Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

I just looked at purchasing a '34 Ford transmission cover.
The cost of shipping was 60 bucks.
Amazing.
I read in one of the business journals a while back that one of the new business models is to sell an item a cheap as possible or give it away and then charge for shipping, handling , etc. Make it up on volume.
You see it on TV all the time.
"If you act now you can get an extra '34 Ford trnsmission cover for free, just pay separate shpping and handling."

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

Not sure where your at, but I live in Alaska and everything costs extra $ to ship. The price to pay for living here I guess. I always hold off on big ticket items and find someone driving up that’s willing to bring them for some gas money.

But I think the guys down under pay some of the more expensive shipping costs!

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

Contact vendors like Michael Driskell at 3rd Gen Automotive or Fred Willner (barnfind08). Good guys that deal in NOS parts, reasonable prices and shipping.

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

I ship something every day and dont even look what it costs. Whatever it costs is what it costs.
I dont even charge the customer for shipping anymore because of complaints, we just raised the cost of our products and include shipping (except overseas).
Shipped three distributors today and they cost me 12-16 and 24 to ship. Win some lose some.
Gasoline isnt 24 cents a gallon like it used to be and cigaretes ( i heard ) aint 10 cent a pack either..
No complaints here on shipping.......

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

And remember the union truck drivers dont work for minimum wage. The average UPS home delivery guys make over $70,000 a year with excellent benefits....so you know who's paying their wages....

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

At our shop we are already seeing both price and availability problems with parts, not to mention quality. Some is due to the current tariff mess, and will become drastic if some of the current suggestions are put in place. For instance, all suppliers of brake rotors are now out of the US. Prices are secondary to availability in most cases, but we check them before quoting jobs to our customers.

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

I have come to pass on maybe 80 % of parts I could use on Ebay just because of listed high shipping costs. I still attend a lot of swap meets to shop and then can get a better feel for the quality and condition also.

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

Exactly. Find another vendor. Hobby isn't dying. If anything, it's picking up steam.

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

Tom Bey had what I was looking for and shipped it for 15 bucks.
Tom at R&J Enterprises is a great guy to deal with.

As far as "the hobby is picking up steam" goes,
vehicle prices are not reflective of that sentiment.
I keep a close eye on '33/34 Fords and their base has dropped between 20-30% over the last few years.
It looks like the later muscle cars and truck market are gaining though.

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

Right on Tim
I agree

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

Try Joe's Antique Auto in MA. Really fair on shipping with good prices and he knows what he's talking about as well.

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

I forgot about Joe's. Another great vendor.

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

I guess my comment was referring to hot rods; which is what I'm into. With events like TROG, Lone Star Round Up, International Events in Europe etc.. Since I never experienced the good old days, to me, it feels like the days of old.

Sadly, "stock" cars are not gaining price momentum, but that same car hot rodded is.

Not saying it's right or it's wrong, it's what is going on currently.

If you're on Instagram, each day there are feeds of barn finds, cool builds, events, neat speed parts come up for sale and trade hands.

The hobby is alive and well, it's just not done through Hemmings or other "traditional" sources any longer.

I saw more "young" guys driving around in T's at Hershey than I've ever seen T cars driving.

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

What's puzzling to me is how some offered free shipping over the holidays. Prices must be high to begin with. Then there are others that ship a sheet metal panel for under $20, a competitor wants $60. Who will spend extra $40? Not me.

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

To some vendors, shipping is just another profit center. When Eckler took over Mac's, shipping went through the roof. And i don't think Mac's was losing on shipping.

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

Better sit back and prepare yourself. I just got a list of the new USPS postage rates that go into affect Jan. 27. Every thing has increased especially"'FLAT RATE " boxes.

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

Just shipped a box of stuff to a kiwi. It was $79 for a medium flat rate box. He reminded me the exchange rate is around 36% penalty to him as well!

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

Anyone notice Macs now has $10/15 flat rate shipping?

Apparently they read the Fordbarn complaints.

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

I believe that shipping should not be a profit source for folks. I have sold lots of things on ebay and only charge actual shipping costs. Last week I shipped a 44 pound box UPS ground from Dallas to Atlanta with additional insurance of $2000. The price was $27.05. I thought that was very reasonable, particularly with the insurance. Without the additional insurance, the price was $12 and change. I am fortunate that I get to take advantage of a discounted rate, but I still would never make a profit on shipping. Seems dishonest to do so to me.

Re: Another reason the hobby is dying out
 

Recent cultural changes

Purchases I used to pay shipping on are now:

1. Free shipping internet purchases
2. Free shipping on internet purchases over $xx.

I bought some batteries on eBay - a lot of 5 batteries for $0.75 free shipping.

So ... What's the fuss about?