ZZ13
Well-Known Member
Over the last several years I've learned to do my own upholstery and canvas work. I will also do jobs for my friend and dock mates, on occasion. As a result I have an account with both Sailrite and Trivantage, providing me with "discounts" in the materials. But I have found that the shipping costs for account orders are significantly jacked up for the account holders, noticably eroding the discount. For example if I order a bunch of yards of vinyl from Sailrite as the account holder, and then key in the same order has a non-account holder, the shipping for my account is twice that as a non account. Yes, its still less cost overall. Yesterday I ordered 5 yards of vinyl from Trivantage for $164 total. Shipping was a ridiculous $70. Its clear these companies are using the shipping to make up for the discount they are giving. So, my question is, is there a formula or something I should be using to minimize the shipping upcharge impact (like order more stuff)? Or is this just the way of the world in the fabric business? By the way, I'm kinda pissed at Sailrite. They've dropped my favorite marine vinyl, Sunbrella Horizon.