SHIPPING COSTS GOT YOU DOWN? - WE CAN HELP!
Like everyone else, Bickerstaff Trees has felt the pinch of today's high fuel costs. Many of our customers have contacted us to discuss shipping costs, and some have mentioned that they might not be able to order trees this year because shipping costs are just too high! In response to the problems that our customers are facing, we have taken actions to help with these problems as much as we can.
First and foremost, we have managed our farm this year such that we can commit to no price increases in products that we sell. This includes trees, wreaths and garland. Since our costs have gone up, this commitment will result in our bottom line not being as good at the end of the year. But, we are willing to make the commitment in order to help those who have been so good to us over the years. Also, we realize that partners in business relationships must work together for the good of all. Therefore, if our customers are willing to bear the burden of ordering trees despite the high shipping costs, we will bear the burden of higher costs associated with growing and harvesting the trees. Together, we can find ways to overcome the obstacles that are before us.
A second action that we have taken to address high shipping costs is to arrange for shipping by means other than common carrier. We have one delivery truck that is sometimes used to deliver wreath and garland orders. This year, we plan to utilize our truck as a full time delivery vehicle. Many of wreath and garland orders as well as some small tree orders can be delivered with this vehicle. In addition to our delivery truck, we have arranged for local folks in our area to deliver tree orders with fifth wheel or tag along trailers that can carry approximately 300 trees. We hope that these alternative delivery methods will be helpful to all of our customers, however we believe that they will be most beneficial to those making small orders of 300 trees or less or to those ordering only wreaths and garland. Pricing per mile (one way only) for alternative delivery is as follows:
Bickerstaff Trees Delivery Truck: $2.00 / mile
Small Trailer Delivery: $2.00 / mile*
Large Trailer Delivery: $2.25 / mile*
* Trailers being provided by others who have established shipping costs. The costs listed above do not include any markup by Bickerstaff Trees. (i.e. There will be no charge for Bickerstaff Trees to arrange shipping by others.)
Please note that we will continue to assist with arranging delivery by common carrier, and that we will also help you compare rates between common carrier and the alternative delivery methods described above. We sincerely hope that the above methods of shipping will allow you to continue to provide fresh, aromatic, and beautiful live trees to your patrons.