for all you guys that ship syrup can i please have some pointers on how you do it like do u use ups, fed-ex, usps, etc whats the cheapest because i have so many orders but im new to this part of it please help!! thanks
shipping syrup!!! help please
for all you guys that ship syrup can i please have some pointers on how you do it like do u use ups, fed-ex, usps, etc whats the cheapest because i have so many orders but im new to this part of it please help!! thanks
20'x28' sugarhouse with 12'x14' woodshed attached
Brand New 3x10 CDL Intenso-Fire for 2012
USPS flat rate boxes
William
The flat rate boxes are limited and only have a few sizes and they don't fit full gallons. I like the UPS Store outlets because when you go in they enter everything into the computer and if you have repeat customers they stay in the system so it's quick. Packages are insured for $100 (adding more is cheap). I got a VIP discount card for 10% off and another card that is $5 off on every 10th package just by asking. Flat rate boxes are good if you frequently send small containers across the country...
5600 taps on tubing w/ vacuum, 3.5 x12 Oil Fired with pre-heater, 2 Post RO
http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/v...owhillmapping/
http://snowhillfarm.com
There is one more advantage to flat rate. anyone can sign up with ups online and save money per shipment. and just click for pick up. you then have addresses and people saved in your address book. you print your own labels. you can just order more boxes online at no extra cost that show up at your door, bussiness or residental. repeat customers are a couple clicks from printing. batch proccessing if you need it that day, then print them all and make one payment online. it saves 40~ 70 cents per flat rate box you ship.
I have used it for coffee shippments for several years
Large Flat Rate Box will hold:
3) 1/2 gallons or
2) 1/2 gallons and one quart
Medium Flat Rate Boxes will hold:
2) 1/2 gallons or
1) 1/2 gallon and one quart or pint
WHen someone orders a gallon, I can ship two 1/2 gallons to them cheaper using a Med. flat rate box (even though I charge an additional $5 for two 1/2 gallons)
2012: Probably 750 gravity taps and 50 buckets.
600 gal stainless milk tank.
2 - 100 gallon stock tanks
one 30 gal barrel
50 buckets
3' x 10' Waterloo Raised Flue wood fired evaporator w/ open pans.
12" x 20" Filter Canner
Sawmill next to sugarhouse solves my sugarwood problem
Gather with GMC 3500 2wd Pickup w/ 425 gallon Plastic Tank.
Been tapping here in Lyman NH since 1989 but I've been sugaring since 8 years old in 1968.
I have always used either USPS, shipped in official shipping cartons or sometimes I use a local friend who has UPS pick up daily, if a larger case is being shipped.
Dave Klish, I recently bought a 2x6 wood fired evaporator from A&A Sheet Metal which I will be converting to oil fired
Now have solar, 2x6 finish pan, 5 bank 7x7 filter press, large water jacketed bottler, and tankless water heater.
Recently bought another Gingerich RO, this one was a 125, but a second membrane was added thus is a 250, like I had.
After running a 2x3, a 2x6, 3x8 tapping from 79 taps up to 1320 all woodfired, now I'm going to a 2x6 oil fired and a 200-425 taps.
The issue is that you end up paying as much for shipping as the syrup's worth. We're looking into setting up an online web store but if we have to charge as much for shipping as for the syrup, are people still going to buy?
About 1/3 of my annual sales are shipped. The customers always pay the shipping and handling. I can't remember anyone ever complaining about the syrup price or the shipping cost.
I also use the USPS flat rate boxes, can fit 1,2 or 3 qts. in a medium, or 2 half gal. I only ship 2 x 1/2 gal when they want a gal, but I ship FedEx if I have a 4 gal order, 4x1 in a box. I have a couple of 4 gal repeat customers who in the past always got 4x1 gal but I buy the box, I'm thinking I'll start shipping 4 of 2x1/2 gal in a USPS med. flat rate from now on, the shipping costs essentailly the same and USPS supplies the box @ no extra cost. Besides, as I get older, a 4 gal case is getting heavy.
Dave Klish, I recently bought a 2x6 wood fired evaporator from A&A Sheet Metal which I will be converting to oil fired
Now have solar, 2x6 finish pan, 5 bank 7x7 filter press, large water jacketed bottler, and tankless water heater.
Recently bought another Gingerich RO, this one was a 125, but a second membrane was added thus is a 250, like I had.
After running a 2x3, a 2x6, 3x8 tapping from 79 taps up to 1320 all woodfired, now I'm going to a 2x6 oil fired and a 200-425 taps.
FWIW, we ship gallon containers in the large flat rate boxes and have not had a problem. The top is a little rounded but with two gallons inside the top closes and that is acceptable to the post office. We have not had an issue with leaking. We have found that is the best rate for shipping syrup.
About 300 taps
2'x6' air tight arch
Semi complete 12'x24' sugarhouse in Somers, CT
My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CapturedNature
My eBook: Making Maple Syrup in your Backyard
DaveB, which jugs do you use? I have both Sugarhill and Bacon. I measured a Bacon gal jug and it looks like the width is 6 1/4, I don't have any of the Sugarhill jugs at the house. I think they might be a little taller and thus possibly a little smaller diameter.
Dave Klish, I recently bought a 2x6 wood fired evaporator from A&A Sheet Metal which I will be converting to oil fired
Now have solar, 2x6 finish pan, 5 bank 7x7 filter press, large water jacketed bottler, and tankless water heater.
Recently bought another Gingerich RO, this one was a 125, but a second membrane was added thus is a 250, like I had.
After running a 2x3, a 2x6, 3x8 tapping from 79 taps up to 1320 all woodfired, now I'm going to a 2x6 oil fired and a 200-425 taps.
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