -0800 (PST), JeanineAlyse
<[email protected]> wrote:

> I am also one of those who are very likely to over-buy when
> shipping costs are waived, but I've yet to buy that way and not use up
> all purchases within a very reasonable time before any "best by" date.

Do you think you're going to be doing as much baking as you did before
you retired?
--

Ham and eggs.
A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.

"Chemo the Clown" <Lots of companies base shipping on price. Example: $1 -
$30...shipping
is say $8. $31 - $55...shipping is $10 or whatever. Quit your bitchin
and buy your spices someplace else. Penzy's isn't the only place in
town.>>
I am a gentle, easy-going sort of person; may be difficult to see if I'm
even breathing sometimes. But - I can launch into Rage when I am charged
for shipping and the company presumes to toss in a catalog (that any fool
would know that I already have) and a pound or two of very unwelcome special
offers for dipping cows for ticks or a motion sensitive LED pocket watch
made in Ballahawonga by very indifferent labor. If postage is based on MY
dollar, I hate paying for their junk. Polly

On Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:04:03 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
<[email protected]> wrote:



>
>I kinda agree - basing shipping on order total rather than weight is
>just a lazy way of doing business. I used to be a customer of an
>outfit who made shipping rates decrease as the order total increased.
>I'd always order another item, just to get into the free shipping
>range, so it's really a good way to boost sales. I'd be curious to
>hear their rationale, if you ever get a reply.

It made sense to do it that way in 1960. There is a bit of logic that
the more you bought the more it weighed, the more it costs to ship. In
recent years, computers have sophisticated databases with product
weight, zip codes, UPS rates, etc. Toss in 50¢ for a carton and you
have a pretty accurate real shipping cost, not a guesstimate.

On Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:40:58 -0500, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:



>
>Only a pinhead would make a special trip to Penzeys to spend only $5.
>The only way I would drive to a Penzeys store would be were it on my
>way to more important destinations, I can't imagine any sane person
>making a special out of the way trip for a few spices

When we go, it is a day out. Penzeys is about 55 miles (4 gallons of
gas round trip) from me. Another couple will often go with us. We
stop at Coastal Tool if I need anything there, Penzeys, a local
restaurant for lunch, stop at one or two Polish stores for baked goods
and meats, perhaps another store or two along the way.

"Brooklyn1" <Gravesend1> wrote in message
news:[email protected]..
>I received an email this morning regarding Penzey's Kind Heart gift
> box. I sent the following response:
>
> Dear Mr. Penzey,
>
> These gifts are a nice token for those who live near one of your
> stores but for those of us who don't and have to pay shipping it is no
> gift at all, in fact it's an insult, like giving away ice in winter. I
> think it's way past time that you instituted a new policy of free
> shipping on phone/net orders of say over $75. I am one of your very
> first customers and I phone in my orders because that's what I've done
> since long before you had a web site, and since long before you had a
> catalog, since your product list consisted of a few pastel colored
> pages typed on an antique typewriter sent by snail mail (you used to
> indicate volume too, you need to reinstate that). I keep a list and
> place a large order once a year, sometimes twice, but I clip my orders
> short due to your back-ass-ward by-value shipping policy... I think
> that is very wrong, it punishes those of us who are likely your best
> customers... if anything the greater the value of what one orders the
> lower the shipping cost should be. If you truly want to offer a
> holiday gift change your shipping charge policy, make it more fair, as
> it stands now it punishes your best customers... I'm afraid to order
> saffron because shipping is based on its price, not it's weight. Offer
> free shipping for all orders over $75 and free 2 day shipping on all
> orders over $100... I think you will be surprised how that will
> increase the *value* of orders placed by those who do not live near
> your stores...

I'm not sure how big a company Penzey's is, but shipping costs for retailers
are huge. Unless you are Amazon, LLBean, or the like, you have to pass on
shipping costs to the customer. I work in office/admin/tech/accounts
payable/buying for a small chain of retail stores and I deal with this all
the time. Unless there is a special deal /contract in place between the
vendor , shipper, and us, freight charges run anywhere from 12-25% of the
product cost. That's just how it is.

On 2011-12-14, Ed Pawlowski <[email protected]> wrote:

> weight, zip codes, UPS rates, etc. Toss in 50¢ for a carton and you
> have a pretty accurate real shipping cost, not a guesstimate.

As one who sold on ebay, for awhile, I gar-own-tee there's no $.50
cartons ANYWHERE! In fact, it's the packaging that becomes more and
more outrageous.

I went to have a lap steel guitar packaged for shipping. They wanted
$80 freakin' dollars!! The box was $10, the rest was for the bubble
wrap, ferchrisakes! And the box was cardboard crap. So, I built a
3/8" thick plywood shipping container with 6" of cotton backed foam
padding, top and bottom, and SS screws. I, at over 200lbs, could jump
up and down on this box, and did. Total cost: $38! It's a good
thing, too, as the USPS lost the damn thing. I found it on my porch,
30 days later, with a return to sender sticker and beat ta' crap.

Ya want cheap pkging, go to a liquor store. They toss boxes by the
truck load.

nb

--
eschew obfuscation