Hey everyone, I'm just starting out with woodcarving and was planning to order a random box of basswood and some butternut from Loess Hills. However, I'm shocked to see that the shipping cost is $60! This means I'm looking at over $100 for $45 worth of wood, which feels way too high. Is this what I should expect when ordering wood, or are there better options out there? I wanted to support a small business and avoid the markups on Amazon, but these shipping fees are making me reconsider. Any insights would be appreciated!
5 Answers
It might help to share where you’re located! There might be local suppliers or sources closer to you that could save you on shipping. Other carvers might have suggestions that fit your budget better.
I totally understand your pain! I've checked out Loess Hills too, and while I've heard their wood is top-notch, the shipping can definitely add up. I've been on a budget as well, so I tried other suppliers like Treeline and Mountain Woodcarvers. Their prices are a bit friendlier, but you’ll still face shipping costs. Just a heads up—it's pretty common for shipping to be high with larger wood pieces.
If you're okay with ordering more at once, that usually lowers the cost per piece. I reached out to them via email with some questions, and they responded quickly. Just so you know, it's the size of the wood that usually drives up those shipping costs. When I switched to shorter pieces, I noticed my shipping costs dropped significantly!
Have you tried calling them directly? The folks at Loess Hills are super helpful! I called once, and they actually refunded me $27 on shipping because they found a cheaper option. They can also give you tips on how to place your order to save some cash.
Yeah, shipping for wood can be steep. Loess Hills and Heinecke Wood are well-reputed for quality, so that might justify the cost in the long run. When you start selling your carvings, you'll likely factor these expenses into your pricing. So if you're serious about carving, investing in good material could pay off.