How should I handle shipping costs for self-fulfilled products like jewelry when I can't predict the destination?

You have two main options. First, use ‘price upon request’—don’t list a final price immediately. When a customer inquires, ask their location, calculate exact shipping, and provide a total quote (product plus shipping). Second, and often simpler, is to raise your product prices by a reasonable percentage (e.g., 10–15%) and offer free shipping. Some orders will cost more to ship (long distance), others less (local), and they’ll average out over time. This approach is cleaner for customers and removes friction at checkout. You can also create discount codes for customers buying multiple items (e.g., free shipping over $50, or 10% off when buying two items), since shipping cost is the same whether they buy one necklace or a necklace plus earrings.

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Asked by an artist selling self-fulfilled jewelry · Answered by Indra · Office Hours · 2026-04-28